Archdiocese of Baltimore
STMSTC School Crest

Archdiocese of Baltimore Announces Closure of St. Michael-St. Clement School

BALTIMORE, MD, – April 13, 2026. St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Baltimore announced the closure of the school at the end of this academic year. This decision, made after extensive deliberation by St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools with the authorization of Archbishop William E. Lori, reflects the challenges faced in sustaining the school’s operations due to declining enrollment and financial constraints.

Formed from the merger of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Schools in 2017, St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School has experienced a steep decline in student enrollment in recent years. Although the school has the capacity to accommodate 340 students, projections for the 2026-2027 academic year indicated a reduction to only 150 students, down from 248 in the current year.

The ongoing decline in enrollment has led to reduced tuition revenue, posing a growing challenge for the school to manage operating costs. The school is projected to have a deficit in excess of $500,000 for the current school year and a projected shortfall in excess of $700,000 if the school were in operation next year. The school’s financial situation is exacerbated by necessary facility renovations and replacements estimated at $500,000 in the near term and $4.5 million needed over the next ten years, with minimal financial reserves to cover these expenses.

Efforts are underway to facilitate a smooth transition for all affected families, including collaboration with leadership at area Archdiocesan Catholic schools to help find suitable placements for students and staff.

“This has been a challenging time for the St. Michael-St. Clement community, and it is a sad day for the entire Archdiocese of Baltimore,” said Chancellor of Education Gregory Farno. “We have done what we can, financially and otherwise, to prevent the closure, but now we must focus on our duty to ensure that students and educators who have been displaced will have the smoothest transition possible to other Catholic schools in our Archdiocese.”

To address community concerns and provide additional information, an in-person group meeting for parents is scheduled this week. Additionally, a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and resources has been made available on the school’s website at https://stmstc.org.

“I want all our families to understand how important it is for everyone at St. Michael-St. Clement that we conclude this year on a positive note, ensuring that this academic year continues to provide the successful and fulfilling experience they truly deserve,” said Principal Patricia Angelini, who was appointed to the position in October of 2025.

Appreciation to the staff at St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School was conveyed at a separate meeting announcing the closure, and their commitment to students and the community was recognized. Efforts are being made to place the administrators, teachers, and staff at other the archdiocesan schools.
“The financial situation doesn’t change the fact that St. Michael-St. Clement is a fantastic school with an outstanding and dedicated staff,” said Superintendent Sr. Patricia McCarron. “Our human resources department is working to ensure that we retain as many of these exceptional, talented professionals as possible. We hope you’ll join us in praying for all the families affected by this.”

About The Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and empowers students to reach their full potential – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore enroll over 24,000 students. There are currently 43 elementary and middle schools (33 archdiocesan and 10 independent) and 17 high schools (5 archdiocesan and 12 independent) spread throughout the archdiocese, which includes: Baltimore City, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties.

About St. Michael-St. Clement
St. Michael’s School opened its doors in 1926 under the direction and administration of the Ursuline Nuns. In later years, the Daughters of Charity would continue the work, maintaining an academic service-oriented legacy. As the school began to grow and flourish under the guidance of the faith filled community, a second building, St. Catherine Labouré Hall was constructed to meet the growing demands of the student population. Originally founded in 1932 by the Franciscan order, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School has been a stable and consistent presence in the Rosedale Community. Established with an education rooted in the richness of Catholic tradition and teaching, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School serves students in the immediate community as well as the surrounding counties and city. An addition to the school was erected in 1953 to accommodate the burgeoning student body. In July 2017, on the St. Michael campus, these two schools consolidated and opened their doors as the new St. Michael – St. Clement School, bringing together their two rich histories of providing a faith-based education to students in PreK3 through grade 8. At St. Michael – St. Clement School, students develop unique talents and individual academic skills guided through Gospel teachings. Students engage in service learning opportunities wherein an appreciation for the social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of all people is emphasized.

Frequently Asked Questions About The School Closure

Why is the Archdiocese of Baltimore no longer able to financially support St. Michael/St. Clement Catholic School?

St. Michael-St. Clement has been grappling with financial challenges over the past several years. Declining enrollment coupled with the significant increases in operating expenses, such as utilities, insurance, and salaries, caused the growth in expenses to far outpace the growth in revenue. Since the school was created from the merger in 2017, it has been unable to pay certain operating expenses, such as insurance, and these costs have been paid by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese has provided St. Michael-St. Clement with more than $2.5 million in financial support over the past five years alone. The Archdiocese also has supplied significant staffing support, to help St. Michael-St. Clement with enrollment and donor contributions toward the aim of achieving a balanced budget. Sadly, both enrollment and revenue are still on the decline, while the financial support required to sustain operations is increasing. For the current 2025-26 school year, a budget deficit in excess of $500,000 is projected, growing to a budget deficit in excess of $700,000 for the school year 2026-27.

How much has enrollment declined? 

Enrollment has declined by 52% since 2023, when the school’s enrollment was at 315.  Although St. Michael-St. Clement has the capacity to support an enrollment of 340, enrollment has dropped suddenly and sharply, with just 248 students enrolled for 2025-26, and (based on current information) the enrollment will drop to 150 students for 2026-27.

Does the physical condition of the campus have anything to do with the decision?

There are short- and long-term expenses related to maintaining the buildings on the campus of St. Michael-St. Clement. The school requires renovations or replacements for its HVAC system, windows, roof, radiators, and bathrooms. The estimated cost for work is approximately $500,000 for these immediate needs and a total of $4.5 million required over the next ten years for necessary maintenance.

What will happen to the school building? 

The St. Michael-St. Clement buildings are owned by St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Will my child have a seat in another Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for the next academic school year?

Assuming your situation reflects good academic, behavioral, and financial standing, the answer is yes. The Department of Catholic Schools is working closely with area Catholic school principals to ensure they are prepared to welcome St. Michael-St. Clement families for the 2026-27 school year.

Where can my student apply to another Catholic school next year?

Your student can apply to any Catholic school. Here is a list based on their proximity to St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic School:

Visit here for a list of all AOB schools: https://www.archbalt.org/schools/

Will my child have to apply to a new school? 

St. Michael-St. Clement families will need to apply to the school(s) of their choice. Our Catholic schools are committed to making the process as streamlined and simplified as possible for our St. Michael-St. Clement families.  Application fees will also be waived for St. Michael-St. Clement families.

How do I enroll my student in another Catholic School?

St. Michael-St. Clement families should reach out the school(s) of their choice and follow the direction of the admissions team regarding how to apply and enroll for the upcoming school year.

Where can I find tuition rates for each of the schools?

Information for each school’s tuition can be found on their website. You can link to their websites through http://www.archbalt.org/schools 

How will differences in tuition at neighboring Catholic schools be handled?

For the 2026-27 school year, the St. Michael-St. Clement Catholic tuition rate of $7,875 per child will be honored at all Archdiocesan Catholic schools for the first year of enrollment in the new school.  

My child is currently receiving financial aid and/or scholarships. Will this money transfer with them to another Catholic school? 

Financial aid and/or scholarships from the Archdiocese of Baltimore will follow St. Michael-St. Clement students to the Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore that they enroll in for the 2026-27 school year, provided the required FACTS Grant and Aid application has been completed, all required documents included, and your student continues to meet the existing eligibility requirements. Additionally, BOOST scholarships (if applicable) will follow St. Michael-St. Clement students to the Maryland private school they enroll in for the 2026-27 school year; however, all families must re-apply for BOOST in order to be considered. For all other scholarship/tuition assistance granting organizations, please notify the funder of the change in school to ensure that the award will in fact transfer and there is no delay in the school receiving the funds. 

We just purchased new uniforms – will we receive a uniform allowance at a new Catholic school?

The archdiocese will provide a $100 allowance to each student for the purchase of new Catholic school uniforms for a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

What will happen to my child’s academic records?

Files of St. Michael-St. Clement graduates will be stored at St. Michael the Archangel Church. Student transcripts will be withheld for those students that have outstanding tuition balances.

Will the faculty and staff of St. Michael-St. Clement transition to another Catholic school?

The Department of Human Resources for the Archdiocese of Baltimore is working closely with all faculty and staff on possible employment at another Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

How will St. Michael-St. Clement’s history/memorabilia be preserved?

The Department of Catholic Schools will work with the SMSC administration, St. Michael the Archangel Church, and any interested alumni to determine the most appropriate way of preserving any historical artifacts and memorabilia.

STMSTC will be closing following the 25-26 school year for the official press statement please click here. Press Statement