Catholic schools in New York City are facing significant closures due to skyrocketing tuition and a weakening connection to religion. In the past month, seven schools announced they would close after years of dwindling enrollment, which has plummeted by 23% since the pandemic. Experts cite financial strain on families as a major factor, alongside the diminishing focus on religious education. The Bronx has seen the most closures, with the oldest Catholic school in the area closing after 177 years. The data suggests a troubling trend for the future of Catholic education in the city.
Catholic schools across New York City are falling like dominoes due to skyrocketing tuition prices and a deteriorating connection to religion.
The 23% drop in enrollment at Big Apple Catholic schools in the last five years translates to roughly 11,500 fewer students across the five boroughs.
I think it's really nothing more basic than money," said Robert DiNardo, director of the Institute for Catholic Schools, addressing school closures.
The connection to the parish is not as strong as it used to be," said James Wolfinger, reflecting on declining interest in Catholic education.
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