Parents Raise $1.2M to Keep Croft School in Jamaica Plain Open

Fundraising effort allows students to finish academic year at the embattled private school.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:12pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of children playing on a school playground, with warm pools of soft light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.The successful community fundraising effort to keep the Croft School open reflects the deep value parents place on their children's education.Providence Today

After being told the Croft School in Jamaica Plain would close on March 27, parents sprang into action and raised $1.2 million through donations and family contributions to keep the school open through the end of the academic year. The school's founder, Scott Given, had allegedly mismanaged finances and concealed around $13 million in debt, leading the board to warn parents they would need to raise $5 million to cover costs.

Why it matters

The Croft School is a well-regarded private school in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, and its potential closure would have disrupted the education of many local students. The successful fundraising effort by parents demonstrates the community's commitment to the school and desire to maintain educational options, even in the face of financial turmoil.

The details

On March 21, parents received a message from the Croft School's board stating the last day would be March 27 due to the school's financial troubles. School founder Scott Given allegedly admitted to mismanaging the finances and keeping two sets of books, concealing around $13 million in debt. The board told parents they would need to raise $5 million to cover payroll and operating costs. Parents sprang into action, raising $1.2 million through donations and family contributions to keep the school open through the end of the year.

  • On March 21, parents received a message that the school would close on March 27.
  • By the end of March, parents had raised $1.2 million to keep the school open through the end of the academic year.

The players

The Croft School

A private school located in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts that was facing closure due to financial troubles.

Scott Given

The founder of The Croft School who allegedly mismanaged the school's finances and kept two sets of books, concealing around $13 million in debt.

Dr. Swati Rani

A school program educator and parent at The Croft School.

Matt Shuman

A fifth-grade teacher at The Croft School who was relieved to be able to continue teaching his students.

Paul Crockett

A Croft School parent who invested $160,000 in the school and accused Given of running a Ponzi scheme.

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What they’re saying

“When we first heard about this, I fully prepared my daughter that it was going to shut down immediately.”

— Dr. Swati Rani, school program educator and parent

“It is unbelievable that we have accomplished what we have accomplished.”

— Dr. Swati Rani, school program educator and parent

“I just feel so glad I can continue to teach and be with my students each day.”

— Matt Shuman, fifth-grade teacher

“Now the board needs to step up and work with the parents to do their part, to sustain the school and make sure we sure next year we are functioning and that we are able to come back and continue on Croft's wonderful legacy.”

— Matt Shuman, fifth-grade teacher

What’s next

The Croft School's long-term future remains uncertain, as the board must now work with parents to ensure the school can continue operating next academic year. The school's founder, Scott Given, is facing two lawsuits related to the school's financial troubles.

The takeaway

This community-driven fundraising effort demonstrates the value parents and teachers place on the Croft School and their determination to keep it open, even in the face of significant financial challenges. However, the school's long-term viability will require the board to address the underlying issues that led to this crisis.