Catholic girls school in Thousand Oaks, California, says it will close

An independent, private Catholic girls school in Southern California has decided to close after six decades.

KCLU Radio reports that La Reina High School and Middle School in Thousand Oaks has sent out a letter to families saying it will close its campus at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

In the letter, school officials cite declining enrollment as the key factor in the move. The campus has just under 270 students, less than half of what it had eight years ago.

They say fewer school-aged kids in the community, higher operating costs, the increased demand for scholarships, and diminished reserves were all factors in the decision.

La Reina officials say they will work with students and staff to help them through the situation.