Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan | Archdiocese of New York

The Archdiocese of New York has announced the closure of two Catholic schools in the Bronx, Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Conception School, at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The decision will transition these institutions from Catholic schools to public charter schools operated by Brilla Schools Network.

In a letter addressed to families, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools, emphasized that while these campuses will no longer function as Catholic institutions, education for children will persist. She stated that Brilla Schools Network plans to manage the closed schools as public charter schools with Seton Education Partners offering an optional Catholic extended-day program.

This move is not part of the Archdiocese's School Viability Study but represents an opportunity to rethink educational approaches while supporting community needs. Sr. Mary Grace noted that although these schools will cease operating as Catholic entities, Seton Education Partners' extended day program would maintain faith and community values.

Brilla Schools has assured current students at Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception Schools a guaranteed lottery preference for enrollment along with their siblings. Families are required to complete formal enrollment procedures, with more information forthcoming from Brilla.

For those opting to transfer their children to another Catholic school within the Archdiocese, regional directors of enrollment in the Bronx will assist with guidance on various logistical aspects including transportation and tuition. Updates will be available on www.catholicschoolsny.org/announcements.

Sr. Mary Grace acknowledged mixed emotions regarding this change: “We recognize that this announcement may bring mixed emotions—gratitude for the decades of Catholic education and sadness as we close this chapter in these schools’ history.” She added that it could also be seen as "a gift of the Holy Spirit," guiding toward continued service for children and communities.