TYBEE ISLAND, Ga.—A private school open for more than 60 years is marking its final week and preparing to close its doors for good.
On March 31, the Catholic Diocese of Savannah announced St. Michael’s Catholic School would close at the end of the year.
Church leaders said low enrollment was behind the decision to close the school. The news devastated the tight-knit school.
On Monday night, students, parents, and staff gathered for St. Michael’s last 8th grade graduation party and celebration of the school and its history.
Six students represent the final class of 8th grade students graduating from St. Michael’s to high school.
As they got ready to celebrate, students and faculty said it was been a bittersweet day as the school prepares to close for good.
“I’m really happy about graduating, but I’m really sad about the school closing,“ said 8th grader Tracy Adams.
“Just very melancholy, but of course staying upbeat for our children… because it’s the last week of school, and it’s exciting for them to be getting ready for summer. But everybody’s very reflective,“ said Holly Lanford, the school’s principal.
Friday is the last day of classes at Tybee Island’s only school.
St. Michael’s opened in 1948 with 54 students. The school had 76 students this year, but projections for the fall had enrollment dropping as low as 38 students.
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