St. Joseph School, located in Homewood, and St. Louis de Montfort School, located in Oak Lawn, have faced declining enrollment and financial difficulties over the past several years. Current enrollment at St. Joseph School is 64 students; current enrollment at St. Louis de Montfort School is 133 students. Despite best efforts to restore the schools to viability, finances and enrollment have not improved.

After careful deliberation on the long-term sustainability of the school, school and parish leadership recommended that St. Joseph School in Homewood not reopen for the 2017/2018 school year. This recommendation was reviewed and endorsed by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools and the Archdiocesan School Board, as well as Vicariate Bishop Joseph Perry. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich has accepted the recommendation. As a result, St. Joseph School in Homewood will close, effective June 30, 2017.

Similarly, school and parish leadership at St. Louis de Montfort School recommended that the school not reopen for the 2017/2018 school year. This recommendation was reviewed and endorsed by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools and the Archdiocesan School Board, as well as the Vicariate Bishop Andrew Wypych. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich has accepted the recommendation. As a result, St. Louis de Montfort School will close, effective June 30, 2017.

The Archdiocese of Chicago remains committed to providing strong Catholic schools throughout Cook and Lake Counties. The Archdiocese is engaged in a thoughtful process to plan for the future and is diligently working to ensure that every Catholic school is strong, vital and sustainable.

The Archdiocese commends the dedicated leaders, faculty and staff at St. Joseph School in Homewood and St. Louis de Montfort School for their tireless work to instill a rich Catholic identity into academically excellent communities. The Archdiocese is working with affected families to find alternative ways for their children to continue their Catholic education. Please join the Archdiocese in praying for the St. Joseph School and St. Louis de Montfort School communities.