After years of diminishing enrollment, increased debt, and shortfalls in fundraising efforts, on October 1, 2019, the Board of Trustees of Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child voted to close Cornelia Connelly School at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. With deep regret and sorrow, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus accepted the Trustees’ vote on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Connelly parents and students were notified of the news on Thursday, October 3, 2019.
The Board of Trustees of Connelly School of the Holy Child agreed that the operation of Cornelia Connelly School was unsustainable beyond the 2019-2020 school year. According to Board Chair Priscila Forbes, the Trustees’ decision to close was made with heavy hearts and sadness: “The Trustees are heartbroken to be closing Connelly School, and every effort has been made over the years to establish a sustainable future for Connelly. We feel the loss and pain of students, alumnae, faculty, staff, administration, and the larger community.”
Under the leadership of Head of School Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski, J.D. Cornelia Connelly School’s faculty and staff remain committed to providing the current student body with an excellent education as well as continuing the programs, activities, and traditions that are reflective of Cornelia Connelly School. Furthermore, the School’s administration and faculty are working with area high schools to transition students as seamlessly as possible.
Mrs. Sienkowski shared: “Our focus continues to be on our students, especially during this difficult time. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to making sure that the joy of Connelly is part of this final year so that our girls remember who they are and where they came from, all the days of their lives. Once a ‘Connelly Girl,’ always a ‘Connelly Girl.