Atonement Catholic Academy to Close Due to Financial Issues

News Summary

Atonement Catholic Academy in San Antonio, a staple in the community for 30 years, will close its doors on May 31, 2024. The school has faced declining enrollment and rising costs, with financial struggles impacting its viability. Families are encouraged to explore other accredited Catholic schools in the area. Despite Texas’ recent school choice movements, officials report that these will not aid the Academy’s situation. Valor Education looks to fill the gap by using the Academy’s facilities for a new K-12 program, further transforming the educational landscape.

San Antonio – Atonement Catholic Academy, a beloved educational institution in San Antonio for 30 years, will officially close its doors on May 31, 2024, marking the end of its academic year. The school, situated near Loop 1604 and Kyle Seale Parkway, has encountered persistent financial challenges that have led to this difficult decision.

Declining enrollment numbers and escalating educational costs have significantly impacted the Academy’s financial stability. While Our Lady of the Atonement parish has historically provided substantial financial support to the school, the parish’s resources have become increasingly strained, making it challenging to sustain the institution. In a recent statement, the Academy acknowledged that operating under a tuition-based model has become “no longer viable.”

The decision comes in the context of a wider trend of financial struggles facing many Catholic schools in the region. Enrollment issues and rising costs have forced other local Catholic institutions, including St. Paul Catholic School and St. Gerard High School, to shut down in recent years. These challenges reflect a broader landscape of Catholic education in San Antonio that is increasingly facing critical financial hurdles.

Texas has made recent moves toward school choice legislation; however, officials at the Academy indicated that these changes would not provide immediate relief or support for their specific situation. Parents seeking alternative educational institutions for their children after the closure of Atonement Catholic Academy will have options, including Valor Education. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, Valor Education plans to utilize the facilities vacated by the Academy to offer K-12 instruction rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition. It is important to note that Valor is not a Catholic institution.

In the wake of Atonement’s closure, families have been encouraged by the Archdiocese of San Antonio to explore enrollment at one of its 35 other accredited Catholic schools in the area. Families are urged to ensure that their chosen school complies with Catholic teachings and holds the necessary accreditations. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller has specifically advised families to approach Lumen Christi Academy with caution. While it operates independently and claims to uphold Catholic traditions, it is not recognized as an approved Catholic school by the Archdiocese. Concerns have also been raised about unauthorized personnel within Lumen Christi Academy and their operational standards.

The closure of Atonement Catholic Academy is indeed a significant loss for the community it has served for three decades. Established in 1994, the Academy has played a vital role in the lives of countless students and families, providing a Catholic education that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual growth. As the community grapples with this change, the long-standing connection between the Academy and its parish has highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Catholic educational institutions in the area.

In conclusion, the permanent closure of Atonement Catholic Academy is indicative of the financial challenges impacting many schools within the Catholic education system in San Antonio. As families navigate the available options for their children’s education, it is crucial for them to consider accredited institutions that align with their values and educational goals.

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Additional Resources

• Express News: Atonement Catholic Academy Closure
• KENS 5: San Antonio Catholic School Closes Doors for Good
• Victoria Advocate: Best Private High Schools in San Antonio Area
• Newswire: Atonement Academy Ranked No. 3 Best K-12 Private School
• Crisis Magazine: An Anglican Use Success Story
• Wikipedia: Catholic education
• Google Search: Catholic school closure financial issues
• Google Scholar: Catholic school educational challenges
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholic education
• Google News: Catholic school closures San Antonio

Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

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