The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education announces the closing of Archangels Academy in Levittown, Bucks County at the conclusion of the 2009-2010 school year. Archangels Academy is a special education school for students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, moderate to mild cognitive impairments, developmental delay or slow learner. The 30 students who currently attend Archangels Academy will attend Our Lady of Confidence in Willow Grove and Saint Katherine Day School in Wynnewood. Archangels Academy is one of five schools operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

"The closing of Archangels Academy is a sad time for us," said Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia." "The work of many teachers, administrators and parents over the years has been most gratifying and greatly appreciated. We are grateful for the availability of two similar programs for our students which are really closer in proximity to the homes of the current Archangels students. The school communities of Our Lady of Confidence and Saint Katherine Day School will welcome the students of Archangels with open hearts!"

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education reached its decision to close Archangels Academy after a comprehensive study of current and projected enrollments, future ability to provide a quality academic program, regional demographic trends and the finances of its schools of special education.

"I can not express enough the tremendous gratitude that we have for our parents, volunteers at donors Archangels Academy," said Sister Angela Mastrangelo, I.H.M., Principal of Archangels Academy. "Although this is a sad and difficult time for our students and families, please rest assured our blessed children will be able to continue their journey at two wonderful schools."

For more information about the Schools for Special Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org or call 215-587-3700.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747