BOSTON, MA – The founder of the closing Croft School issued a public apology Friday, admitting for the first time that he lied to families, staff, and investors about the institution’s failing finances.
Founder Admits to Fabricating Financial Reality
In a letter released through his attorneys, founder Scott Given confessed that he “distorted reality” as the school’s financial problems worsened. Given stated that he believed the schools could recover and was trying to buy time, but acknowledged that his deception ultimately caused greater harm.
“I lied to many people who trusted me deeply,” Given wrote, expressing “guilt, shame, and remorse” for disrupting the school community. He maintained that he did not take money for personal enrichment, claiming instead that he poured his own family’s resources into keeping the classrooms open.
Imminent Closures and Payroll Concerns
The Croft School, which operates two locations in Boston and one in Providence, Rhode Island, has been in severe financial turmoil since March.
The schools are officially scheduled to shut down permanently this month. The sudden collapse has left several teachers and staff members concerned about whether they will receive their final paychecks.
Parents Pivot to New Nonprofit School
In response to Given’s confession, a parent-led group stated that the apology does nothing to stop the community from seeking legal or financial accountability. However, their primary focus has shifted to the future.
Over the last three months, families and educators have united to form South End Village Academy (SEVA), a new nonprofit school designed to preserve the community. In an official statement, the group remarked, “While Croft’s story is coming to an end, SEVA’s story is just beginning.”
