www.BXTimes.com BRONX WEEKLY March 24, 2019 2
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 of June.
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 into one of the
borough’s most prominent
youth educational outlets.
It’s tuition was $4,750 per
year.
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
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School. Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell
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.
/www.BXTimes.com