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BALTIMORE, MD, – April 13, 2026. St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Baltimore announced the closure of the school at the end of this academic year. This decision, made after extensive deliberation by St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools with the authorization of Archbishop William E. Lori, reflects the challenges faced in sustaining the school’s operations due to declining enrollment and financial constraints.
Formed from the merger of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Schools in 2017, St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School has experienced a steep decline in student enrollment in recent years. Although the school has the capacity to accommodate 340 students, projections for the 2026-2027 academic year indicated a reduction to only 150 students, down from 248 in the current year.
The ongoing decline in enrollment has led to reduced tuition revenue, posing a growing challenge for the school to manage operating costs. The school is projected to have a deficit in excess of $500,000 for the current school year and a projected shortfall in excess of $700,000 if the school were in operation next year. The school’s financial situation is exacerbated by necessary facility renovations and replacements estimated at $500,000 in the near term and $4.5 million needed over the next ten years, with minimal financial reserves to cover these expenses.
Efforts are underway to facilitate a smooth transition for all affected families, including collaboration with leadership at area Archdiocesan Catholic schools to help find suitable placements for students and staff.
“This has been a challenging time for the St. Michael-St. Clement community, and it is a sad day for the entire Archdiocese of Baltimore,” said Chancellor of Education Gregory Farno. “We have done what we can, financially and otherwise, to prevent the closure, but now we must focus on our duty to ensure that students and educators who have been displaced will have the smoothest transition possible to other Catholic schools in our Archdiocese.”
To address community concerns and provide additional information, an in-person group meeting for parents is scheduled this week. Additionally, a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and resources has been made available on the school’s website at https://stmstc.org.
“I want all our families to understand how important it is for everyone at St. Michael-St. Clement that we conclude this year on a positive note, ensuring that this academic year continues to provide the successful and fulfilling experience they truly deserve,” said Principal Patricia Angelini, who was appointed to the position in October of 2025.
Appreciation to the staff at St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School was conveyed at a separate meeting announcing the closure, and their commitment to students and the community was recognized. Efforts are being made to place the administrators, teachers, and staff at other the archdiocesan schools.
“The financial situation doesn’t change the fact that St. Michael-St. Clement is a fantastic school with an outstanding and dedicated staff,” said Superintendent Sr. Patricia McCarron. “Our human resources department is working to ensure that we retain as many of these exceptional, talented professionals as possible. We hope you’ll join us in praying for all the families affected by this.”
About The Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and empowers students to reach their full potential – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore enroll over 24,000 students. There are currently 43 elementary and middle schools (33 archdiocesan and 10 independent) and 17 high schools (5 archdiocesan and 12 independent) spread throughout the archdiocese, which includes: Baltimore City, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties.
About St. Michael-St. Clement
St. Michael’s School opened its doors in 1926 under the direction and administration of the Ursuline Nuns. In later years, the Daughters of Charity would continue the work, maintaining an academic service-oriented legacy. As the school began to grow and flourish under the guidance of the faith filled community, a second building, St. Catherine Labouré Hall was constructed to meet the growing demands of the student population. Originally founded in 1932 by the Franciscan order, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School has been a stable and consistent presence in the Rosedale Community. Established with an education rooted in the richness of Catholic tradition and teaching, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School serves students in the immediate community as well as the surrounding counties and city. An addition to the school was erected in 1953 to accommodate the burgeoning student body. In July 2017, on the St. Michael campus, these two schools consolidated and opened their doors as the new St. Michael – St. Clement School, bringing together their two rich histories of providing a faith-based education to students in PreK3 through grade 8. At St. Michael – St. Clement School, students develop unique talents and individual academic skills guided through Gospel teachings. Students engage in service learning opportunities wherein an appreciation for the social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of all people is emphasized.
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