St.
Paul the Apostle RC Elementary School in Jersey City to Close in
June Parish pastor, Rev. Robert Antczak, explained that the decision to close was necessary under current economic circumstances. The declining numbers in enrollment, mixed with the escalating costs of quality education, were both factors in the decision to close. Since the 1998-99 school year, enrollment at St. Paul had steadily declined from 290 students to an estimated enrollment of 140 students for 2003-04. “After studying the budget, taking into account staff salaries and benefits and the lack of financial assistance programs, the cost of an education at St. Paul’s would be $4,430 per student. Such a tuition rise would be astronomical,” Rev. Antczak stated. The current tuition per child is $2,950 for a parishioner, $3,750 for a non-parishioner. Each group also had a sliding scale tuition rate based on the number of children per family enrolled at St. Paul. Currently, 14 other Catholic elementary schools in Jersey City offer quality Catholic education. 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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