Historic Bronx Catholic school in danger of closing after 116 years

BRONX – A 116-year-old Catholic school in the Bronx is in danger of having to close its doors for good. 

All Hallows High School is desperately trying to raise $2.5 million by this time next week. 

Why does All Hallows have to close?

The Catholic school in the Concourse section is nearly a century old and is forced to shut down because they just can’t keep up. 

Not only is the building falling apart, but enrollment is down and, despite having more donors than ever, dollar amounts are down.

This year, for the first time in its history, All Hallows went co-ed. All Hallows took in about 20 girls from the now-shuttered Saint Barnabas in Yonkers. But at the same time, the school lost about 70 students, blaming that on a decline in the Bronx population.

How are students and parents reacting? 

“Knowing that this school is facing severe issues in which we’re now being threatened to close down. It honestly hurts me and my family,” a student said. 

“To know that it was closing down was a shock to hear. It’s sad. I mean, what can we do? You know, I wish we could get more of the alumni to come get together and try to do some fundraising or maybe get some fundraising,” 

What are students and families doing to save the school?

A group of All Hallows students and their families are trying to raise enough money by next week to keep the doors of their high school open after graduation this June.

The school’s principal put out a Bridge to Tomorrow campaign back in November asking for donations. 

The administration personnel at All Hallows are doing whatever they can to save the school. The hope is that All Hallows can raise $2.5 million by next Wednesday. As of now, they already have more than half. 

The school’s board of trustees so far says there is no decision on its future.