Marian Academy in Schenectady set to close

Marian Academy in Schenectady will close at the end of the school year, the Diocese of Albany announced this week.

Last week, the Marian Academy School Board brought their unanimous recommendation to the Diocesan School Board, which accepted it; it was later approved by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

Marian Academy was established in 2000 when Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Immaculate Conception schools merged.

In a letter to families explaining the decision, the Marian Academy School Board stated: "We have worked hard since the merger to help Marian Academy succeed. However, enrollment over the past few years has declined."

Marian Academy's projected enrollment for the 2003-'04 school year is 60 students. Enrollment declined from 152 students in its first year to 102 students who currently attend grades pre-K through six.

"Unfortunately, it is not possible to continue with so few students," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of Catholic Schools. "Marian Academy students will be welcomed into the other Catholic schools in Schenectady. I am committed to continuing to work with them to help strengthen Catholic education in the area."

Six other Catholic schools serve the Schenectady area: St. Anthony's, St. Helen's, St. John the Evangelist, St. Luke's, St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Paul's. They have room to accommodate all of the Marian Academy students.

Catholic schools within the Diocese will be encouraged to give teachers from Marian Academy special consideration as they fill vacancies for the upcoming school year.

The 14-county Albany Diocese has 45 schools with a total enrollment of more than 11,000 students.

(2/27/03)