College Prep School In Montclair Will Close After 100 Years Of Service

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair will be permanently shutting its doors in June after a century of serving local students.

The school will be closing on June 30 at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Newark.

The archdiocese said the closure is due to “a continued decline in enrollment, ongoing financial challenges and the condition of the aging facility.”

“Despite significant efforts to sustain the school, these factors have made it increasingly difficult to ensure a viable future for Immaculate Conception High School,” spokespeople said.

To assist students and parents during this transition, the school will host an informational meeting to provide guidance on alternative educational opportunities, resources and next steps for the upcoming academic year.

“The archdiocese remains committed to ensuring that students and staff receive the support they need during this period of transition and will continue to work closely with them to facilitate their placement in other Catholic or private schools in the region,” administrators said.

Immaculate Conception High School was founded 100 years ago by the Sisters of Charity. While the closure marks the end of an era, the school's spirit and legacy will live on in the achievements and contributions of its alumni and the broader community, the archdiocese said.

“We deeply regret the necessity of this decision and understand the profound impact it will have on our students, families, faculty and staff,” said Barbara Dolan, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

“Immaculate Conception High School has been a cherished institution for generations, providing a faith-based education that has shaped countless lives,” Dolan said. “As we move forward, our priority is to support our students and families in their transition while honoring the incredible legacy of ICHS.”

The 67 elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Newark serve nearly 22,000 students across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

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