The Superintendent of Schools Office has announced that Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary School in East Harlem will close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
As part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing School Viability Study, Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary was initially identified for closure due to ongoing challenges in meeting sustainability benchmarks. “In response, school community members worked hard to boost enrollment and demonstrate the school’s viability. We are deeply grateful for those efforts.” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, in a letter to school families.
Unfortunately, despite these efforts, enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is currently at just 63 students, well below the level needed to keep the school operational, even when including pending applications.
“Please know that this decision was made with much prayer and discernment, rooted in our desire to nurture and strengthen Catholic education for generations,” Sr. Mary Grace emphasized. “We recognize how painful this is. Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary has been a place of faith, learning, and love for generations.”
To support affected families, every student will be offered a seat at another Catholic school. During this transition, Mr. Christopher Quito, Enrollment Director, will work directly with families to provide guidance and assistance. Mr. Anthony Biscione, Regional Superintendent for the Manhattan School Region, will also be available for non-enrollment- related concerns.
Families can reach Mr. Quito via email at Christopher.Quito@archny.org. Additionally, our bilingual parent helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at (646) 794-2885. Mr. Biscione can be contacted at (646) 794-2006.
The Manhattan School Region will also host a School Fair on a later date to help families explore nearby Catholic schools, including Our Lady Queen of Angels, St. Charles Borromeo, and Our Lady of Lourdes. Representatives from these schools will be present to answer questions and guide families through available options.
For more updated information, families can visit https://catholicschoolsny.org/mchr.