St. Nicholas School / Google Maps
CV NEWS FEED // A longstanding Catholic school in New Jersey will be permanently closing its doors at the end of August due to reasons that include financial strains, faculty changes, and decreased enrollment.
The 2024-2025 school year at St. Nicholas Catholic School for students Pre-K through 8th grade was set to begin in September, but the various setbacks ultimately determined the decision to close.
In an Aug. 6 Archdiocese of Newark news release, archdiocese spokesperson Maria Margiotta stated that “it became clear that remaining open was neither feasible nor responsible.” According to the news release, school enrollment declined 30% from September 2021 to June this year. Registration in late July declined 12%, causing losses in tuition revenue.
The school is 138 years old, according to the Jersey Journal, and was established by the Sisters of Christian Charity, the school’s “Our History” webpage reads.
The Archdiocese’s news release explained that “[p]ossible solutions were considered” for staying open, but faculty changes that left various positions vacant “expedit[ed] the closure decision.”
Affected families who now face higher tuition by moving to a different Catholic school in the Archdiocese will have the opportunity to receive special tuition assistance from St. Nicholas School, according to the news release.
Margiotta also stated in the news release, “Our goal is to provide our students with quality, faith-centered education within a vibrant Catholic school community. Moreover, we are committed to using our resources responsibly to offer excellent and affordable education to the families we serve.”
