St. Mary's, A Western Mass. Catholic School, Is Shutting Down Due To Low Enrollment

A small Roman Catholic high school in western Massachusetts is shutting down because too few students have signed up for its incoming freshman class.

The Springfield Republican reports that St. Mary's High School in Westfield will close after the current school year. The announcement was made Monday by the Rev. Frank Lawlor, the pastor of St. Mary's parish.

Lawlor says the school has only nine students enrolled in next year's freshman class. He says it needs 40 to stay open.

School Board President Erin Carrier says the Diocese of Springfield declined to provide $300,000 to help keep the school afloat. She described the closure as "a sin."

Lawlor says Pope Francis High School in Springfield has offered to accommodate students from St. Mary's.

St. Mary's Elementary School will remain open.