The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York has announced seven Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York will cease operations at the end of this academic year.
Despite the archdiocese’s best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of these schools, continuing to educate students in buildings that are underutilized and/or in need of significant improvements has proven unfeasible.
The schools slated to close:
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
St. Mary Elementary School-Wappingers Falls, NY
Sullivan
St. Peter’s Regional School-Liberty, NY
Related: Cardinal Dolan Discussed the Closure in a Video Posted to Twitter
Today we made the painful announcement that seven of our beloved Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York are not going to reopen next fall. I know these are painful and difficult decisions and I ask for your prayers for those especially impacted. pic.twitter.com/cVMMfOIDws
— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) February 4, 2019
Affected families will be welcomed in neighboring Catholic schools. Applications for financial aid and scholarships are available. Information will be shared with school constituencies 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.
“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,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
“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.”