Patchogue Preschool To Close After 40 Years In Business

PATCHOGUE, NY — A Patchogue preschool that has been around for decades announced on Thursday it was shuttering for good due to financial strain caused by the coronavirus crisis. Abigail Bottoms Preschool, located on 450 Waverly Avenue, announced the closure after over 40 years in business in a letter to the community.

"Like many other small businesses, the effects of COVID-19 have put a tremendous financial stress on Abigail Bottoms," the school's owner, 'Miss Cindy,' who took over for the original founder Miss Carol in 2004, wrote in the letter. "With no income to cover rent and no certainty of being able to reopen in September, I am forced to accept the reality that I must close the school after over 40 years of operations."

All schools in the state have been shut down since March 16. Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all schools will be closed for the remainder of the academic school year. On Thursday, he announced that summer school in New York will be conducted through distance learning and state officials will issue more guidelines to schools and colleges next month about how to prepare for the fall. When asked if schools can reopen in September, Cuomo said it's too early to tell.

"Please know that this decision has not been made lightly. My husband and I have been in constant discussions with our accountant and lawyer in hopes of identifying a possible path forward for our business," the letter from the preschool reads. "The outcome, however, is unavoidable."

Just a few hours after posting the letter on the Abigail Bottoms Facebook page, the business received hundreds of comments from community members showing their support. Some have even suggested starting a fundraiser to help keep the school in business.

"Expenses aside, social distancing and distance learning is unrealistic for preschool children. These alternatives miss the point of preschool and are unable to provide children with the socialization and structure that form such an essential part of the experience," Miss Cindy wrote in the letter. "While this is indeed a sad time, I will always look happily on my experiences at Abby's. We had the best time getting to know you all and will cherish these years forever."