Two west Bronx Catholic schools set to close in June
BY ALEX MITCHELL
Two Bronx Catholic schools
that have been bedrocks of education
in the borough for decades
are set to close at the end
St. Nicholas of Tolentine
elementary school of 2336 Andrews
Avenue will wind down
its operations along with fellow
St. Joseph elementary school
of 1946 Bathgate Avenue as the
school year wraps up.
Despite what the Archdiocese
of New York called its
“best efforts to maintain the
operational and fi nancial viability
of these schools,” it released
a statement that noted
the uphill battle that the
schools had faced recently.
Specifi cally, the Archdiocese
cited “continuing to educate
students in buildings that
are underutilized and/or in
need of signifi cant improvements
has proven unfeasible.”
“We will work with all students
who are seeking to continue
their Catholic education
to fi nd a seat at another
excellent school in the Archdiocese,”
said Dr. Timothy
McNiff, the Superintendent of
Archdiocesan Schools.
Since the announcement
back on Monday, February
4 the Archdiocese has been
holding informational session
to aid in students transferring
and remaining in the Catholic
educational system.
All affected families will
be welcomed in neighboring
Catholic schools, with applications
for fi nancial aid and
scholarships available for the
upcoming academic year, according
to the Archdiocese.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
regrettably acknowledged the
Bronx school closures along
with others around the city as
well.
“We understand the impact
this will have on families, and
will provide both pastoral
support and educational guidance
to all those affected in order
to ensure all children will
be warmly welcomed into a
nearby Catholic school where
they will continue to learn
and thrive,” he said.
St. Nicholas of Tolentine
School started 110 years with
only 90 students.
When the school fi rst
opened its doors, the Augustinian
Fathers and the Sisters
of Charity taught the students.
Since then it had grown
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School. Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell
into one of the borough’s most
prominent youth educational
outlets. It’s tuition was $4,750
per year.
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Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s
history dates back to the 1950s
and has emphasized “the education
of the soul is the soul
of education” throughout its
years.
This year St. Joseph’s tuition
was $5,050 annually. Both
of the elementary schools have
deep roots within Assemblyman
Victor Pichardo’s west
Bronx district, he said.
“I am saddened to hear
that St. Nicholas of Tolentine
and St. Joseph School, both of
which have been a part of the
fabric of the west Bronx for
generations, will be closing
their doors,” Pichardo said.
He is working with the
Archdiocese and parents of
students during the time of
transition.
“But more importantly I
plan to make sure that the
students continue to receive
a high quality education, and
that each family continues to
receive the support services
that they need,” the assemblyman
added.
The Archdiocese created
a page on its website to direct
parents that are looking
to keep their children in the
Catholic school system.
Visit catholicschoolsny.org
for more information.
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/catholicschoolsny.org
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/catholicschoolsny.org