The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced Wednesday that three Catholic schools will close at the end of the school year.
St. Thomas Aquinas in Hampden, John Paul Regional School in Woodlawn and Seton Keough High School in Southwest Baltimore will be closing at the end of the school year.
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In addition, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer in Rosedale will merge with St. Michael the Archangel School in Overlea. The schools are 3.8 miles apart and were selected to merge because of a facility condition.
“Recent enrollment statistics suggest that our system is poised to grow,” James Sellinger, Chancellor of Catholic Schools, said in a release. “These decisions will allow us to invest dollars in areas that will keep Catholic schools competitive, attractive, and successful – such as facilities, technology, and tuition assistance. We are committed to ensuring Catholic schools remain exceptional and accessible, and to give the system a road map for growth in the years to come.”
The three schools closing had a total population of 426 students. Seventy-one will graduate from their schools at the end of the current school year, leaving 355 students to be relocated for next school year.
The Archdiocese said that each student will have the opportunity to attend another Catholic school within the system. All receiving schools are expected to honor the tuition rate of the student's former school for at least the 2017-2018 school year.
“Though school closures can be an emotional and sad time, these difficult decisions are necessary in order for the Archdiocese to ensure that all children who desire a Catholic education are able to benefit from one, now and into the future. We recognize how disruptive these changes are and we will be there every step of the way to ensure the needs of affected students, families, and staff members are met,” said Dr. Barbara Edmondson, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, in the release.
The Archdiocese currently invests $13.5 million each year in Catholic schools.
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