SCHOOL’S OUT
Trenton Catholic Academy will close down after decades of education and sports success »
HAMILTON » Trenton Catholic Academy, an educational facility previously known as Saint Anthony or McCorristin High School, is permanently closing in June.
The Diocese of Trenton announced the somber news on Friday, citing prolonged financial hardship as the main culprit.
“The decision was made after much prayer, reflection, and evaluation over a period of several years and centers on a financial shortfall that cannot be overcome,” the diocese said Friday in a FAQ sheet posted online. “Unfortunately, the growing cost of providing a quality, innovative education has consistently outpaced tuition and fundraising income, leaving the school with a $2 million deficit each year and a cumulative need for $24 million in financial support over the past 12 years. Additionally, a special fund once established for the school has been nearly depleted.”
Making matters worse, the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency is another contributing factor, according to the diocese.
“Marketing and development plans to generate revenue for the school have been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic,” the diocese said, “which has dealt a serious blow to families’ abilities to afford tuition.”
The late Monsignor Michael P. McCorristin in the 1960s famously built St. Anthony High School on the grounds of the former Kuser Estate here in Hamilton
Township. The original Iron Mike landmark was renamed McCorristin Catholic in 1979 and TCA in 2005.
“I was sorry to hear the news regarding the closing of TCA,” township Councilman Rick Tighe, a former McCorristin student acquainted with the legendary monsignor, said Friday in a statement. “TCA was founded over 50 years ago by the pastor and parishioners of St. Anthony’s Church. Monsignor Mc
Corristin helped build the school with his own hands. The school has stood for decades as a legacy of his dedication to his Catholic faith and to our community. I hope the Diocese of Trenton will keep the needs of our community in mind as they consider what to do with this important property.”
When the current schoolyear concludes in June, the Diocese of Trenton will shutter TCA’s Upper and Lower Schools, impacting hundreds of students and 57 employees.
The displaced TCA students may attend a nearby Catholic school such as Notre Dame High, the diocese said.
TCA educates students in grades pre-K through 12. The school is well-known for its powerhouse basketball program, which notably groomed several former student-athletes into future NBA players.
Mayor Jeff Martin did not grow up in Hamilton, but he quickly understood the historical value of TCA upon moving here in 2014.
“It is a sad day for the Diocese of Trenton, Trenton Catholic Academy and Hamilton Township,” Martin said Friday in a statement addressing TCA’s pending closure. “Whether known as St. Anthony’s, McCorristin or TCA, there has always been a great partnership between the school and the township. Hamilton is committed to helping TCA and the diocese in the months to come. On behalf of the township, I thank them for their nearly 60 years of providing a high-quality, well-rounded education to those in our greater Hamilton community.”
TCA since 2005 has struggled to meet its financial obligations, according to TCA president Michael Knowles.
“Over the last 2 years in particular, we pursued strategic planning efforts that have not been able to fundamentally change our situation,” he said Friday in a statement. “Therefore, with heavy hearts we are announcing the closure of Trenton Catholic Academy at the end of this academic year.”
The Diocese of Trenton ultimately accepted Knowles’ recommendation to close TCA, a tough pill to swallow.
“I prayed this day would never come,” Knowles said. “I continue to pray that God will provide. I thank you for all your continued support. I am grateful for you entrusting your children in our care.”