Students shocked after news of sudden closure of Saint Barnabas HS

A Catholic high school on the Bronx-Yonkers border will close. Saint Barnabas High School officials announced the closure Friday, citing growing financial difficulties.

Students tell News 12 they are devastated and shocked. They say they have been left scrambling to figure out where they will go to school in the fall.

The school has just celebrated its 100th anniversary.

School officials said in a statement that they will work with students and their families to transition to nearby Catholic high schools.

In a voicemail recording, the school says it will be available Tuesday, July 2, to discuss what’s next with families.

Read the school’s full statement below:

“It is with a heavy heart that it has been decided that Saint Barnabas High School (SBHS) will cease operations and will not reopen its doors in September 2024. Despite a successful celebration of our 100th anniversary, our school is not able to overcome the financial pressure to which it has been subjected for many years. Over the past few years we have been challenged to cope with rising operating costs, leading to this painful decision.

SBHS is working with impacted families to ensure our students are accommodated in nearby Catholic high schools. The teachers union, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of New York, will assist teachers in finding employment in other Catholic schools.

Saint Barnabas High School thanks all our parents, alumni, donors, friends and families for their support and loyalty over many years.