A Statement from Dr. RaeNell Houston, Superintendent of Catholic Schools

It is with great sadness that we announce that St. Peter Claver School will close at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. This decision was made after a great deal of prayer and work and with the approval and support of Archbishop Gregory Aymond, pastor Fr. John Asare-Dankwah, and the St. Peter Claver School Advisory Board, Parish Council, and Finance Council. While today we are announcing only the closure of St. Peter Claver School, I would like to take this time to note that there will be additional announcements regarding plans for area Catholic schools for the 2019-2020 school year made in the upcoming weeks.

Despite efforts, St. Peter Claver School continues to experience a significant decline in student enrollment and to operate at a significant budget deficit. Coupling those facts with the reality that the school has been sanctioned by the Louisiana Department of Education for low standardized test scores, it is out of justice and pastoral concern for the students and their families that we close St. Peter Claver and work with them to enroll at another Catholic school.

St. Peter Claver School has a long legacy and a strong black Catholic identity. We are grateful to the faculty who have given so much of themselves in ministry and to the families who have entrusted their children to us.

School families and faculty and staff were informed of this decision earlier today in meetings with parish and archdiocesan leadership. Every effort will be made to accommodate the families leaving St. Peter Claver. Students who receive a Louisiana Scholarship for Educational Excellence, will have the opportunity to transfer to the school of their choice. All other students will be given special consideration as they register to enroll at another Catholic school. We encourage parents and families to be in touch with the Office of Catholic Schools to become more aware of options and availability.

The decision to close St. Peter Claver was not made lightly. Regretfully, after much research into efforts to keep the doors open and prayerful consideration the responsible course of action is to close St. Peter Claver School as it is so as to look ahead with new and innovative ideas to advance Catholic education in Treme and the surrounding area in the future. The Archdiocese of New Orleans in partnership with St. Peter Claver Parish leadership will soon be convening a planning committee to explore and make recommendations for future use of the school facilities that honor the rich history of the Treme neighborhood and the legacy of Catholic education at this site. As planning moves forward, we will keep the parish and broader community informed.

 Families with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Office of Catholic Schools at (504) 866-7916 or email [email protected]. You may go online for more information about other Catholic schools at https://nolacatholicschools.org/.