Grenville closes doors

Grenville Christian College, a private school in Brockville, Ont. that traces its heritage back to 1918, closed on Aug. 1. “Changing demographics, declining enrolment, and increasing operating costs have forced this decision upon us,” Rev. Gordon Mintz, who has served as headmaster for the last two years, wrote in an announcement.

In an e-mail announcement, Archdeacon Wayne Varley, executive officer of the Kingston, Ont.-based diocese of Ontario, wrote that “the college faced difficult challenges relating to student numbers for several years. There was uncertainty about numbers until the school actually opened each September. The actual and potential number of students for the school year in September 2007 indicated that there would be a substantial cash flow deficiency.”

He added that “future signs” for the school were healthy, but the staff and board “ran out of time to rebuild.”

Grenville offered grades JK-12 on a 264-acre campus overlooking the St. Lawrence River.