MASSENA -- After 40 years of operations Trinity Catholic School is slated to close due to steep declines in enrollment.

According to a press release, confirmed enrollment for grades kindergarten through six for the 2024-25 academic year was 45 students, while enrollment last year in those grades stood at 78.

In 2022-23, enrollment stood at 106 students.

"Painful and disappointing though it may be, we must acknowledge that the loss of over half the student population has made operating the school as it currently exists unsustainable. Therefore, Trinity Catholic School will not open for the 2024-25 school year as it currently operates," the statement reads.

School officials say they are exploring options and hope to have resources to open in September, "but online in a limited capacity."

"If enrollment is sufficient, we hope to accommodate Trinity’s rising fifth- and sixth-grade classes for one more year to allow those students to finish their early education at the school. We continue to communicate directly with the parents of those students to assess their intent and level of commitment, and to determine if continued, limited operation is academically and financially feasible," the statement reads.

“For 40 years, our school has been sustained through the grace of God with the love and ongoing collaboration of parents, students, alumni, administrators, teachers, pastors and benefactors. Their countless hours of effort, boundless generosity and sheer good will have helped create and sustain Trinity Catholic School as a source of education, faith, and human formation for our young people, their families and the community. To one and all, we extend our deepest gratitude. The end of this chapter in Massena’s Catholic educational environment does not diminish the contributions and legacy of our school. Trinity Catholic School has been a journey of faith and love and will continue to have an impact for years to come," Father Mark R. Reilly, pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in Massena said.

Marianne Jadlos, principal of Trinity Catholic School, also touched on the closure.

“Trinity Catholic School (TCS) has been a home away from home for some of our families for generations. However, even those who have walked through the school doors only once were instantly made to feel like part of the TCS family. Although today is a sad day, we will continue to enjoy each of the remaining days we have together. After the doors close, a new mission begins, which is to take the years we've spent at Trinity Catholic growing both academically and spiritually and boldly bring it out into the world," she said.