Harlem Catholic School St. Mark the Evangelist Closes After Over 100 Years

Closure of St. Mark the Evangelist

• 💔 St. Mark the Evangelist, a beloved Catholic high school in Harlem with over a century of history, is closing its doors.
• 🗓️ Tomorrow marks the last day of school and the end of an era for the historic institution.

Community Upset Over Lack of Communication

• 🗣️ Families and students are expressing deep disappointment and sadness over the abrupt closure.
• 🏛️ Parents complain that the Archdiocese of New York refused to discuss the reasons for the shutdown or allow them to advocate for the school.
• ❓ They feel it is hypocritical for a religious institution to shut out the community it claims to serve.

School's Historic Mission and Legacy

• 🌟 St. Mark opened in 1912 with a specific mission to welcome African-Americans and indigenous people into the Catholic faith and education.
• 🎓 The school has provided a strong foundation for its students, with one former student highlighting how their education enabled advanced studies at places like Oxford.
• 📈 Despite having high test scores in the region, the school is still being closed.

Archdiocese's Statement

• 💬 In response, the Catholic Schools of New York stated they remain committed to their shared mission and to supporting one another in faith.