As part of what it has named a School Renewal Process, the Archdiocese of New York has decided to close two of its schools in the Hudson Valley. Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, who is the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese, said that the closures and other moves will create “new opportunities for growth and learning, and bringing hope to our students and communities.”
Due to be closed at the end of the current school year are the Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale and the Most Precious Blood School in the Village of Walden in Orange County.
Scared Heart is on Wilson Avenue in Hartsdale and serves children from pre-K through the eighth grade.
“We recognize how painful this news will be for families and for all who love this school,” Sr. Walsh said in a letter to parents and guardians of children enrolled at the Hartsdale school. “For many years, Sacred Heart School has been a place where children have learned, prayed, and grown together in faith, supported by devoted clergy, principals, teachers, and staff. The life of this community has touched many generations, and the Church remains deeply grateful for the enduring legacy it has created.”
In addition to the school closings, the Archdiocese is consolidating operations at some other schools. St. Anthony-St. Paul School in Nanuet/Valley Cottage in Rockland County will consolidate from two locations to one campus at St. Anthony Parish in Nanuet. The Tansfiguration School in Manhattan, will consolidate from three locations to two sites.
There are about 144 children enrolled at Sacred Heart in Hartsdale. The Archdiocese said that other schools that can take the youngsters include Our Lady of Sorrows School in White Plains, Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Elmsford.
The Archdiocese said that as part of its School Renewal Process seven of its schools will become STREAM education centers (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Also, its collaboration with the Latino Engagement Institute through the University of Notre Dame will expand to reach more schools and families. It plans to strengthen programs for students with diverse learning needs. The Archdiocese also said it plans capital investments to ensure that the operating schools remain safe, welcoming, and well-equipped centers of learning and faith formation.
According to Sr. Walsh, “It is our hope that all students will continue their Catholic school education in one of our other Catholic schools. Principals and enrollment teams will work with families in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition. The faith, friendships, and formation nurtured within this community will continue to bear fruit in the lives of its students and families.”
