Anyone dealt with breaking a preschool contract?

We signed a contract with our son’s preschool back in January 2024 for the 24-25 year. But now we want to move him to a different school. The big reasons? Lack of communication and some major changes since signing—like the director leaving, a new one coming in, and the school moving to a totally different location. Has anyone been through something similar? Any tips before we talk to them tomorrow?

Sounds like you might have a solid case, especially with all those changes. Did the contract mention anything about location?

StellarSpecter said:
Sounds like you might have a solid case, especially with all those changes. Did the contract mention anything about location?

Funny enough, there’s no address in the contract at all. So IDK how much that helps us.

StellarSpecter said:
Sounds like you might have a solid case, especially with all those changes. Did the contract mention anything about location?

If the contract doesn’t mention location, you could argue it’s implied the original spot was part of the deal.

Wait, the new location is in a church? What’s the issue there?

Vance said:
Wait, the new location is in a church? What’s the issue there?

Yeah, it’s upstairs in a church. The issue? There are AA meetings on the main floor, and they use the same entrance as the kids.

Vance said:
Wait, the new location is in a church? What’s the issue there?

Oof, that’s not ideal. Especially if they share outdoor play areas. Security could be a concern.

Do you know if these changes count as a ‘material breach’ of the contract? That might be key.

Remy said:
Do you know if these changes count as a ‘material breach’ of the contract? That might be key.

From what I’ve read, a material breach is a big change that affects what you originally agreed to. So maybe?

Remy said:
Do you know if these changes count as a ‘material breach’ of the contract? That might be key.

Makes sense. You could also bring up the safety concern with the AA meetings—definitely adds weight to your case.

Are they refusing to let you break the contract or just sticking to their termination clause?

LitigatorD said:
Are they refusing to let you break the contract or just sticking to their termination clause?

Haven’t talked to them yet, but I’m guessing they’ll push for the termination clause.

LitigatorD said:
Are they refusing to let you break the contract or just sticking to their termination clause?

If they’re reasonable, they might just let you part ways without fuss. Worth asking!

Honestly, I’d go in asking for a full refund. Worst case, you negotiate from there.

Darwin said:
Honestly, I’d go in asking for a full refund. Worst case, you negotiate from there.

Good idea. I’ll aim high and see what they say.