Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville closing after 125 years, diocese says

A parochial school in the village of Wellsville is closing its doors after more than a century of educating the community's children.

Diocese of Buffalo Bishop Michael W. Fisher said Tuesday that he accepted the recommendation of the board of trustees of Immaculate Conception to halt operations at the pre-K through sixth-grade school ahead of the upcoming school year.

In the 2022-23 academic year that just concluded, the school had 46 students in its pre-K through sixth grade program, officials said.

According to Immaculate Conception, school enrollment has been on a steady decline in recent years and confirmed student registration for the upcoming year was fewer than 20 students.

As a result of the low projected enrollment, and a recent history of operating at a budget deficit, the "difficult recommendation" was made by the board of trustees to cease operations, the school and the Buffalo diocese said.

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“One of the most challenging decisions to make as a bishop is to close a Catholic school,” Fisher said. “This community has tried valiantly to sustain this longstanding school and the harsh recent economics, and the realities of the upcoming lack of enrollment, force us to make this unfortunate decision.”

The school was founded more than 125 years ago under the direction of Wellsville’s Immaculate Conception Parish. It became a diocesan regional school under the auspices of the Diocese of Buffalo in 2007.

"As a Catholic  School, our goal is to help each child develop academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually, and to prepare them to be confident, responsible students," Immaculate Conception notes on the school website. "Awareness of the Roman Catholic faith and commitment to basic Christian values of love, peace, and respect for others is an integral part of the school's culture."

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A directory for the 2022-23 academic year includes 15 people on the school staff.

“We would like to commend the great support of canonical administrator Father Jim Hartwell and Principal Caitilin Dewey, and also thank the Sisters of Mercy for their long history of involvement with the school,” Fisher said.

In Hornell, a private Catholic-based educational option was maintained following the closure of St. Ann's School. St. Ann's Academy opened in 2012.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Wellsville's Immaculate Conception School closes due to low enrollment