Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Closures of Seven Catholic Academies

Mallory O'Neill '29

Due to financial challenges and decreased enrollment, the Diocese of Brooklyn has announced that seven Catholic academies will close this June at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The schools affected are Sacred Heart in Cambria Heights, Our Lady of Trust in Canarsie, Saint Bartholomew in Elmhurst, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Jamaica, Incarnation in Queens Village, Saint Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven, and Saint Elizabeth in Ozone Park.

This decision followed an analysis of enrollment trends, capital repair needs, operating costs, and long-term sustainability. Unfortunately, these schools are no longer able to operate, despite the efforts made to stabilize finances and enrollment. The number of students at each school is only in the low one hundreds, some even dropping to the nineties. This is a significant decrease from only a few years ago.

“This is an extraordinarily difficult moment for our school communities,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack, Diocese Superintendent of Schools. “These schools have served generations of families with dedication and faith. The decision to close them was made only after careful consideration and with great sorrow.”

Support is being given to all students, families, and faculty members affected by the closings. The Diocese of Brooklyn is trying to help find other Catholic schools to send students in the 2026-2027 school year, as well as provide resources to the staff and faculty.

“Our responsibility is both pastoral and practical,” McCormack added. “We will walk with our families and employees through this process, while continuing to strengthen Catholic education throughout Brooklyn and Queens.”