Portions of Saint Catherine of Siena School will shutter at the end of the academic year, according to a letter from the Diocese of Covington LINK nky has obtained.
The letter is short on details, but confirms the school’s official closure, attributing it to a “decline in enrollment and increasing educational costs.”
Saint Catherine is a parochial school in Fort Thomas that teaches preschool through 8th grade. It also provides religious catechesis instruction. The closure affects the kindergarten through eighth grade instruction only; preschool and catechesis instruction will continue into the next academic year.
“The decline in enrollment and increasing educational costs over the last several years have placed a growing financial burden on the parish and school, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the school in a healthy and stable way,” writes Bishop John Iffert. “I am deeply grateful for the many families who are now seeking new Catholic school homes for their children and for the thoughtful efforts parish and school leaders are making to support you through this process.”
The letter goes on to state the Diocese would be aiding current students and their families in finding Catholic education elsewhere.
When contacted, the Diocese informed LINK nky that there were about 100 students currently enrolled in pre-k through eighth grade instruction, but enrollment was projected to decline. Registrations for kindergarten through eighth grade for next year was only 58 students, when the LINK spoke with the Diocese this week.
On the other hand, the Diocese stated there were currently 19 students enrolled in preschool education, and registrations for the next academic year had increased to 38 students.
You can read the bishop’s full letter below.
Anyone with information about the school’s closure and its purported financial troubles can contact news@linknky.com to speak with a reporter. Anonymous tips are welcome.
This story has been updated.