Introduction to St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy
WICKER PARK — A Catholic elementary school in Wicker Park that has been open almost since the days of the Great Chicago Fire is closing at the end of the school year. St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy, the parish school for the Catholic church of the same name next door, announced its impending closure on Thursday through a letter sent to families and staff by the Rev. Anthony Buś.
History of the School
The school, 1255 N. Noble St., has been open in Wicker Park since February 1874, not long after the parish was founded in 1867, according to the history page on its website. It’s occupied multiple buildings since and, like its attached church, famously escaped full demolition in the 1950s during construction of the nearby Kennedy Expressway.
The Church’s Significance
Known by many as just St. Stan’s, the church was the first Polish Catholic church built in Chicago, according to the Tribune. It’s served as a community anchor for the local Polish community and other groups and is regarded as the “mother church of Chicago Polonia,” said Daniel Pogorzelski, a Polish-American historian and community activist.
Reasons for Closure
In his letter Thursday, Buś said the parish school, which serves students from pre-K to eighth grade, has been on “life support” for some time, citing plummeting enrollment and a loss of government scholarship funds. Despite fundraising efforts in recent years, St. Stanislaus is anticipating a deficit of almost $500,000 at the end of the school year, he wrote.
Impact on the Community
“My heart breaks for all of you who have found a healthy and holy refuge for your children at St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy. The dedication of the faculty and staff, their love for your children, and the sacrifices they have made are admirable,” Buś said. “I am sorry to break this news to you and, of course, we need some time and space to grieve and process this unfortunate but inevitable reality.”
What’s Next
St. Stanislaus church will remain open.
St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Noble Square on Jan. 3, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Conclusion
The closure of St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy marks the end of an era for the Wicker Park community. The school has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 150 years, providing education and a sense of community to generations of families. While the church will remain open, the loss of the school will be deeply felt.
FAQs
- Q: Why is St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy closing?
A: The school is closing due to plummeting enrollment and a loss of government scholarship funds, resulting in a anticipated deficit of almost $500,000. - Q: Will the church remain open?
A: Yes, St. Stanislaus church will remain open. - Q: What will happen to the students and staff?
A: The letter from Rev. Anthony Buś did not specify what will happen to the students and staff, but it is likely that they will need to find new schools and employment. - Q: Can anything be done to save the school?
A: Despite fundraising efforts, the school is anticipating a significant deficit, making it unlikely that the closure can be reversed.
