A newly formed nonprofit group, backed by 1,500 alumni and donors, aims to reopen St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia. The all-girls Episcopal boarding and day school closed in summer 2025 after 104 years of operation. Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV), which owns the campus, cited long-term financial and enrollment struggles as the reason.
The Foundation for St. Margaret’s School plans to relaunch the institution on its original campus, emphasizing leadership and faith-based education for girls in grades 8–12 and postgraduates.
Long Legacy Faces Institutional Challenges
St. Margaret’s was founded in 1921 as part of a diocesan effort to establish Episcopal schools across Virginia. Despite its legacy and unique programs, including international student initiatives and river-based learning, enrollment had halved over 15 years. The COVID-19 pandemic and a cultural shift away from single-sex education further eroded support.
To stay open for the 2025–26 year, the school needed to raise $2.6 million by January. Though pledges reached that target by February, CSDV questioned the school’s financial competence and ultimately voted in July to close the school.
Supporters Decry Closure as Unfair
Alumnae and former staff have criticized the decision, saying it ignored successful fundraising efforts and rising momentum. “It wasn’t fair to the faculty, the students, or the families,” said alumna Brooke Trible Weinmann. The Foundation, now led by alumna Dr. Sissy Crowther, is pursuing legal action and has rented space across from the shuttered campus to host academic and sports programs.
A pending lawsuit alleges mismanagement and a lack of transparency on the part of CSDV trustees.
Detractors Cite Unsustainable Financials
CSDV officials insist the school’s deficits, declining enrollment, and over-reliance on tuition discounts made reopening unsustainable. “It would be unethical to give the illusion of reopening,” said Bishop Gayle Harris. The school’s endowment had covered operating deficits for 15 years and was nearly depleted.
CSDV leaders remain skeptical but open to future collaboration if financial feasibility can be proven.
Future Uncertain but Hopes High
The Foundation has secured a multimillion-dollar pledge and continues to rally support. Harris acknowledged the group’s efforts and said reopening the campus would be celebrated—if feasible. “We are a people who believe in resurrection, aren’t we?” she added.
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Foundation Seeks to Reopen Episcopal School
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