Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy in Brooklyn to Close at the End of the School Year

Today, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced the decision by the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, located in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, to permanently close at the end of this current school year. The difficult decision to close this school was based on unsustainable enrollment and financial trends over the last five years.

Student enrollment at OLPH Catholic Academy Brooklyn has declined 36% over the last five years. Since 2020, the number of students has dropped significantly from 174 to 111 this 2024-2025 school year creating a financial hardship. Only 85 students were registered for the upcoming school year. The decline in enrollment has increased the per-student expenditure to more than $11,600, far outweighing the $5,500 tuition cost.

“Since 1917, Our Lady of Perpetual Help has been educating students in both the faith and academics, and this decision to close will not erase the success of the past 108 years. The decision to close was made after a thorough analysis with the hope there was a way to turn things around. Unfortunately, the pattern of student enrollment and the financial condition of the academy did not make that possible,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools. 

The school building opened in 1903 under the name of St. Alphonsus in honor of the founder of the Redemptorists. In 1917, Brooklyn Bishop Charles E. McDonnell approved the request by to change the name to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.

 To help students and families affected by this closure, the Diocesan Schools Office will assist families transition their child(ren) to a local Catholic school. All activities and events will continue as planned through the end of this school year. The school will officially close on August 31, 2025.