Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan | Archdiocese of New York

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York has announced the closure of two Catholic schools in the Bronx. Sacred Heart School, located at 1248 Nelson Ave., and Immaculate Conception School, at 378 East 151st Street, will end their operations as Catholic institutions after the 2024-25 academic year.

In a letter addressed to families, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, expressed that "while this marks the end of these campuses as Catholic institutions, education of children will not end here." She revealed that Brilla Public Charter Schools plans to move Brilla Pax and Brilla Veritas Middle schools into these buildings. Additionally, Brilla will collaborate with Seton Education Partners to offer an optional Catholic extended-day program for students.

This decision is distinct from the Archdiocese's School Viability Study of Elementary Schools and represents an opportunity to rethink education while supporting community needs. Sr. Mary Grace emphasized that "although these schools will no longer operate as Catholic institutions, the optional extended day program provided by Seton Education Partners will allow the continuation of nurturing faith, values, and a sense of community in meaningful ways."

Brilla Schools has set up a lottery preference for students applying from these closing schools. All students from Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception Schools are eligible for this preference but must complete the formal application and enrollment process. Further details on this process will be shared by Brilla Schools soon.

For those interested in transferring their children to another Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York, directors of enrollment for the Bronx region are available to assist with guidance on enrollment and tuition. Updated information can be found at www.catholicschoolsny.org/announcements.