Catholic School Closing In Baltimore County, Archdiocese Consolidates

CATONSVILLE, MD — Catonsville's St. Agnes Catholic School will close at the end of the academic year, Catholic Review first reported Monday. St. Agnes Church will remain open, however.

"We are deeply saddened by the recent announcement of St. Agnes Catholic School closure and understand the news is upsetting to the students, their families, staff and alumni of this beloved institution. This was not an easy decision to make and came after considerable discussion and extensive evaluation of the sustainability of the school," the school said in a statement posted on its website.

Leaders cited declining enrollment and lofty repair costs. This year's enrollment is the lowest in the last two decades. The deferred maintenance expenses would cost more than $313,000 between now and 2027.

"Unfortunately, consistent years of declining enrollment has caused significant financial strain on both the school and parish. With enrollment down 25% percent over the past several years and with increasing needs and expenses, St. Agnes Catholic School cannot meet its operational expenses nor continue, in the long run, to meet the needs of our students and families," the closure announcement said.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has given St. Agnes $1.6 million in support over the past few years, but balancing the budget became increasingly difficult with less tuition coming in.

"Over the last several years the Archdiocese of Baltimore has given significant support to the school and will keep doing so to ensure a successful and rewarding final 2024-25 academic year," the announcement said.

St. Agnes students can transfer to nearby Catholic schools this fall. Families will pay the expected 2025-2026 St. Agnes tuition of $7,674. Financial aid and scholarships will carry over to students' new schools. Students will get a $100 uniform allowance at their new schools.

The Archdiocese is working with staff to place them in another school.

"We pray that the transition for these students and families is a smooth one and we will work closely with them on placement in our other Catholic schools. We also pray for the dedicated staff at St. Agnes School and thank them for their years of dedication to our students and community," the announcement said.

Though St. Agnes Church will continue operations, the news came as the Archdiocese of Baltimore closes nearly two-thirds of its other churches. The plan, dubbed Seek the City to Come, is trimming the region from 61 parishes at 59 worship sites to 23 parishes at 30 worship sites.

Archbishop William Lori cited the declining Baltimore City population and lower mass attendance.

The Archdiocese also filed for bankruptcy in September 2023 in expectations of sexual abuse lawsuits. Lori said the bankruptcy would help provide equitable settlements to the victims.

More information on the St. Agnes Catholic School closure is posted here. Details on the Seek the City to Come plan are available here.

Related:

• Churches May Close In Baltimore City, County As Mass Attendance Falls
• Baltimore Archdiocese Files For Bankruptcy Ahead Of Likely Lawsuits