Closure Announcement - St. Agnes Catholic School

Statement Concerning the Final Year of Operation for St. Agnes Catholic School, Baltimore

(Baltimore, MD) – We are deeply saddened by the recent announcement of St. Agnes Catholic School closure and understand the news is upsetting to the students, their families, staff and alumni of this beloved institution. This was not an easy decision to make and came after considerable discussion and extensive evaluation of the sustainability of the school. Unfortunately, consistent years of declining enrollment has caused significant financial strain on both the school and parish. With enrollment down 25% percent over the past several years and with increasing needs and expenses, St. Agnes Catholic School cannot meet its operational expenses nor continue, in the long run, to meet the needs of our students and families. Over the last several years the Archdiocese of Baltimore has given significant support to the school and will keep doing so to ensure a successful and rewarding final 2024-25 academic year. We pray that the transition for these students and families is a smooth one and we will work closely with them on placement in our other Catholic schools. We also pray for the dedicated staff at St. Agnes School and thank them for their years of dedication to our students and community.

Questions Concerning The Closure

Why is the Archdiocese of Baltimore no longer able to help fund St. Agnes Catholic School?

The archdiocese has supported St. Agnes School $1.6 million in financial assistance over the past several years. Additionally, they have supplied significant staffing support, aiming for St. Agnes School to boost enrollment, enhance donor contributions, and achieve a balanced budget. Sadly, both enrollment and revenue are still on the decline, while the financial support required to sustain operations keeps rising.

How much has enrollment declined?

Over the past decade, enrollment has decreased by 25%. St. Agnes School experienced a rebound in enrollment after Our Lady of Victory closed in 2021 but took a significant and sharp turn shortly after that growth. 2024-2025 enrollment numbers are the lowest the school has seen in the last 2 decades.

Does the state of the campus have anything to do with the decision?

There are short and longer term expenses related to keeping up with the demands of maintaining a building the size of St. Agnes School. The deferred maintenance expenses include a total cost of more than $313,000 between now and 2027.

What will happen to the school building?

The St. Agnes School building is part of the St. Agnes Parish. The building is owned by the parish. The Archdiocese will work with the pastor to help determine future use.

Will my child have a seat in another Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for the next academic school year?

Yes. The Department of Catholic Schools is working closely with area Catholic schools to ensure they are prepared to welcome St. Agnes School families for the 2025-26 school year.

Where can my student apply to another Catholic school next year?

The following Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are recommended due to their proximity to St. Agnes School:

St. Mark School, Catonsville
2 miles from St. Agnes
https://stmark-school.org/

Mother Mary Lange, Baltimore City
5 miles from St. Agnes
https://mmlcs.org/

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ellicott City
6 miles from St. Agnes
https://olphschool.org/

St. Augustine, Elkridge
8 miles from St. Agnes
https://staug-md.org/

Resurrection-St. Paul School
9 miles from St. Agnes
https://resstpaul.org/

Sacred Heart, Glyndon
17 miles from St. Agnes
https://www.shgschool.org/

Visit here for a list of all AOB schools: https://www.archbalt.org/schools/

Will my child have to apply to a new school?

St. Agnes School families will apply to the school(s) of their choice, but they will be given priority for admissions. Our Catholic schools are committed to making the process as streamlined and simplified as possible for our St. Agnes School families. Application fees will also be waived for St. Agnes School families.

How do I enroll my student in another Catholic School?

St. Agnes School families should reach out the school(s) of their choice and follow the direction of the admissions team regarding how to apply and enroll for the upcoming school year.

Where can I find tuition rates for each of the schools?

Information for each school’s tuition can be found on their website. You can link to their websites through http://www.archbalt.org/schools

How will differences in tuition at neighboring Catholic schools be handled?

For the 2025-26 school year, the St. Agnes School Catholic tuition rate will be honored at all Archdiocesan Catholic schools for the first year of enrollment, in the new school. The St. Agnes School Catholic tuition rate plus a standard 2.5% rate increase for 2025/26 = $7,674.

My child is currently receiving financial aid and/or scholarships. Will this money transfer with them to another Catholic school?

Financial aid and/or scholarships from the Archdiocese of Baltimore will follow St. Agnes School students to the Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore that they enroll in for the 2025-26 school year. Your student will have to continue to meet the existing requirements. Additionally, BOOST scholarships (if applicable) will follow St. Agnes School students to the Maryland private school they enroll in for the 2025-26 school year; however, all families must re-apply for BOOST in order to be considered.

My child is currently receiving financial aid and/or scholarships. Will this money transfer with them to another Catholic school?

We just purchased new uniforms – will we receive a uniform allowance at a new Catholic school?

The archdiocese will provide a $100 allowance to each student for the purchase of new Catholic school uniforms for a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Will the faculty and staff of St. Agnes School transition to another Catholic school?

The Department of Human Resources for the Archdiocese of Baltimore is working closely with all faculty and staff to assist with employment at another Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

How will St. Agnes School’s history/memorabilia be preserved?

The Department of Catholic Schools will work with the St. Agnes School administration, parish and any interested alumni to determine the most appropriate way of preserving any historical artifacts and memorabilia.