The Superintendent of Schools Office for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that St. Columbanus School in Cortlandt Manor will conclude its ministry and permanently close at the end of next week.
The decision follows a significant and unexpected decline in enrollment commitments for the 2026–2027 academic year. While school leadership, faculty, and families worked throughout the year to strengthen and build upon the school’s future, a substantial number of families recently informed the school that they would not be returning next year. This sudden decrease in enrollment created an immediate challenge to the school’s ability to operate sustainably.
“This was not a planned closure, nor was this the outcome anyone had hoped for,” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “I recognize the disruption and uncertainty this will cause for your family as you make plans for the coming school year, and I am truly sorry that we were not able to provide more advance notice.”
The Superintendent of Schools Office is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students and families. Students will have the opportunity to enroll at St. Augustine School in Ossining, St. Patrick School in Yorktown Heights, or another Catholic school of their choice for the 2026–2027 academic year, where they will be welcomed into vibrant Catholic school communities.
To support families during this transition, Mrs. Kelli DeRocha, Regional Director of Enrollment, and her team will provide enrollment assistance and guidance regarding available school options. Families may contact Kelli DeRocha at Kelli.DeRocha@archny.org. In addition, a bilingual parent helpline will be available Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (646) 794-2885.
All families who submitted registration fees for the 2026–2027 academic year to St. Columbanus School will receive a full refund of those fees.
The Superintendent of Schools Office expressed its gratitude to the generations of students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors who have supported the school throughout its history.
“I am deeply grateful to the students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors who have been part of your school community,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh said. “While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact of your school’s ministry will continue to be felt in the lives of all it has formed and served.”
Additional information regarding student transitions and enrollment support is available at: https://catholicschoolsny.org/school-announcements, and will also be provided directly to families in the coming days.