Parents of children attending Thrive Early Learning Academy lit up cellphones and social media Monday, desperately searching for nannies, daycares, friends or relatives to watch their children after the facility on Sisterdale Road abruptly closed its doors.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the temporary closure of Thrive, effective immediately,” Thrive owner Jeff Stokes wrote to parents whose children attended the facility. “We deeply regret the short notice of this closure and the disruption it causes to both our parents and our teachers,” he wrote. “Due to ongoing staffing challenges, we are unable to maintain the level of care and attention that our children and families deserve.”
But Thrive Academy Director Staci Jackson Baros took issue with the employment claim in a social media post.
“There are NO staffing issues,” Jackson Baros said, “other than I resigned and planned to leave May 22, 2025” — the last day of school for the Boerne Independent School District.
A subsequent letter from Stokes did not mention staffing issues but offered insight into the reason Thrive shut down.
“Prior to our closure, we gave multiple people the opportunity to make an offer to purchase the school,” Stokes wrote in the second letter, posted on the Thrive Facebook page.
“However, no offers were received in any form as of Jan. 31. Ultimately, I had to make a decision ... that honored the wishes of our family to close Thrive,” he wrote.
Jackson Baros said staff “had no idea this was happening. We (were) notified by the parents.”
Jackson Baros, who reported her phone “was blowing up” with calls from parents and staff, said she planned to meet with staff to figure out how to help parents.
“I am so beyond shocked and heartbroken for our staff that just got fired, and our parents who have no place to go,” Jackson Baros posted online.
Stokes did say they have been contacted by several parties interested in opening a center at the Thrive Academy’s location.
“All offers will be vetted, and we will work to find the best option for serving our families,” he said, adding that Thrive refunded unused tuition and plans severance for its displaced employees.
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