AKRON, Ohio — Citing rising costs and declining enrollment, the Diocese of Cleveland announced St. Matthew Parish Elementary School in Akron will close after the current academic year.
The diocese said in a statement that the decision to close came after a review of demographic, enrollment, competitive and financial trends affecting the school. Parishioners, the parish and finance councils weighed in on the decision.
“This decision to close is not a criticism of the quality of the school,” the diocese said. “That the school has persisted into the current demographic headwinds is a testament to its merits and the parish and diocese’s commitment to Catholic education in the city of Akron. However, Catholic schools are not immune to the population shifts and financial challenges that have affected other area schools.”
In 1943, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland established St. Matthew Parish as the 17th parish in Akron. Since then, additions have been made to the parish, including a school, a pre-kindergarten and a gathering center.
School administrators and the diocese will work with parents to help them with placement of their children at nearby schools.
