Important Information for Parents of Students Currently Enrolled at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School

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On February 4, 2019, the Archdiocese of New York announced changes to a number of Catholic schools across the Archdiocese. Regretfully, St. Nicholas of Tolentine School in the Bronx will cease operations at the end of the current academic year.

Despite the Archdiocese’s best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of the school, continuing to educate students in a building that is underutilized and/or in need significant improvements has proven unfeasible.

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School students will have the opportunity to continue their Catholic education at another nearby Catholic School, some of which are listed below. Parents are especially invited to an Open House at St. Nicholas of Tolentine with MOST Schools Participating on Tuesday, February 26, 2:00pm.

We encourage you to visit potential schools at your earliest convenience to see how your child can continue receiving an excellent faith-based education.

Street Address: 2465 Bathgate Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458
Principal: Ms. Valerie Savino
Phone: 718-295-6080 | Fax: 718-561-5205
Visit Website: https://www.olmcsbronx.org/

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Our Lady of Mount Carmel provides superior Pre-K 3, UPK 4, and Kindergarten through 8th Grade education, and has been serving God’s children since 1924. Utilizing technology with the best current teaching methods, and the adoption of a new, Enhanced Special Education Program, we believe in following a tradition of excellence in educating the whole child. Our school community, on every level, is committed to applying the tenets of Catholic values with high academic expectations to prepare students to be viable and productive members of society throughout their lives.

School At A Glance: Pre-K 3 Program, Universal FREE Pre-Kindergarten 4 Program, and Grades K-8th; AdvancEd Accredited; Follows New York State Next Generation Standards and Archdiocese of New York Guidelines; Administering MAP Growth Assessment and NYS Exams for Grades 3rd – 8th; Enhanced Special Education School as per the Archdiocese of New York (SETTs, Speech Pathology, OT/PT, Counseling, Resource Room); Enrichment programs include: Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Education, and Library Skills; Spanish class after-school; Community Service initiatives; Departmental Grades 6 to 8; Sports programs include CYO Basketball and Chess; Extracurricular activities include: Drama Club, Art Club, and Band; Church Choir, Before and After School programs from 7:00am to 6:00pm for an additional fee.

Street Address: 2708 Briggs Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458
Principal: Mr. Robert Billings
Phone: 718-367-3081 | Fax: 718-367-0741
Visit Website: http://www.olrbronx.com

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Since 1923, Our Lady of Refuge has educated generations of children in the Bronx. The school serves a multicultural community and provides superior Pre-K (for four year olds) to 8th grade education. It combines the best of current teaching and technology with traditional values in a warm and caring atmosphere.

School At A Glance: Grades Pre-K to 8; Early start Program (drop-off at 7:15 a.m.); After-school Program (until 6:00 p.m.); Free Breakfast; Enrichment programs includes: Art, Computer, Band and Chess clubs. The school also has a newly renovated computer lab; Title I Services Available.

Street Address: 3143 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Principal: Ms. Melissa Moore
Phone: 718-548-0255 | Fax: 718-548-0864
Visit Website: http://www.stjohnschoolbronx.org/

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The mission of Saint John’s School is to foster spiritual development through the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ, to provide the highest quality academic excellence, to promote responsibility to self and to encourage service to others.

School At A Glance: FREE ALL DAY UPK (3K and PreK: UPK Site #: XADV); Grades Pre-K4 to 8; AdvancEd Accredited; Music: all grades; Apple Tech Center; Computers with internet access in every classroom; Art; Aftercare; Physical Education.

Street Address: 3031 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468
Principal: Ms. Ajeia Beebe
Phone: 718-365-8806 | Fax: 718-365-1482
Visit Website: https://school.stphilipneribronx.org/

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Since 1913, St. Philip Neri School has educated and helped generations of families in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, earning a reputation of excellence in Catholic education. SPN combines the best of current teaching and technology with traditional Catholic school values in a warm and caring environment. We view every child as an individual with unique talents and needs.  The faculty, staff and I are dedicated to the growth of our students academically, spiritually, and emotionally.  We look forward to you arranging a tour with us to see what we offer our current students and families.

School At A Glance: We provide a strong and nurturing education to students in grades Kindergarten through 8. We also have a Pre-K 3 program for children turning 3 to 4 years old and also have a UPK 4 program for children turning 4 to 5 years old, where children develop a strong sense of confidence and self-esteem.

Street Address: 2195 Valentine Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457
Principal: Ms. Tara Braswell
Phone: 18-367-0453 | Fax: 718-733-1441
Visit Website: https://stsimonstockschool.org/

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Founded in 1928, St. Simon Stock is a Catholic School dedicated to preparing students for a successful and fulfilling future in academic excellence. St. Simon Stock offers a safe, nurturing learning environment that strives to empower students to achieve all they can in the light of God’s message of love and service, through a quality curriculum and moral standards. At St. Simon Stock, your child receives an education that prepares him/her to succeed.

School At A Glance: AdvancED Accredited/NCA – Grades Pre-K (UPK) to 8, (Full-day Pre-K 4 and Kindergarten); Departmentalized curriculum (grades 2 & 3, 4 & 5, 6 to 8); Free breakfast and lunch program; Ater-school program with nutritious snack; Academic Support Services include: English as a Second Language (ESL), Title I Math and Reading; TACHS Program (Test for Admission to a Catholic High School) preparation classes; Guidance counselor and full-time nurse on staff; Newly renovated computer lab with computers in every classroom; SmartBoard Technology in every classroom; newly renovated library; Enrichment programs include: Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer classes, Sacramental preparation, Mass and Prayer services, Community Service projects. Student Council, and Step Team Club available; Extracurricular activities: Yearbook, Winter and Spring shows, Stockettes and varying club offerings.

All students will be guaranteed a seat in a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York.

*Note: The schools listed above are only a few of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. Click here to view a full list of schools.

What To Do Now

  1. Contact the Director of Enrollment for St. Nicholas of Tolentine School.

Ms. Leslie Guerrero and her colleagues will work to help you and your child(ren) transition to another Catholic school for the 2019-2020 school year.

You can reach Ms. Guerrero by emailing her at: Leslie.Guerrero@archny.org, or by calling our bi-lingual hotline (646) 794-2885 at any time between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday to arrange a convenient time for a phone call or meeting.

  1. Visit the schools you are considering.

We have set up this special web page for parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine School. You’ll be able to view and identify events for each school, and register by phone for the events you have selected. We will add new events as they are announced, so be sure to check this page often for updates. You are welcome to contact or visit any of the above schools listed above by calling the number indicated.

  • TOURING TUESDAYS: Click here to book a visit on an upcoming TOURING TUESDAY date: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am.
  • SPECIAL OPEN HOUSES: Each of the schools listed below will host open houses/informational meetings especially for St Nicholas of Tolentine School parents (see below).
  • Call the school or our bi-lingual parent helpline at (646) 794-2885 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday to book a visit to the school(s) you are considering for your child(ren), or to attend an open house.

St. Nicholas of Tolentine
Open House at St. Nicholas of Tolentine with MOST Schools Participating: Tuesday, February 26, 2:00pm

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Touring Tuesdays: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Touring Days for Families of St. Nichols of Tolentine: 8:30am to 2:30pm, Thursday February 21 and Wednesday March 6, March 13 and March 27

Our Lady of Refuge School
Touring Tuesdays: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Tours for Parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine: Thursday, February 14, 21 and 28; March 7

St. John School
Touring Tuesdays: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Tours for Parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine: Mon. – Fri. during the weeks of February 11, 18 and 25 Special Outdoor Event: Thursday, March 26, time and location to be announced. Parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine will have a chance to meet and get to know other families

St. Philip Neri School
Touring Tuesdays: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Tours for Parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine: Thursday, Feb. 14, 21 and 28 and March 14; Friday, February 22 and March 8, during school hours. Parents can call to have shadow days as well.

St. Simon Stock School
Touring Tuesdays: February 12, March 5, March 19 or April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Tours for Parents of St. Nicholas of Tolentine: Friday, March 8 and Monday, March 11, 8:30 to 11:00 am

Once you have selected the school where you would like to send your children, simply visit www.ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org and submit your application.

All students will be guaranteed a seat in a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York. Families will be required to submit a new application and register at the new school for the 2019-2020 school year to hold a seat for their child(ren) at the new school. You will have a chance to apply for financial assistance as part of your application to the new school.

The Archdiocese will make every effort to minimize the financial impact to your family as a result of the transfer to a new school.

  • If you currently have a scholarship, this will carry over with you to the participating school of your choice, once your new application and all required documents are received.
  • In November 2019, the Archdiocese of New York will issue a registration fee credit to the SMART Account set up at the new school for each child transferring in from the closing school.

We understand that these are challenging times for many families. You have the Archdiocese of New York’s commitment to work with you as closely as possible to find the best possible placement for your child(ren) at a neighboring Catholic School.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why does St. Nicholas of Tolentine School have to close?

Regretfully, St. Nicholas of Tolentine School in the Bronx will cease operations at the end of the current academic year. Despite the Archdiocese’s best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of the school, continuing to educate students in a building that is underutilized and/or in need significant improvements has proven unfeasible.

  1. Will I have to re-apply to the new school?

Yes: Families will be required to submit a new application and register at the new school for the 2019-2020 school year to hold a seat for their child(ren) at the new school.

Once you have selected the school where you would like to send your children, simply visit www.ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org and submit your application. All students will be guaranteed a seat in a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York.

  1. Will my tuition costs go up if the new school’s tuition is higher than St. Nicholas of Tolentine School?

The Archdiocese will make every effort to minimize the financial impact to your family as a result of the transfer to a new school.

  • You will have a chance to apply for financial assistance as part of your application to the new school. If you currently have a scholarship, this will carry over with you to the participating school of your choice, once your new application and all required documents are received.
  • In November 2019, the Archdiocese of New York will issue a registration fee credit to the SMART Account set up at the new school for each child transferring in from the closing school.
  1. Who do I turn to for help?

Ms. Leslie Guerrero and her colleagues will work to help you and your child(ren) transition to another Catholic school for the 2019-2020 school year.

You can reach Ms. Guerrero by emailing her at: Leslie.Guerrero@archny.org, or by calling our bi-lingual hotline (646) 794-2885 at any time between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday to arrange a convenient time for a phone call or meeting.

  1. How do I learn more about other nearby schools that would meet my child’s needs?

Each of the schools listed above will be hosting open houses on our upcoming TOURING TUESDAYS, and holding informational meetings especially for St. Nicholas of Tolentine School parents.

You can email Ms. Guerrero at: Leslie.Guerrero@archny.org, or by calling our bi-lingual hotline (646) 794-2885 at any time between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday, to arrange a convenient time for a phone call or meeting, or to RSVP for any of the events at participating schools.

In addition, click here to view a full list of schools for any zip code you enter on our School Finder page.