NEW YORK — The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York has announced that two institutions in the Bronx, Sacred Heart School (1248 Nelson Ave.) and Immaculate Conception School (378 East 151st Street), will cease operations as Catholic schools at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year.

In a letter to families, Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, stated, “While this marks the end of these campuses as Catholic institutions, education of children will not end here.” She further noted that Brilla Public Charter Schools, a network of free, high-performing public charter schools in the Bronx, plans to relocate Brilla Pax and Brilla Veritas Middle schools into the buildings. Brilla, in collaboration with Seton Education Partners, will also offer an optional Catholic extended-day program for students.

This decision, separate from the Archdiocese of New York’s School Viability Study of Elementary Schools, reflects a distinctive and timely opportunity to reimagine education while continuing to support the needs of the community. “Although these schools will no longer operate as Catholic institutions, the optional extended day program provided by Seton Education Partners will allow the continuation of nurturing faith, values, and a sense of community in meaningful ways.” Sister Mary Grace said.

Brilla Schools has established a lottery preference for students who apply coming from closing schools. All students at Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception Schools would now qualify for this preference. Families must complete the formal application and enrollment process, with further details to be provided by Brilla Schools in the near future.

For families wishing to transfer their children to another Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York, the directors of enrollment for the Bronx region will be available to provide guidance on enrollment and tuition. Updated information will be posted at www.catholicschoolsny.org/announcements.

“We recognize that this announcement may bring mixed emotions—gratitude for the decades of Catholic education and sadness as we close this chapter in these schools’ history,” Sister Mary Grace shared. “With faith, we may also see this time as a gift of the Holy Spirit, guiding us toward an opportunity that will continue to serve our children and communities with care, love, and dedication.”

Families can learn more about Brilla Schools by visiting www.brillaschools.org. Details about the Catholic extended-day program are available at www.setonpartners.org. For further inquiries, families are encouraged to speak with the School Principal or contact the Superintendent of Schools Office at  super.intendent@archny.org.