See Which Schools Will Close In MA After This Year

MASSACHUSETTS — From private elementary schools to small colleges, several schools across Massachusetts are set to close after the current academic year.

Four schools in the state are expected to shut down by the end of this calendar year. While MetroWest Jewish Day School and Saint Joseph School announced their closures earlier this year, two small colleges, Anna Maria College and Hampshire College, recently followed suit, citing ongoing financial challenges and declining enrollment.

Together, the two colleges are expected to lay off roughly 350 workers.

In Framingham, MetroWest Jewish Day School will close at the end of the school year after more than two decades of operation.

The small private school, which serves about 20 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, said its highly individualized education model is no longer sustainable in the region. School leaders cited financial losses and declining enrollment as key factors behind the decision.

• Final Class: Private School In Framingham To Shut Down After Decades

In Medford, Saint Joseph School, a Catholic institution that has served families for nearly a century, will also close at the conclusion of the academic year.

Enrollment has steadily declined over the past five years, with just 169 students currently enrolled, while operating costs have continued to rise. Church officials say they are working to help families transition to other Catholic schools in the area.

• Catholic School In Medford Closing At Conclusion Of School Year

Meanwhile, in Paxton, Anna Maria College will cease academic operations after the Spring 2026 semester.

School leaders described the decision as the result of years of financial strain and unsuccessful efforts to find a sustainable path forward. Current students will receive assistance transferring to other institutions, while graduating seniors are still expected to participate in commencement.

The closure will also have a significant impact on employment, with about 150 staff members expected to be laid off in late June.

• Central MA College Among 2 Schools Cutting Nearly 350 Jobs

The Anna Maria announcement came just one day after Hampshire College in Amherst filed a similar WARN notice. Hampshire plans to lay off 199 employees in phases between June 16 and Dec. 31, according to its filing.

College leaders said the move is part of a broader restructuring tied to financial pressures and shifting enrollment trends. Founded in 1970, Hampshire has faced repeated budget challenges in recent years and has explored various strategies to stabilize its finances.

The Boston Public Schools District will also close three of its schools by Summer 2027, including Lee Academy Pilot School, which serves pre-K-3, and two high schools: Community Academy of Science and Health and Another Course to College, according to a report from the Boston Globe.

Across Massachusetts, the closures reflect broader challenges facing private schools and smaller colleges as they grapple with declining enrollment, rising costs and long-term sustainability concerns.

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