A Catholic elementary school in Passaic County is closing at the end of the school year in June after 65 years of teaching students, church officials said Friday.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne has been grappling with a “significant enrollment decrease” in recent years, according to the Rev. Mateusz Jasniewicz, who heads the parish.
“With declining enrollment and rising costs, the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is no longer able to bear the costs associated with a school. The increase to tuition required to keep the school operational is prohibitive,” the Diocese of Paterson said in a statement.
The K-8 school was down to 152 students for the current school year and was projecting a further decrease to 135 in September, church officials said.
It opened in 1959.
“This decision marks the end of an era for Immaculate Heart of Mary School, but it also provides an opportunity for reflection on the values that bind our community together. In these trying times, let us remember the strength, resilience, and faith that have always defined us,” Jasniewicz wrote in a letter to parents.
The school was facing a $375,000 projected deficit for the year, despite a $224,000 subsidy from the parish, the pastor wrote. A fundraising goal of $10,000 per month had “fallen short.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary is the latest Catholic school in New Jersey to close due to financial pressures stemming from declining enrollment. Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi closed last June after 108 years. Mater Dei Prep High School in Middletown closed in June 2022 after 61 years.
Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School will get a one-year, $1,500 tuition subsidy to transfer to other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Paterson, which covers Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, diocese officials said.
“During this time of change, the diocese is mindful of the pain associated with the closing of a Catholic School. In the midst of sadness, our faith keeps us hopeful. The rich tradition and quality education of Immaculate Heart of Mary School have served many for several generations. That is something IHM, its administration, faculty, parents, students, and parishioners can always be proud of,” the diocese said in a statement.
The last day of classes is June 20.
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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
