FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What prompted this?
Summers-Knoll has faced ongoing enrollment and financial challenges, making long-term sustainability impossible. The Summers-Knoll Board of Trustees and senior leadership explored multiple options and, after thoughtful discussions, reached out to Greenhills to develop a solution that would preserve educational opportunities for students and families. This transition ensures that families who value an independent, creative, and student-centered education can continue to find that within a stable and thriving school environment.
Is this a merger or an acquisition?
No, this is not a merger. Summers-Knoll will continue to operate through the 2025-2026 school year, with Greenhills providing leadership and operational support. In the 2026-2027 school year, Summers-Knoll will formally become Greenhills’ lower school (pre-K through 5th grade).
This transition was developed collaboratively between Summers-Knoll and Greenhills leadership with the shared goal of maintaining a creative, engaging, and personalized learning environment for students.
What will change for Summers-Knoll students next year (2025-2026)?
For the 2025-2026 school year, Summers-Knoll will continue operating under its current name and educational approach. Greenhills will take on leadership responsibilities to provide stability and ensure a smooth transition.
What does this mean for Greenhills families?
For Greenhills families with younger children, this expansion creates new possibilities. There is now a clear pathway from pre-k through graduation at Greenhills, and students will be well-prepared for what’s ahead at every stage in their educational journey.
Families will also enjoy new benefits, including a single enrollment contract, exceptional lunch service, the ability to drop off and pick up children from a single location, and more.
How will this impact current Greenhills students?
The biggest impact is that future Greenhills students will be able to start their education earlier, better preparing them for middle and upper school. For current students, daily life on our campus will remain unchanged.
Will this change class sizes or the student experience at Greenhills?
No. Our commitment to small class sizes and strong student-faculty relationships remains unchanged. The addition of a lower school enhances the Greenhills experience but does not impact our middle and upper school class structures.
What will happen to the Summers-Knoll middle school (grades 6-8)?
The Summers-Knoll middle school program will not continue after the 2025-2026 school year. Students who would move up to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Summers-Knoll are invited to attend Greenhills School beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Those students will not be asked to complete an application and will be welcomed into Greenhills as a natural continuation of their Summers-Knoll education.
Will tuition or financial aid change?
For the 2025-2026 school year, tuition and financial aid will remain unchanged for Summers-Knoll families. As Summers-Knoll transitions into Greenhills’ lower school for the 2026-2027 school year, families will move to Greenhills’ tuition structure, with tuition assistance available for those who qualify. More details will be provided as the transition progresses.
How will the transition impact the school calendar and daily schedule?
For the 2025-2026 school year, Summers-Knoll’s schedule and calendar is expected to remain the same. As we prepare for 2026-2027, we will communicate any changes to align with Greenhills’ lower school programming.
Will this transition affect Summers-Knoll’s summer camps?
No, Summers-Knoll summer camps will run as planned for the upcoming season, and we do not anticipate any changes to programming, staffing, or scheduling. Families can expect the same engaging, creative, and hands-on camp experiences that Summers-Knoll has always provided.
Will current Summers-Knoll students be automatically enrolled at Greenhills?
Yes, families who wish to continue as part of Greenhills School for the 2026-2027 school year will be welcomed into the Greenhills community without needing to complete an application. Our enrollment management team will work closely with families and their child’s teachers to determine whether or not Greenhills would be a good fit for each child.
What will happen to Summers-Knoll traditions and programs?
We understand how important Summers-Knoll’s unique traditions, trips, and hands-on learning experiences are to families. Throughout the transition, we will work with students, teachers, and parents to identify the core elements that should be preserved and integrated into Greenhills’ lower school program.
What will happen to the Summers-Knoll campus?
The Summers-Knoll campus will become part of Greenhills School and will house the new Greenhills lower school (pre-K through 5th grade) starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Greenhills is committed to maintaining and enhancing the campus to best serve students.
How will Greenhills ensure this transition is smooth for students and families?
Greenhills is dedicated to making this transition as thoughtful and supportive as possible. It will provide:
- Ongoing communication with families, including informational sessions and individual support.
- Opportunities for students and parents to get to know Greenhills teachers, leadership, and programming.
- A strong commitment to community-building to help Summers-Knoll families feel welcomed and valued.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please know that much more will be shared as this transition develops and there will be opportunities for families to ask questions. If you have an urgent question, you can email info@greenhillsschool.org.
