Higher Ground Education files for bankruptcy amid rapid expansion failures

In May 2025, Higher Ground Education (HGE), the Texas-based parent organization of the Guidepost Montessori schools, filed for bankruptcy after experiencing enormous operational and financial challenges stemming from rapid expansion. Founded in 2016 by the Girns in Austin, the company surged from 12 schools in 2018 to 150 by 2024. Despite a strong funding backdrop, having raised over $335 million since 2020, the strategy to aggressively scale ultimately proved unsustainable. Maris Mendes, Senior Vice President of School Launch at Higher Ground, reported significant leadership changes leading to the departure of CEO Ray Girn. He exited the organization following increasing disagreements with the board, paving the way for a restructuring strategy that ultimately could not stabilize the company financially. As a result, nearly a third of the school communities were set to close, which left numerous families searching for immediate educational options for their children. Reports indicated that while some schools provided a notice a few weeks prior, many students and parents found themselves abruptly displaced with no clear solutions in sight. The repercussions of HGE's downfall have been profound, affecting families, educators, and the broader educational community. The trustee for the bankruptcy, Lisa L. Lambert, expressed objection to HGE's plan to prioritize existing debt, reflecting the complexity and severity of the financial situation. The education sector has always been sensitive to such collapses, highlighting the collateral damage inflicted upon students and teachers when educational institutions fail.