Westchester’s St. Joseph High School Closing It’s Doors For Good

Slumping enrollment and related financial burdens are forcing St. Joe’s High School in Westchester to shut it’s doors permanently.

Countless alumni are indeed saddened by the news, but most outsiders know St. Joe’s as a basketball powerhouse and the backdrop to the 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams. NBA legend Isaiah Thomas is counted as among the multiple alumni of the Charger’s athletics program.

Reports about the school’s closing say teachers and students were notified early in the day on Monday, and many were brought to tears as they had to continue with their schedule.

It is with deep sadness that we inform our school community that St. Joseph High School will close at the end of the current school year. For reasons outlined here (https://t.co/DVIsWtUVza), we regret that our 61-year history concludes with the graduating Class of 2021.

— St. Joseph HS (@wearestjoes) April 13, 2021

Here is the letter sent out by Principal David Hotek:

Dear Alumni and Friends,

It is with deep sadness that I write to you today to inform you of the difficult decision made to close St. Joseph High School at the end of the current academic year.

Amid the current COVID pandemic, with its severe impact on the finances of many families, and the serious fiscal burdens St. Joseph High School has experienced during the past several years, as well as our steadily declining school enrollment, the Board of Directors has reluctantly made the recommendation to the Christian Brothers to cease operation of St. Joseph High School at the conclusion of the current academic year.

After a comprehensive review by the leadership council of the Christian Brothers, the recommendation of our Board was accepted. Over the past 61 years, St. Joseph High School has touched the hearts and minds of over 11,600 young men and women, instilling in them a spirit of faith and zeal and a desire to be of service to others. This could not have happened if it were not for your many dedicated teachers, counselors and coaches who gave of themselves to assist you in becoming the best person you could possibly be.

Frequently I hear stories of these great men and women. We all owe them so much.I want to personally thank you for all that you have done for St. Joseph High School.You are the heart of this great school. It is through your efforts and generosity that St. Joe’s has been able to touch the lives of so many Chargers over the past 61 years! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep all our St. Joseph High School family in your prayers as well.

You may have questions and concerns. If you do, I ask that you please direct these questions and concerns to me. I am available during regular school hours by phone (708–562–4433,ext. 141) or by email ([email protected]).

Sincerely,
David Hotek, AFSC
Principal