Wayne's Immaculate Heart Of Mary School Closing This Fall, Church Says

WAYNE, NJ —Citing an "untenable" financial position, the pastor of Wayne's Immaculate Heart of Mary Church announced that the Catholic school connected to the parish will shut down this fall.

The IHM School at 580 Ratzer Road serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and has been affiliated with the church since 1959.

In a letter to parents, Father Mateusz Jasniewicz said the school has seen a substantial enrollment decrease in recent years, and fundraising efforts have not matched their goals. There were only 114 students pre-registered for next year, he said.

"It's become challenging to carry the school's financial responsibility while also maintaining the financial responsibilities of the parish," Jasniewicz said in his letter, most of which is also posted in the upcoming church bulletin.

This decision comes after several meetings with the Diocese of Paterson and "considerable reflection," Jasniewicz wrote.

Families are invited to the school for meetings on Friday, May 17 which are separated by age group: One at 3 p.m. for parents of students in pre-K through fourth grade, and one at 5 p.m. for parents of fifth through eighth grade students.

Some parents and community members are organizing a protest at 3 p.m. Friday, according to a teacher who wished to remain anonymous.

Several of the school's families had also come in to IHM from St. Mary's in Pompton Plains, which shut in 2020.

With the Immaculate Heart of Mary School closing, there will be four Diocese of Paterson-affiliated elementary schools remaining in Passaic County: St. Philip Preparatory School in Clifton, St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson, and Academy of St. James of the Marches in Totowa.

The Diocese of Paterson will provide a one-year, $1,500 subsidy for students who choose to transfer to one of their elementary schools. This subsidy will be payable directly to the school.

"During this time of change, the Diocese is mindful of the pain associated with the closing of a Catholic School," leaders said in a statement. "In the midst of sadness, our faith keeps us hopeful. The rich tradition and quality education of Immaculate Heart of Mary School have served many for several generations. That is something IHM, its administration, faculty, parents, students, and parishioners can always be proud of."

The Diocese also oversees DePaul Catholic High School, which is located in Wayne.

Diocese of Paterson Superintendent of Schools Mary Baier said that nearby parish schools will continue to offer "an excellent faith-filled education which is mission-driven and rooted in Gospel values.”

The Diocese also said teachers will be given the necessary guidance for applying for potential positions, preparing a portfolio and resume, and information on future benefits and unemployment.

The IHM School was also recently the only New Jersey school to be accepted into a special program for students to connect with astronauts on the International Space Station, as well as the only Catholic school. The school anticipated that students would be able to speak with astronauts this fall, using amateur radio.

It is unclear if the students will be able to participate in the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program at another building.