Catholic School Set To Close At End Of Academic Year In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Holy Trinity Catholic Academy is set to close at the end of the academic year due to declining enrollment and projected budget shortfalls, according to school officials.

In a letter sent to HTCA families May 1, HTCA Board of Directors Chair Jason Perillo and Superintendent of Schools Stacie Stueber announced "with tremendous sadness" the school will officially close for good June 30.

According to Perillo and Stueber, the decision to close HTCA was made "after thoughtful consultation and careful analysis" by the Board of Directors, the Diocese of Bridgeport and school leadership in response to "declining enrollment and a projected budget shortfall that cannot be overcome for the upcoming school year."

Founded in 2017, HTCA is located at 503 Shelton Avenue and teaches kindergarten through eighth grade. A pre-kindergarten program is also offered.

"Despite our shared efforts and the tremendous commitment of our faculty, staff and families, we have been unable to reach the benchmarks needed to sustain operations," the letter reads.

Perillo and Stueber noted the decision was reached "after a prayerful and thoughtful process," during which the Board of Directors and the Diocese of Bridgeport worked with school leadership to examine the Catholic academy's financial and educational viability.

The review process included an analysis of enrollment, demographic trends and the financial position of the school, the letter notes.

According to Perillo and Stueber, the number of students registered for the 2025-2026 school year did not meet the benchmark for the critical mass needed to operate a school that would provide a robust educational experience for students and sustain the operations financially.

"We understand how difficult this news is for our community, and we are deeply saddened by the reality of HTCA closing," the letter reads, "saddened for our own families and for future families who will never come to know the HTCA community. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of HTCA, especially those who have worked or volunteered to provide an excellent Catholic education for our young people."

Perillo and Stueber said they are committed to helping students and families identify other Catholic school options and assisting employees as they seek new opportunities within the Diocese.

The Board of Directors and the Diocese are also working closely with surrounding schools to help HTCA families find a new school community.

A parent meeting is scheduled to be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the HTCA gym.

Additionally, a school fair for parents and students will take place Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at HTCA, during which neighboring Catholic schools will be in attendance to allow families to learn more about their academic programs and extracurricular activities.

The letter also noted the Diocesan Human Resources Department and the superintendent's office will hold meetings with HTCA faculty and staff to discuss various options for them, including the process through which they can apply for a transfer to another diocesan school.

"We are grateful beyond words for the legacy of faith, learning and community that has defined Holy Trinity Catholic Academy since its founding in 2017," the letter reads. "In the coming weeks, we will celebrate that legacy together and accompany one another with compassion and hope."

The letter can be read in full on the HTCA website.