Immaculata Academy Closing

By Adam Heftka

Immaculata Academy is closing. The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, which has operated it for 88 years,  announced they will end their sponsorship of the Catholic girls’ school at the end of this school year.

In a press the Franciscan Sisters said, “in light of the FSSJ’s current realities, the conclusion of their sponsorship, declining enrollment, and discouraging demographic data, the school’s current academic model is no longer sustainable and that the school will close at the end of the school year in 2016.”

Cynthia Zane, Hilbert College’s president, sent an e-mail to the Hilbert Community this week, acknowledging the ties shared between the two institutions, and noted that the direct effect on Hilbert’s day-to-day operations would be minimal.

“While this announcement does not directly affect Hilbert College, as we have maintained financial independence from the FSSJ for some time, it certainly does hit close to home for many in the Hilbert family,” Zane wrote.

This news leaves many students without a school for next year; however, the decision to close this year may benefit its students. Immaculata will look to “maximize available resources for both financial aid and scholarships to follow students to other Catholic Schools.”

In President Zane’s e-mail she asks to “keep the Sisters, faculty, staff, students, and families affected in your prayers.”