In a decision communicated to students, parents and staff yesterday, the Sacred Heart High School Board announced that the Vineland school will close at the end of this academic year.
The decision to close was ratified by the Schools Office for the Diocese of Camden and Bishop Dennis Sullivan; Msgr. John H. Burton, rector of Sacred Heart and pastor of Christ the Good Shepherd Church, and the board.
The enrollment goal for a sustainable high school was set by the board at 220 students. Sacred Heart now enrolls 168, of which 52 will be graduating this June. Only 23 students were enrolled for next year’s freshman class.
Sacred Heart was to close last year due to enrollment and financial issues. Responding to an appeal that affordable Catholic high school education continue in Cumberland County, then Camden Bishop Joseph Galante agreed to the formation of a volunteer board to stabilize Sacred Heart in February 2012. However, the school was unable to achieve enrollment goals.
Sacred Heart students who wish to continue their Catholic school education will be welcome at Diocese of Camden Catholic high schools (Camden Catholic, Gloucester Catholic, Holy Spirit, Paul VI, Saint Joseph and Wildwood Catholic) with a $1,500 tuition discount for next school year.