News Summary
Sacred Heart School in East Providence will close its doors for good following announcements by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. The closure, driven by financial difficulties and declining enrollment, affects families and staff who are now seeking alternative schooling options. The diocese will assist families in finding placements at neighboring Catholic schools as the community grapples with the emotional impact of losing this long-standing educational institution.
East Providence – Sacred Heart School in East Providence, a cherished institution with a history spanning over a century, will close its doors for the final time on Friday, June 13, 2025, following an announcement by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. The closure, attributed to financial difficulties and a significant decline in enrollment, has left families and staff seeking alternatives for their children’s education.
The decision to shut down the school, which has been operational since 1917, was communicated to the community in February 2025. The diocese’s spokesperson confirmed that enrollment this year stood at just 125 students, encompassing grades from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school struggled to sustain its financial viability, leading the decision-maker to inform the diocese on February 20, 2025, about the impending closure.
In response to the closure, the diocese has committed to aiding families in securing placements for their children in neighboring Catholic schools. Among the potential alternatives for displaced students are St. Cecilia’s School in Pawtucket, St. Luke’s School in Barrington, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Pawtucket, St. Margaret’s School in East Providence, and Bishop McVinney Regional School in Providence.
Many parents expressed shock and disappointment regarding the sudden closure notification, revealing that they were largely unaware of the school’s financial challenges until the announcement was made. Some parents felt misled about the school’s circumstances and lamented the lack of opportunity to contribute to saving the institution. The emotional toll of the decision has been significant, particularly for those who viewed the school as an integral part of their community—akin to a second family.
Despite the challenging circumstances leading to the decision, the diocese has shown appreciation for the long-standing legacy of Sacred Heart School and its contribution to the East Providence community. The faculty and staff have been recognized for their dedication and years of service to the students and families that have passed through the school’s halls.
The closure of Sacred Heart School marks the end of an era for many in the community. It serves as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by many educational institutions, particularly in terms of enrollment numbers and financial sustainability. As families look to transition their children to new schools, the emphasis on having strong, supportive options nearby remains a priority during this period of change.
As the final school day approaches, it is clear that the impact of this closure will resonate throughout the community for years to come, and families will carry forward the traditions and memories made within the Sacred Heart School community.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Sacred Heart School
- WPRI News
- Google Search: Sacred Heart School East Providence
- Providence Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholic School
- Turn to 10 News
- Google News: East Providence School Closures
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
