'Not Ready For School To End Yet': Fans Shocked At Abbott Elementary Ending Sooner Than Expected

It’s time to say goodbye to the quirky teachers and students of Abbott Elementary as Season 4 comes to a close earlier than fans expected. The hit series showcases the dedicated workers of Philadelphia’s fictional Abbott Elementary and the ins and outs of giving back to the school that has so little.

Season 4 had major shakeups, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Now that Season 4 is over, the wait for answers will feel like a long one. However, fans don’t need to be too upset as the sitcom was renewed for a fifth season!

Season 4 Has Come To An End

Fans were shocked to learn that the Season 4 finale of Abbott Elementary was coming earlier than expected — Apr. 16, 2025. The season had far more episodes compared to Season 3, but there was still a lot to unpack about the characters, forcing fans to wait for answers in Season 5.

Season of Abbott Elementary	Episodes
Season 1	13
Season 2	22
Season 3	14
Season 4	22

What Happened In Season 4?

With 22 episodes, fans saw the Abbott Elementary teachers battle ringworm, go karaoke, celebrate winter break, and go head-to-head against the neighboring golf course.

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The largest ongoing storyline is the connection between the new golf course and Abbott Elementary. The school and its community were upset by the traffic and construction that the golf course brought to the area. However, things got better when the teachers struck a deal with the golf course’s lawyer for the disruptions.

As long as the teachers and students at Abbott didn’t file complaints against the golf course, they received donations to help the school. However, bribery and blackmail go against the school district’s policy, forcing the teachers and Principal Ava Colaman to cover their tracks.

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The biggest shock was when the Philadelphia School District eventually learned about Abbott’s illegal dealings. Instead of getting a slap on the wrist and a short suspension, Ava was fired. Ava could be selfish and irresponsible, but she did a lot for the students at Abbott and was an important member of the team. Her unique way of leading made Abbott a better place to be. The teachers then spent the remainder of the season trying to get Ava’s job back while continuing their duties.

While Ava was learning new ways to make money now that she was no longer the principal, the teachers carried on with new and exciting personal storylines.

Here’s What The Teachers Were Up To

Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie continue dating and say “I love you.”
Gregory became the interim principal when Ava was fired. It led fans to believe that a future storyline for Gregory and a principal position is on the horizon.
The group of teachers gets suspended for a week for trying to get Ava her job back after admitting to knowing about the bribes.
Melissa became exclusive with her firefighting boyfriend, Captain Robinson.
Jacob Hill realizes he’s at a standstill after running into his ex-boyfriend and tries to do more in his personal life outside of work.
Barbara Howard found out she was becoming a grandmother, but battled with the notion of getting older.

While Season 4 had plenty of shakeups and personal growth, the season ended on a positive note for Ava and a transformative one for Janine and Gregory.

How Did Season 4 Of Abbott Elementary End?

One of the most important episodes of Season 4 of Abbott Elementary focuses on Ava Coleman’s return to Abbott. In “Rally” (Season 4, episode 21), the teachers tried everything in their power to get Ava Coleman her job back after admitting to taking donations from the gold course for the school illegally. The school district was firm on their firing until the students at Abbott and the community came together and rallied for Ava.

Janelle James as Ava in Abbott Elementary — Gilles Mingasson via Disney

The only reason Ava made blackmailing deals with the neighboring golf course was to benefit the kids. She received computers, learning tablets, gym equipment, and more. Once the district realized how many people were against them, they overturned their original decision and reinstated Ava as Principal of Abbott Elementary once again.

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Later, the finale of Abbott Elementary sees the group go on their annual field trip. This time, Ava, Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, and Jacob Hill head to Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum.

Janine and Gregory take another big step in their relationship when Janine officially meets Gregory’s father. As seen, Gregory’s father was strict and no-nonsense, the complete opposite of Janine. Mr. Eddie liked Janine’s zany energy and felt she and Gregory were a great match.
Ava and her boyfriend, O’Shon, continue to date. In the finale, he supported Ava by chaperoning the field trip. He also gave her a pair of earrings for getting her job back, which tested Ava’s feelings for him, since she loathed the earrings he picked out.
The finale saw Jacob trying to inspire his older kids to have fun at the Please Touch Museum, despite the museum being directed towards younger kids. Barbara and Melissa help Jacob, proving that the teachers at Abbott help each other constantly.

Now that Ava is principal again and Janine and Gregory’s relationship is moving forward, Abbott Elementary ended in a good place for Season 5. There was no negative storyline or a cliffhanger, just hope and excitement for a new season (and school year).

According to People, Season 5 will be released in the Fall of 2025.

Stream all seasons of Abbott Elementary on Hulu now.