12 city Catholic schools will not reopen in the fall

The Archdiocese of New York announced on Wednesday that 12 schools will not reopen at the end of the academic year.

Officials say that after conducting studies, they determined five Catholic schools in Manhattan, six in the Bronx and one on Staten Island will be shut down. Four others in the Bronx will be merged into two schools.

There was a shift in demographics and lower enrollment at the schools that are closing, according to officials. This was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Archdiocese reported spending between $500 million and $700 million to support the schools closing, which they say is unsustainable.

“It is never a good day when we announce closures to any of our beloved schools, but the goal is always to strengthen the remaining institutions and preserve Catholic education in New York for decades to come,” Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, said.

The 12 schools that will not reopen are listed below.

Academy of St. Paul & St. Ann, Manhattan
Ascension School, Manhattan
Guardian Angel School, Manhattan
Holy Family School, Bronx
Immaculate Conception School, Manhattan
Immaculate Conception School, 760 E Gun Hill Rd, Bronx
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Manhattan
Santa Maria School, Bronx
St. Angela Merici School, Bronx
St. Brendan School, Bronx
St. Christopher School, Staten Island
St. Margaret Mary School, Bronx
Additionally in the Bronx, St. Francis Xavier will merge with St. Clare of Assisi.

St. Gabriel School will merge with St. Margaret of Cortona.

Students at schools that are set to close will have apply at other Catholic schools for the new school year. No further action is required from families of students already enrolled at the schools set to merge.

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York will work with families to place their students in neighboring Catholic schools.

Families can fill out applications for a new school by clicking here.