Seven Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese to Close at End of Academic Year

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York Feb. 4 announced seven Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of New York will cease operations at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year in June.
     The schools that will close are:
Manhattan
St. Rose of Lima Elementary School
St. Brigid Elementary School
Staten Island
Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School
Bronx
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School
St. Joseph Elementary School
Dutchess County
St. Mary Elementary School, Wappingers Falls
Sullivan County
St. Peter Regional School, Liberty
     Despite the archdiocese's efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of the schools, continuing to educate students in buildings that are underutilized or in need of significant improvements has proven unfeasible, said a news release announcing the closures.
     All affected families will be welcomed in neighboring Catholic schools, with applications for financial aid and scholarships available for the upcoming academic year.
     Informational meetings and additional information will be shared with school families and staff in the coming days.
     “We understand these are challenging times for many families, and we will work with all students who are seeking to continue their Catholic education to find a seat at another excellent school in the archdiocese,” said Dr. Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools.
     Cardinal Dolan said, “While we sincerely regret ever having to close any schools, the goal is to strengthen the remaining institutions and preserve Catholic education in New York for years to come.
     “We understand the impact this will have on families, and will provide both pastoral support and educational guidance to all those affected in order to ensure all children will be warmly welcomed into a nearby Catholic school where they will continue to learn and thrive.”
     For more than two centuries, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York have taught and nurtured children from diverse backgrounds and provided students with the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education. The 208 Catholic schools in the archdiocese serve more than 62,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The archdiocese continues to implement its strategic plan, Pathways to Excellence II, to ensure excellence and sustainability in all aspects of Catholic education.