Breaking a preschool contract... anyone done this?

Education Forums
1

We signed up with a preschool for the 24-25 school year back in January 2024, but now we want out. There’s been a ton of changes since we signed—like the director left, a new one came in, and they’re moving to a new location. Plus, communication has been pretty bad. We’re meeting with them tomorrow, but has anyone dealt with breaking a contract like this? Any advice?

2

Do you know if the contract mentions the location at all? If not, you might have a strong argument.

3

Adam said:
Do you know if the contract mentions the location at all? If not, you might have a strong argument.

Nope, there’s no address mentioned. I’m hoping that works in our favor.

4

Adam said:
Do you know if the contract mentions the location at all? If not, you might have a strong argument.

Yeah, if it’s not in the contract, you could argue the original location was part of what you agreed to.

5

Wait, where’s the new location? What’s wrong with it?

6

KeithSimpson said:
Wait, where’s the new location? What’s wrong with it?

It’s in a church now, and the main floor has AA meetings. They use the same entrance as the kids playing outside.

7

KeithSimpson said:
Wait, where’s the new location? What’s wrong with it?

That’s rough. Having unrelated people coming and going near kids seems like a big safety issue.

8

Did you check if these changes count as a ‘material breach’? That might help you argue your case.

9

Ellison said:
Did you check if these changes count as a ‘material breach’? That might help you argue your case.

I think they might—seems like these changes are pretty major compared to what we agreed on.

10

Ellison said:
Did you check if these changes count as a ‘material breach’? That might help you argue your case.

Agreed. The safety issue with the new setup definitely strengthens your argument.

11

Are they pushing back on you breaking the contract? Or is it more about their termination clause?

12

Ren said:
Are they pushing back on you breaking the contract? Or is it more about their termination clause?

Not sure yet. Meeting with them tomorrow, but I’m expecting them to bring up the termination clause.

13

Ren said:
Are they pushing back on you breaking the contract? Or is it more about their termination clause?

Hopefully they’re flexible. Sometimes it’s just easier for everyone to part ways without a fight.

14

I’d ask for a full refund to start. Worst case, you negotiate down from there.

15

Vern said:
I’d ask for a full refund to start. Worst case, you negotiate down from there.

Good call. I’ll make that my opening offer.