News Summary
Atonement Catholic Academy, a prominent Catholic school in San Antonio, will permanently close its doors after 30 years due to declining enrollment and rising costs. Despite efforts to remain operational, the school administration has determined that continuing operations is no longer feasible. Families affected by the closure are encouraged to explore other Catholic school options in the area. Valor Education will take over the academy’s campus, transitioning to a different educational model focused on classical liberal arts starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.
San Antonio—Atonement Catholic Academy, a well-known Catholic school serving the San Antonio community, will permanently close its doors on May 31, 2024, after three decades of operation. The announcement comes as the institution faces significant challenges, including declining enrollment and rising educational costs, which have made continuing operations unsustainable.
Founded in 1994, Atonement Catholic Academy has seen a steady decrease in student enrollment over the years. This decline, coupled with increasing costs associated with delivering quality education, has led the school’s administration to determine that maintaining its tuition-based model is no longer feasible. For many years, the Academy has relied heavily on substantial financial support from its parish, yet this assistance has recently strained parish resources to a level deemed unsustainable.
The school community, comprised of dedicated faculty, staff, and families, has made efforts to address these financial issues. However, despite these attempts, the Academy’s situation has deteriorated to the point where it cannot continue. Atonement Catholic Academy has expressed gratitude for the support it has received over the years from both families and the parish community.
As the doors close on Atonement Catholic Academy, Valor Education, a charter school that focuses on K-12 education, will assume the Academy’s campus, located near Loop 1604 and Kyle Seale Parkway. The transition to Valor Education is set to take place beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. While Valor Education aims to provide a robust educational framework, it is important to note that it operates outside of the Catholic school system, educating students in a classical liberal arts tradition.
In light of the closure, the Archdiocese of San Antonio has encouraged families affected by the Academy’s closure to consider enrolling their children in one of the 35 Catholic schools operated within the archdiocese. The archdiocese emphasizes its commitment to a Catholic educational approach, which includes incorporating prayer and service into its curriculum to foster a Christ-centered environment. Families are urged to carefully assess their options for the next academic year, especially considering that not all institutions operate under the archdiocese’s endorsement.
Specifically, the Archdiocese has underscored that Lumen Christi Academy, an independent educational institution located approximately 40 miles from San Antonio, is not recognized as an approved Catholic school. Lumen Christi Academy identifies itself as operating within the Catholic tradition but does not seek or claim any endorsement from the Archdiocese of San Antonio. This independent academy follows a unique four-day school week schedule, which differentiates it from the standard models used by many other schools.
Archbishop Gustavo GarcÃa-Siller has expressed concerns regarding the misrepresentation of Catholic identity by schools that do not fall under the Archdiocese’s authority, urging families to choose educational institutions that align with their Catholic values and beliefs. As families navigate the post-closure landscape of Atonement Catholic Academy, they are encouraged to weigh their options and select schools that best meet their educational needs and spiritual education goals.
The closure of Atonement Catholic Academy marks the end of an era for many in the San Antonio community who have been touched by its legacy over the past 30 years. As students and families prepare for the upcoming transition, the focus remains on ensuring that students continue to receive quality education, regardless of the institution they choose to attend.
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News: Atonement Catholic Academy Closure
- KSAT: Texas School Voucher Bill Debate
- San Antonio Express-News: St. Paul Catholic School Closure
- Newswire: Atonement Academy Ranking
- Castle Ridge Mortuary: Jonathan Dubois Obituary
