When parents arrived at Mars Hill Pre-School in Russellville Thursday afternoon to pick up their children, they were surprised to find a letter presented to them by the president of the school saying the Russellville campus would be closing in December.

The letter said the closure was because of financial reasons, and the Florence and Muscle Shoals locations would continue to operate.

One parent said she was frantic and in shock because even the Russellville administrators said it was a shock to them. 

Originally a meeting was scheduled for Monday afternoon to allow parents a chance to ask Mars Hill President Nathan Guy questions, but the meeting was cancelled after parents received a letter over the weekend informing them their concerns were heard, and the school would remain open through May.

The Russellville campus, which has been open on Lawrence Street since 2006, has about 50 children enrolled. The school has eight full-time employees and six part-time employees.

Russellville campus director Magan Cahoon said she was not able to comment on the coming closure, and questions had to be directed to the main office.

Guy was not immediately available for comment.