CRESCO, Pa. — Enrollment at Monsignor McHugh School is down more than 50 percent over the last five years.
The Diocese of Scranton announced this week it will be closing the elementary school.
Myriah O'Brien has a daughter at the school. She was upset to hear the news.
"I think she's in shock just because of the way we left with the COVID crisis. I think all the kids are confused. It's just really, you go from having a strict schedule to being home now to not having a school to come back to. It's definitely a lot," said Myriah O'Brien, Bartonsville.
Bishop Joseph Bambera made the announcement through a video, apologizing to parents that there could be no face to face meetings.
"As a long time supporter of Catholic education, I know this news is heartbreaking. It is heartbreaking for you, our cherished students and families who have been working so hard at home during these challenging days. It's also heartbreaking for our dedicated faculty and staff," said Bishop Joseph Bambera, Diocese of Scranton.
Adrianna Torres has two children at the school.
"Monsignor McHugh is an incredible school. It's going to be a real loss. The kids are like brothers and sisters. They have been with each other since Pre-K. My son started Pre-K there. They are really like brothers and sisters," said Adrianna Torres, Tannersville.
The diocese will offer Monsignor McHugh parents a grant toward tuition at another catholic school next year. The nearest one is Notre Dame in East Stroudsburg, 15 miles away.