Declining Enrollment Drives Closure
St. Kateri School in Irondequoit , Catholic institution serving preschool through fifth-grade students in Irondequoit, will shut its doors in June 2025, according to an announcement made by Father Lance Gonyo. Established in 1957 as Christ the King School, the school has faced significant enrollment challenges over the years.
In a letter addressed to parents, Father Gonyo revealed that the school’s enrollment has plummeted from 196 students during the 2018-2019 school year to just 115 students in 2024-2025. To maintain financial viability, the school required an average of 18 students per grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade. Still, it has consistently failed to meet this threshold over the past seven years. For the current academic year, there are only 62 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and 53 pre-schoolers, resulting in uneven class sizes ranging from seven to 39 students.
The financial burden has proven unsustainable for the parish, which oversees the school. A recent financial report disclosed that the parish is projected to spend $470,153 this school year—far exceeding its budget. Father Gonyo emphasized the parish’s efforts to support the school but admitted that continuing operations is no longer feasible.
Community Responds with Sadness and Frustration
The announcement of St. Kateri School in Irondequoit closure has deeply impacted the local community. Parents, alumni, and community members took to social media to express their sorrow and frustration.
“I have been part of this school for a decade. My third grader will now have to leave the friends, teachers, and community she has grown up with,” wrote Terra Waddington Rivera on Facebook. “We are deeply saddened and angry.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. Kim Smith described the closure as a “big loss,” while Debbie Letta Clementi shared her heartbreak, noting how much her grandchildren have thrived at the school.
Father Gonyo expressed gratitude for the school community’s dedication over the years despite the overwhelming sadness. He assured families that every effort would be made to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff during the final months of the school year.
Support for Transitioning Students and Staff
To minimize disruption, the Diocese of Rochester is coordinating with nearby Catholic schools to welcome St. Kateri students. Institutions such as St. Ambrose Academy in Irondequoit, St. Rita School in Webster, Holy Cross School in Charlotte, and St. Lawrence School in Greece will offer registration opportunities for affected families in the New Year.
In addition, St. Kateri faculty and staff will receive human resources support to assist with potential placements in other Catholic schools. The parish also plans to integrate students into its Religious Education program to ensure their continued faith-based learning and sacramental preparation.
St. Kateri School in Irondequoit currently employs 24 faculty and staff members. Though the closure marks the end of an era, Father Gonyo highlighted the community’s resilience and commitment to faith, pledging to support students, families, and educators throughout this transition.
