ST. LOUIS — Two St. Louis Archdiocesan elementary schools will close at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, officials recently announced.
What You Need To Know
- Based on low enrollment and budget shortfalls, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski approved the closing of Little Flower School in Richmond Heights and St. Roch School in St. Louis City
- The closures are part of the Archdiocese’s downsizing programAll Things New. The Archdiocese previously has announced the closure of 35 parishes and the merging of 15 others
- Other school closures may be announced before the start of the 2024-25 school year
Based on low enrollment and budget shortfalls, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski approved the closing of Little Flower School in Richmond Heights and St. Roch School in St. Louis City, according to a press release.
The closures are part of the Archdiocese’s downsizing program All Things New. The Archdiocese previously has announced the closure of 35 parishes and the merging of 15 others.
Other school closures may be announced before the start of the 2024-25 school year, according to the press release.
“Regardless of the timing, we are committed to facilitating a seamless transition for all families, faculty and staff who choose to continue in an Archdiocesan school,” the press release states.
“We are profoundly grateful to our principals, teachers and staff of these two schools, all of whom share their gifts in our diocesan schools, and to parents raising their children in our Catholic faith, including those who have made a commitment to Catholic schools.”
Only eight students have enrolled so far at Little Flower School for the 2024-25 academic year. The school’s enrollment has continued to decline from 138 students during the 2019-20 academic year to 80 students for the current year, according to the press release.
The enrollment for its early childhood program also has declined and 50% of elementary school children who live in the parish boundaries attend a different Catholic school.
Additionally, there is not “significant” financial support to fund the Little Flower, and 10 teachers and the principal are not returning next year.
St. Roch School only has 74 students enrolled so far for the 2024-25 academic year. The school’s enrollment also has continued to decline from 195 students during the 2018-19 year to 130 students for the current year, according to the press release.
The low enrollment has contributed to rising budget deficits that would require an “unsustainable financial investment for the foreseeable future,” the press release states.
The budget shortfall is projected to reach $500,000 by June.
Additionally, the school is expected to lose its principal and at least four teachers.
