Forwarded on behalf of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Media Contact:
Gerald J. Wutkowski, Jr.
Director of Communications and Digital Media
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2025

Archdiocese of New York Releases Key Takeaways of School Viability Study and Launches Visionary Renewal Plan for Parish and Regional Catholic Elementary Schools

NEW YORK – The Superintendent of Schools Office of the Archdiocese of New York has released the key findings from its School Viability Study (SVS) and officially launched Part One of the Elementary School Renewal Plan—a bold initiative to strengthen Catholic elementary education with a focus on faith, academic excellence, and long-term sustainability.

The SVS, grounded in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS), evaluated the overall health and future viability of every Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese. The study highlights both the strong performance of many schools and the urgent need for strategic renewal in others.

While the study confirms that many schools are thriving as centers of faith and learning, it emphasizes that all schools—regardless of current performance—must take part in the renewal process to ensure the continued strength of their academic and spiritual missions. Principals will work with their school communities to use the study’s insights to develop tailored strategies for ongoing improvement.

“All schools, whether strong or in need of additional support, will work with the Archdiocese to implement these renewal efforts,” said Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, in a letter accompanying the study. “The renewal process is not always easy, but it brings with it the promise of transformation and growth.”

Addressing School Closures

As part of the SVS process, and following a careful review of key benchmarks and long-term viability indicators, the Archdiocese previously announced the closure of several schools. On February 13, 2025, it confirmed that Our Lady of Refuge (Bronx), St. Lucy School (Bronx), and St. Mark the Evangelist (Manhattan) would close. A later announcement on May 6, 2025, confirmed that Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary School (Manhattan) will also close at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year.

“We understand the emotional impact these closures have on the students, families, and communities, and we trust in God’s providence to guide us to new opportunities,” said Sister Mary Grace.

A Vision for Renewal

In response to the SVS findings, the Superintendent of Schools Office has launched Part One of the Elementary School Renewal Plan, a mission-driven roadmap designed to help all Catholic elementary schools reflect, grow, and thrive. Schools will begin engaging with the plan as early as summer or fall 2025.

Part One of the plan focuses on three foundational pillars critical to long-term renewal:

  • Mission and Catholic Identity
  • Governance and Leadership
  • Academic Excellence

Regional Superintendents will work closely with schools to guide them through this process, encouraging collaborative leadership and the development of a renewed culture rooted in faith, learning, and accountability.

Part Two of the Renewal Plan will be released in September 2025. It will address Operational Vitality, including financial sustainability, enrollment, facilities, and strategic partnerships. Both phases of the plan form a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy to strengthen Catholic education across the Archdiocese.

“Let us hold to the promise of Revelation 21:5, trusting that God’s continual work of renewal and transformation in the heart of everything we do,” said Sr. Mary Grace. “Together, we will continue to nurture faith, knowledge, and community in our students, confident that God is with us as we move forward in this time of renewal.”

For more information and to access the full School Viability Study, please visit: www.CatholicSchoolsNY.org/SVS

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