The Diocese of Syracuse announced the decision to close Rome Catholic School at the end of the 2024 academic schoolyear.

In a letter sent to parents on Tuesday, April 16 the school announced that the decision to close was not made lightly.

"Over the past few years, we have been faced with ongoing challenges, primarily stemming from declining enrollment and financial constraints," said Bishop Douglas Lucia and Amy Sansone, \superintendent of Catholic Schools. "Despite our best efforts to sustain and strengthen the school community, the combination of these factors has unfortunately led us to this difficult outcome."

The school opened in 1963 as a high school located at 800 Cypress St. in Rome.

Over the years the school has seen many changes in the number and ages of students enrolled.

In 2013, Rome Catholic School saw its final change with the last high school class graduated from Rome Catholic, and it transitioned to K-6th grade with universal prekindergarten classes.

The current enrollment, excluding its universal pre-kindergarten program, is 49 students, leaders said.

In the coming weeks, the letter noted the school's staff will work closely with the families to assist with the transition process and to provide guidance on alternative educational options.  

"We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and dedication you have shown to Rome Catholic throughout the years," the letter from Lucia and Sansone read.