Most articles about schools and what goes on inside of them address issues of currency--instructional core, evaluation, standards, teacher development, leadership, or opening a new school--but what about the closing of one? This, too, is part of the life span and reality of many schools. Are there best practices for closing schools? In this article, the author reflects upon his experience of running Innovate Manhattan, a charter middle school in New York City, and eventually presiding over the school's closing. The author argues that schools should only close when they are toxic to learning and inimical to growth and development. He suggests that schools be allowed to weather the stages and life cycle of a school. It is only when hope and a collective sense of expectation disappears that there is no turning around.