News Summary

St. Mark the Evangelist School in Harlem has announced its closure, leaving many families devastated. This historic institution has served the community for over a century, providing Catholic education predominantly to Black and Indigenous groups. The abrupt decision has raised concerns among parents regarding communication from the Archdiocese of New York and the potential reallocation of the school’s building. As the number of Catholic schools dwindles in New York City, families grapple with the impact of declining enrollment and financial strains on education.

New York City: Historic St. Mark the Evangelist School in Harlem to Close, Leaving Families Heartbroken and Community Distressed

St. Mark the Evangelist School, a historic institution located on West 138th Street in Harlem, has announced its closure, leaving many families in shock and distress. The decision affects a community that has relied on the school for over a century of Catholic education, especially serving Black and Indigenous communities.

Opened in 1912, St. Mark the Evangelist School has educated generations of students. The recent closure marks the end of an educational legacy for families like that of Marcus Wilson, who has seen three generations of his family attend the school. Unfortunately, his son in pre-K will not have the opportunity to continue this familial tradition.

Parents of current students have expressed significant frustration regarding the lack of communication from the Archdiocese of New York. Many were displeased that no specific reason was provided for the closure, nor was there an opportunity to advocate for the school. Some parents are concerned that the Archdiocese may have plans to rent the school’s building to a charter school.

Amid growing unease among parents, one critic pointed out that the decision contradicts the school’s original mission of welcoming and inviting community members in. The school had recently absorbed additional students from another closed Catholic school, leading to an increase in enrollment last year. This recent growth makes the timing of the closure more surprising to many.

For families seeking to continue their Catholic education, the Archdiocese of New York is offering placements at other institutions. However, the alternative schools are located farther away, raising concerns about accessibility and convenience for families. The Catholic Schools of New York have publicly emphasized their commitment to supporting communities during this transition process.

The final day of classes at St. Mark the Evangelist was marked by a farewell event that drew parents, students, and alumni who came to show their appreciation for the school’s impact on their lives. Many alumni reflected on the profound influence the school had on their education and community involvement. For current students, such as 6th grader Nyleya Slater, the closure has resulted in emotional responses, with students expressing their love for the school and their desire to complete their education there.

The closure of St. Mark the Evangelist is part of a concerning trend, as multiple Catholic schools in New York City have faced similar fates due to financial challenges and declining enrollment numbers. The Archdiocese recently announced the closure of Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary School in East Harlem as well, as that institution also struggled with enrollment and sustainability issues.

According to recent reports, Catholic school enrollment citywide saw a significant drop of 23% over the past five years. Many factors contribute to this decline, including financial strain, rising tuition costs, and shifting religious observance in communities. As families face economic pressures, maintaining enrollment levels in Catholic schools will likely continue to be a challenge going forward.

The Archdiocese has indicated ongoing efforts to assess school viability and provide necessary support to families as they navigate this transition. However, with closures such as St. Mark the Evangelist School becoming more common, the future of Catholic education in New York City remains uncertain.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 New York
• Hoodline
• New York Post
• ASUMag
• CBS News New York
• Wikipedia: Catholic Education in the United States
• Google Search: Catholic school closures New York
• Google Scholar: Catholic schools New York closures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Roman Catholicism
• Google News: Catholic school closures New York