January 20, 2006

Dear Members of the SHA Community:

During meetings of teachers, parents and students on January 19 and January 20, it was announced by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, upon consultation with and recommendation of the Advisory Board of Sacred Heart Academy, that the Academy will close permanently at the end of this academic year.

The Academy has been experiencing a declining enrollment and financial difficulties for a number of years.  With subsidies from the Sisters of St. Joseph, particularly regarding capital improvements, and great efforts by our teachers, administrators and volunteers, we have struggled to avoid this decision.  However, the gap between our revenues and expenses has continued to widen, and there is no change in sight.  The funds needed to improve the school facilities, broaden its offerings and meet the needs of the students are not available.  Thus, continued operation of the Academy is simply no longer possible.

The mission of SHA has always been rooted in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph.  We are deeply saddened that we are unable to continue this mission in the spirit of our founding sisters.

For most of our graduates, the Academy is a source of great memories, and that will not be affected by its ceasing to operate.  A final homecoming will be held on campus in the near future, but class reunions should never end.  The Sisters of St. Joseph and the Alumnae Association will continue to facilitate alumnae communications.

The people most profoundly affected by this decision are our students, faculty and staff, because SHA is part of their future, as well as their past.  For their benefit, the 2005-06 academic year will continue normally.  The only closing-related activity occurring during the academic year will involve assisting in the transition of our underclasswomen, faculty and staff for the 2006-07 academic year.  Despite the difficulty and sadness surrounding this decision, the rest of our efforts will be wholly devoted to making SHA’s final year its most successful and enjoyable ever.

We will post more news about this transition as it becomes available.  In the meantime, questions and concerns should be addressed to the representatives of our transition committee:

Thank you for your support, understanding and prayers at this most difficult time.

For updated information, please visit our TRANSITIONS page.