SAN ANTONIO — The Archdiocese of San Antonio sent a statement saying that St. Gerard Catholic High School on 521 South New Braunfels Avenue is closing its doors.
"The difficult decision was made to close St. Gerard Catholic High School prior to the 2022-2023 academic year. St. Gerard's has for some time been faced with the challenging reality of very low enrollment and concerns over having enough financial support to sustain operations of the school," the press release says.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio said there are currently 35 students with confirmed enrollment for the upcoming school year. "The Archdiocese has provided the school with large subsidies for operating expenses the past several years that were unsustainable."
"With three dozen students, the projected deficit for operations is more than a half a million dollars. The archdiocese has provided the school with large subsidies for operating expenses the past several years that were unsustainable."
Two of those 35 students are Mia Landeros and her 16-year-old brother.
"I wanted to stay at St. Gerard's," she said. "I was very sad about it. I wanted to graduate there."
Mia's grandmother, Rosie Baca, feels the archdiocese could have done more.
"I think they should have tried a little harder to keep it open for the simple fact it was the only Catholic school on the east side," she said.
As their caretaker, Baca is worried about Mia and her 16-year-old brother making the switch from private to public. They're choosing public because it is close to home.
"But, I am a positive person," Baca said. "I keep it positive and I pray. And keep going forward that's all I can do."
The Department of Catholic Schools and the Archdiocese of San Antonio said they are committed to helping families transition to another Catholic high school if they desire, including possible financial aid for tuition at other Catholic high schools.
On Tuesday, the Archdiocese of San Antonio met with families at the school to help with the transition.
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