The Diocese of Trenton announced Friday that the Mother Teresa Regional School in Atlantic Highlands will close in June due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS - The Diocese of Trenton announced Friday that the Mother Teresa Regional School on South Avenue will close in June due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties.
The pre-K through 8th grade school - which was established in September 2006 - is less than 10 years old, but the Diocese said the school "could no longer be sustained" because of financial challenges that several of the supporting parishes are experiencing, as well as the school's dwindling enrollment, which has fallen below 100 students.
Parents and faculty at the school were notified of the decision in a letter from JoAnn Tier, the Diocese of Trenton's moderator of Catholic education and superintendent of schools.
Supporting parish communities were scheduled to be informed during Saturday and Sunday masses.
"Support from invested parishes has been vital in providing the means for a Catholic education at Mother Teresa Regional School. Sincere thanks are extended to the pastors and parishioners of St. Catherine Parish in Middletown, Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish in the Atlantic Highlands and the Highlands, and Holy Family Parish in Union Beach," Tier wrote. "Also acknowledged are the contributions from St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, with the donation of rental income from the former St. Ann School. The involvement and support of the pastors are sincerely appreciated."
Tier noted the "compassion, motivation and inspiration" that the school's faculty has demonstrated through the years, as well as the commitment of the administration, staff and parents in making a positive difference in the lives of students.
Families will be provided information, including open houses and registration opportunities, about other area Catholic schools. The Diocese will also offer faculty members job search support, Tier said.
Classes and activities will continue at Mother Teresa Regional School through the end of the academic year in June, at which time the school will close, Tier said.
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