A proposed acquisition of defunct arts school Paier College, which is located on the University of Bridgeport’s campus, appears to be dead.
Paier has lost its accreditation and its Hamden campus is for sale.
In March, California-based Florence Education announced that it planned to acquire Paier for an undisclosed amount.
A spokesperson for the state Office of Higher Education said Florence Education is no longer interested in purchasing the school.
Despite being forced to close, Paier’s website is still active and offers prospective students the ability to apply. It also continues to state that the school remains accredited.
The Office of Higher Education has ordered Paier to update its website to: state that it is permanently closed, direct former students to a new transcript provider and post a closure FAQ, including a contact for financial inquiries (refunds, institutional aid, payment plans and loan-servicer coordination).
The Office of Higher Education said it has been contacted by former students who are looking for ways to complete their studies.
Paier College’s response to the state’s letter says its updated website will go live “no later than” May 25.
As of Tuesday, the website had not been changed.
Paier College, which specialized in art, design and applied sciences training, is owned by Joseph Bierbaum, who also owned the now-shuttered Stone Academy.
