The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Decade of School Closings

Huge jump in closings since 2002

According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s current mission statement, “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia encompasses 156 Catholic elementary schools, 17 high schools, and 4 schools for special education. Extending beyond the city of Philadelphia, the Archdiocese spans the surrounding counties and is divided into six vicariates: Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia North, and Philadelphia South. These diverse areas­–each with their own unique demographics and traditions–make the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the culturally rich community that it is.”

Over the past ten years the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has significantly increased its closing of its elementary and high schools within the counties mentioned previosly.  Since 2002 the amount of schools closed are as follows:  See the attached graph for th detailed information.

The data retrieved from Archdiocese of Philadelphia's press release web site.

The total schools closed within the past decade would equal 77.

Take a look at the attached video that discusses a school that was consolidated in 2005 and yet closed back in 2011.

Video link is below:

http://youtu.be/nS3OF8ZZfoE

A survey was created to get reaction from people regarding this upcoming school closing here: Data has been compiled to give interesting findings.

In repsonse to the nine questions in the survey:

Six out of ten people surveyed were surprised regarding the announcement of the school closings.  Some of the people surveyed did know someone who is currently going to a school that is scheduled to close.

A total of 80% of the people surveyed have not submitted an appeal to the Archdiocese to request the school to stay open.

In regards to the news conference, 95% of those surveyed stated that they felt that the news conference was not informative at all.

Sadly, 100% of those surveyed stated that this is not the first time that their child has attended a Parish school that has closed.

Also, 100% of those surveyed stated that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has not been fair to the staff, parents and students.

In response to asking the question, “What will you do as a parent if your school closes?”  The comments varied from:

• Nothing
• Possibly try for a charter school or move to another school district
• Support the school to keep it open
• Find their child an even better school that has no potential of closing

The comments are learning towards dissatisfaction with the Archdiocese handling of their school district.

What are your concerns regarding this matter?  Take the time to add comments at the bottom of this article.