Six Catholic schools in the Chicago area will close at the end of this school year, according to an announcement from the Archdiocese of Chicago. The affected schools are St. Francis Borgia in Dunning, Sts. Bruno and Richard School in Archer Heights, St. Jerome School in Bridgeport, St. Stanislaus Kostka in Wicker Park, Our Lady of Humility in Beach Park, and St. Hubert in Hoffman Estates.
Greg Richmond, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, stated: “We made these decisions with heavy hearts after months of discussions with each school. We know the importance of these schools in each community. Unfortunately, the enrollment of each school is too low, and the ongoing deficits are too high. Many people have worked hard at each school to raise money and try to boost enrollment. We recognize and value those efforts but, in the end, the schools were not able to close the gaps and they are no longer sustainable.”
The archdiocese has said it will assist families with enrolling their children in other Catholic schools and help teachers and staff seek employment within its network.
Parents and alumni tried to raise funds for St. Francis Borgia by launching a GoFundMe campaign after learning that $400,000 was needed to cover expenses for this year and next year. As of Monday, $6,755 had been raised.
Organizers wrote on GoFundMe: “St. Francis Borgia isn’t just any school. It’s where our children form lifelong friendships. It’s where teachers know every student by name. It’s where faith meets education, and where students feel safe, supported, and loved… Losing this school would break the heart of our community.”
Scott McDonald from the Office of Catholic Schools said that low enrollment numbers and a significant budget deficit led to the decision to close St. Francis Borgia.
The building remains parish property; no decision has been made about its future use.
Caty Curry Hansen, a parent at St. Francis Borgia for 17 years who also teaches there, said enrollment started declining in the 2000s—from around 225 students when her family joined in 2009 to 155 currently enrolled students.
“You just see the difference it’s made in kids lives over the years, the strong foundation it’s given so many,” Hansen said.
She added: “I’m going to miss the community we have here as a staff and as a student body… There’s just a lot of unknown right now, but we do know that we’re going to finish the school year strong and make sure the students are academically prepared for wherever they go next.”
At St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy—open since 1874—families were notified about its closure by Rev. Anthony Buś via letter on Thursday due to falling enrollment numbers and lost government scholarship funds. The academy expects a deficit approaching $500,000 by year-end.
Daniel Pogorzelski described St. Stanislaus as an anchor for Chicago’s Polish community.
Quinn Myers contributed reporting.
