Three NY Catholic Schools to Close at End of Academic Year

Archdiocese cites 'significant challenges' that make it 'impossible to continue' at these locations.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:20am

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The New York Archdiocese has announced that three Catholic schools - Incarnation School in Manhattan, Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale, and Most Precious Blood School in Walden - will be forced to close at the end of the current academic year. The decision comes as part of an ongoing Catholic schools renewal plan, with the archdiocese stating that 'significant challenges' make it 'impossible to continue' at these locations.

Why it matters

The closure of these Catholic schools reflects broader challenges facing religious educational institutions, as declining enrollment and rising costs make it difficult for some to remain viable. This decision is part of a broader renewal plan for the archdiocese, which is seeking to strengthen Catholic education across the region.

The details

The three schools slated for closure have been operating for decades, with Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale running since 1956. In addition, St. Anthony-St. Paul School will consolidate from two locations into one campus at St. Anthony Parish in Nanuet, while the Transfiguration School in Manhattan will merge from three campuses into two.

  • The three schools will close at the end of the current 2025-2026 academic year.

The players

New York Archdiocese

The Catholic archdiocese overseeing the New York City region, which has announced the closure and consolidation of several Catholic schools as part of an ongoing renewal plan.

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh

A representative of the New York Archdiocese who stated that the decisions were made 'after extensive reflection, study, and prayer' due to 'significant challenges' that made it 'impossible to continue' at the affected school locations.

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What they’re saying

“These decisions were made after extensive reflection, study, and prayer, as we face significant challenges that make it impossible to continue our mission at these locations.”

— Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, Archdiocese Representative (New York Post)

“We know that change can bring mixed emotions, but every step we take is part of a faithful journey of renewal and growth.”

— Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, Archdiocese Representative (New York Post)

What’s next

The archdiocese has stated that it hopes all students affected by the school closures will continue their Catholic education at other schools in the archdiocese.

The takeaway

The closure of these Catholic schools underscores the financial and enrollment challenges facing many religious educational institutions, even long-standing ones. The archdiocese's renewal plan aims to strengthen Catholic education in the region, though difficult decisions like these closures are part of that process.