Saint Michael the Archangel RC Elementary School in Lyndhurst
to Close The declining numbers in enrollment, mixed with the escalating costs of quality education, were both factors in the decision to close. The letter sent home informed parents that the school’s tuition would have to almost double to keep the school open, and still operate at a deficit of almost $1000 per student. Rev. Czachorowski also wrote, “Over the past several years, enrollment in our K-8 program has decreased by more than 25 students. Some grades have an enrollment of less than 10 children. Academically and socially, this is not a healthy situation and one that we cannot allow to continue.” Catholic schools in surrounding communities will do their best to accommodate the students’ need for placement in the 2003- 2004 term. For example, Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst and Queen of Peace Elementary School in North Arlington offer affordable, quality Catholic education equivalent to St. Michael. Catholic education will remain at St. Michael through the religious education program and Angel Academy, the childhood education program for children ages three, four and five, which will remain open. A process already exists to assist teachers who wish to continue teaching in Catholic schools. A representative of the Archdiocesan Schools Office will be meeting with teachers to explain their options, and assist them with the transition.
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