THE BRONX — St. Raymond’s Academy for Girls (SRA), a ministry of the Church of St. Raymond since 1960, will permanently close at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year, following prayerful discernment.

For more than 65 years, SRA has welcomed young women from neighborhoods throughout New York and from diverse backgrounds, providing an environment where students could grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts, and reach their full potential. Alongside the parish’s other schools, SRA has been an important expression of St. Raymond’s longstanding commitment to Catholic education and forming young people in faith.

Despite years of dedicated efforts to support the school and make Catholic education accessible to families, enrollment has remained at approximately half of the school’s capacity. After careful consideration and consultation with the trustees, the parish determined that it can no longer sustain the school at its current enrollment.

“This is a deeply difficult decision for our parish family,” said Rev. James Cruz, pastor of the Church of St. Raymond. “For generations, St. Raymond’s Academy for Girls has helped young women grow in faith, discover their talents, and prepare for the future. While we must bring this chapter to a close, our responsibility to the students entrusted to our care remains paramount. We are committed to helping them continue their Catholic education with support and continuity.”

Parish announces tuition assistance for current students

To support students who successfully complete the 2026-27 academic year at SRA, the parish will provide tuition assistance for continued enrollment at either the Academy of Mount St. Ursula or St. Catharine Academy, both located in the Bronx. Parish-funded assistance will continue annually until each eligible student graduates from her chosen school.

The assistance will be provided as follows:

• Students receiving the parishioner rate and St. Raymond’s Catholic Scholar Award: Both awards will be honored at either receiving school, provided the student completes the current academic year at SRA and continues her Catholic education at one of the two schools.
• Students receiving only the parishioner rate: An annual parish-funded scholarship of $3,000 will be provided toward tuition at either receiving school.
• Students not currently receiving a parish scholarship: An annual parish-funded scholarship of $3,000 will be provided toward tuition at either receiving school.
• Students receiving assistance through Inner-City Scholarship Fund may be eligible to continue receiving those funds at any Catholic high school within the Archdiocese of New York, subject to the fund’s requirements. Similarly, students receiving assistance through Student Sponsor Partners (SSP) may be eligible to continue that support at any Catholic high school within the archdiocese, subject to SSP requirements. SSP encourages students to complete the current academic year at SRA.

School leadership will communicate additional information about the final academic year and the transition to the receiving schools to families.

A legacy of faith and service

As the parish prepares for SRA’s final academic year, it does so with profound gratitude for the generations of students, families, educators, and parishioners who have contributed to the school’s mission.

Father Cruz expressed particular appreciation for Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, principal of SRA, and all current and former administrators, faculty, and staff whose dedication and service have shaped the lives of generations of young women and enriched the parish community.

“The closing of SRA does not mark the end of St. Raymond’s commitment to Catholic education,” Father Cruz said. “We remain dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in faith, knowledge, character, and service. SRA’s legacy will live on in its alumnae and in all those who have helped make its mission possible.”

The parish asks the community to keep SRA’s students, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, and all those affected by the announcement in their prayers throughout the coming year.