The Diocese of Brooklyn today announced that seven Catholic elementary schools will close at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year. The difficult decision to close these schools is a result of ongoing financial challenges and sustained declines in student enrollment.
The decision follows an extensive review process that included analysis of enrollment trends, operating costs, capital repair needs, and long-term sustainability, considering rising costs of insurance and pension obligations. Despite significant efforts to stabilize enrollment and finances, these schools are no longer able to operate in a pastoral and fiscally responsible manner.
“This is an extraordinarily difficult moment for our school communities,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools. “These schools have served generations of families with dedication and faith. The decision to close them was made only after careful consideration and with great sorrow.”
The following Catholic academies saw K-8 enrollment declines over the past six years:
– Sacred Heart, Cambria Heights, Queens (2019: 225 students / 2025: 134 students)
– St. Batholomew, Elmhurst, Queens (2019: 175 students / 2025: 138 students)
– St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, Queens (2019: 320 students / 2025: 144 students)
– Incarnation, Queens Village, Queens (2019: 183 students / 2025: 98 students)
– St. Thomas the Apostle, Woodhaven, Queens (2019: 182 students / 2025: 105 students)
– St Elizabeth, Ozone Park, Queens (2019: 212 students / 2025: 157 students)
– Our Lady of Trust, Canarsie, Brooklyn (2019: 202 students / 2025: 115 students)
All seven schools have experienced significant enrollment declines since 2019, with losses accelerating sharply between 2024 and 2025. As a result, all the schools above are collectively operating with deficits totaling millions of dollars, creating an unsustainable financial situation.
The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to supporting students, families, faculty, and staff during this transition. Families will receive assistance with placement in other Catholic schools within the Diocese, and resources will be made available to faculty and staff affected by the closures.
“Our responsibility is both pastoral and practical,” McCormack added. “We will walk with our families and employees through this process, while continuing to strengthen Catholic education throughout Brooklyn and Queens.”
All activities and events will continue as planned through the end of this school year. The Diocese of Brooklyn currently serves thousands of students in its Catholic schools, providing a faith-based education rooted in academic excellence, service, and community. While the closure of these schools marks the end of an important chapter, providing access to a Catholic education in Brooklyn and Queens remains a priority of the Diocese.
To help students and families affected by these closures transition to nearby Catholic academies, the Diocesan Schools Office has created the following informational website:
https://catholicschoolsbq.org/schooltransitions/
The website provides information regarding upcoming open houses at neighboring schools, information regarding transferring Futures in Education scholarship assistance, and provides contact information to answer questions and address concerns.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
(646) 241-9805
adrodriguez@diobrook.org
John Quaglione
(718) 576-9180
jquaglione@diobrook.org
