St. Dominic Academy High School in Maine Closing After 80 Years

Big news has been coming out of the twin cities recently. A popular school that has been around for 80 long years is closing its doors.

According to News Center Maine, St. Dominic Academy High School, will be closing at the end of this school year.

To some it's a surprise but to those closer to the school, this has been taking place for a while.

The choice to close has come after years of financial struggle and low enrollment, according to the post.

As per the post, Bishop James Ruggieri made the announcement saying that the school was projected to lose $2.5 million dollars over the next few years.

That alone makes it hard to continue. Not to mention they only have 137 students enrolled and so keeping the school open with that loss and low students is almost impossible.

In his letter the Bishop said in part,

"After much prayer, consultation, and reflection, it is with a heavy heart that I share with you my decision to close the high school division of St. Dominic Academy (grades 9-12) at the conclusion of the current school year. This is a very difficult decision, and I am saddened by the impact it will have on the St. Dominic community. The closure of the high school is a significant loss to the present St. Dominic community, as well as to alumni/alumnae and the broader Lewiston-Auburn area.."

But it's not the complete end of St. Dominic Academy

Programs will still stay open for pre-k through 8th grade but will be moving to the Holy Cross campus in Lewiston for next year.

As per the post, the school is communicating with all parents and guardians and is holding a meeting on April 10th at 6:00pm to discuss next steps for grades 8-12 students.

Younger students will have a separate meeting so make sure to keep your ears open.

This is a tough moment to handle for the community because St. Dominic's is a staple in Lewiston/Auburn.

The diocese continues to let students and families know that they will support everyone throughout this transition.