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Two tutoring centres in Calgary and Airdrie have abruptly closed, leaving scores of children without the lessons their parents paid for, and around 20 staff out of work.

Parents arrived Friday morning at the Sylvan Learning franchises on Airdrie’s Main Street and at 8060 Silver Springs Boulevard N.W in Calgary to find papered-over doors and a sign printed in all capitals: “Sylvan Learning is closed indefinitely. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.”

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The parent company is offering an online option for parents who paid for tutoring services, but not guaranteeing refunds.

On Friday afternoon, suddenly unemployed tutor Sherin Mohammed posted an ad for her services outside the Silver Springs location.

“It’s shocking it could just close like this,” said Mohammed, who received an e-mail last night from the owner of the property.

“This e-mail is to inform you that the NW Calgary Sylvan Learning Centre will be closing its doors and going out of business on Thursday, June 9, 2015. We must regrettably inform you that as of this day you will no longer be employed at this centre but you will receive payment for your time worked up to this date,” reads the message, which was dated Thursday at 6:14 p.m. and sent from the centre’s general e-mail account.