7 Catholic schools in the New York archdiocese will close at the end of the school year

The Catholic Archdiocese of New York is closing seven of its schools—five in New York City—at the end of the school year.

The archdiocese says in a news release that despite its best efforts, "continuing to educate students in buildings that are underutilized or in need of
significant improvements has proven unfeasible."

“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 Timothy McNiff, Superintendent of Schools for the system.

The affected schools: St. Rose of Lima Elementary and St. Brigid Elementary in Manhattan; St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary and St. Joseph Elementary in the Bronx; Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary on Staten Island; St. Mary Elementary in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; and St. Peter’s Regional School in Liberty, N.Y.

“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,” says 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.”

The archdiocese says its 208 schools serve more than 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade in 10 counties and boroughs throughout New York. T 

In a Twitter video, Dolan blamed low enrollment and lack of public funding.