Good Shepherd Regional Elementary School in Collingswood, Saint Joseph Regional Elementary School in Hammonton, Cape Trinity Catholic Elementary School in Wildwood, Saint Joseph High School in Hammonton, and Wildwood Catholic High School in Wildwood will close on June 30.
Enrollment in each of the five schools have dropped by as much as 50% over the last five years, according to a press release. About 750 students are currently enrolled in all five institutions.
During that same time period, the diocese and local churches provided those schools with $3.8 million in aid. Despite that, the diocese said “the continued loss of enrollment over that time has strained these schools’ finances to the point that even substantial diocesan and parish support can no longer meet the regular operational expenses of the schools.”
“Closing a Catholic school is gut-wrenching for everyone involved, from the principal and pastor to the superintendent and bishop,” said Superintendent Dr. Bill Watson. “However, as stewards of the financial resources entrusted to us, we came to the difficult conclusion that low enrollment at these schools caused the strain on the funds available to become too great.”
Officials added that the recent closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to add to the financial strain.
Students impacted by the permanent closures can continue at other nearby Catholic schools.
Four high schools and 25 elementary schools remain in the diocese, which covers six counties from Camden to Cape May. Three other Catholic high schools in the area are not associated with the Diocese of Camden.