Notre Dame High School to close at the end of the school year.

I am writing as an upset parent of a freshman at Notre Dame High School (NDHS) and as a deeply concerned member of our community regarding the sudden announcement that the school will close at the end of the academic year. Established in 1951, Notre Dame High School has long been a vital part of our community, forming young women in faith, leadership, and service. For this reason, the decision to close the school—announced abruptly and without meaningful consultation with the community—has left many families shocked, distressed, and searching for answers. Guided under Canon 50, a decision of this magnitude should involve transparency, collaboration, and a genuine effort to explore every possible path forward before concluding that closure is the only option.

A Decision Announced Without Transparency or Dialogue

Parents were invited to the February 26 meeting under the impression that it would be a meet-and-greet with the Bishop (see email invitation). Many of us attended with optimism, believing it would be an opportunity to share ideas and discuss ways to strengthen the future of Notre Dame High School. Instead, the meeting began with the immediate announcement that the school would close. Families, alumnae, community members, and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—whose mission has shaped the school since its founding—were given no opportunity to ask questions, provide input, or offer potential solutions. The decision was presented as final before the community most invested in the school’s success had even been heard. For a school that has served generations of families, this lack of transparency and engagement is deeply troubling and an issue as significant as a school closure, families should have been clearly informed about the purpose and seriousness of this meeting.

An Incomplete and Misleading Public Narrative

The Diocese’s press release cited enrollment of 60 students and noted that only six enrollment contracts had been signed. However, this figure omitted important context, including 15 pending applications and the reality that smaller upper-grade classes naturally affect overall enrollment totals. Historically, final enrollment numbers are not known until April, making the data used to make the school closure decision premature. More importantly, the press release failed to acknowledge the strategic enrollment plan already underway. Last year, Principal Uhl presented a multi-year plan to rebuild enrollment by increasing freshman class sizes by approximately 30 students over three years. Early results were already showing progress to that plan: the current freshman class includes 22 students, and projections for the incoming class suggested continued growth. Based on these trends, Notre Dame High School was on a realistic path toward significantly increasing—and potentially doubling—its enrollment within two years. Yet the public narrative presented by the Diocese portrays the school as though it had no viable path forward.

A School Experiencing Renewed Energy and Momentum

As a parent witnessing the daily life of this school, I can say with confidence that this portrayal does not reflect the reality on campus. The current freshman class and their families have brought new energy, optimism, and commitment to Notre Dame High School. The principal, faculty, and staff demonstrate extraordinary dedication to creating a vibrant learning environment for our daughters.

In just the past six months, the school community has demonstrated meaningful progress and strong support:

• Notre Dame High School was recently named Top Catholic High School of 2026 by Education Insider Magazine.

• The school benefits from an active governing board and a strong alumnae network that supports students through mentorship, career panels, and fundraising efforts.

• Community support remains strong. The recent Crab Fest fundraising event sold out completely, demonstrating the deep commitment of alumnae and supporters.

• Athletic programs continue to grow and succeed. This year, two students won the PCAL Doubles Championship in tennis, the Notre Dame Tennis Team captured the League Championship, and the Varsity Volleyball Team was also recognized as League Champion.

• Most importantly, our daughters are thriving in an all-girls environment that nurtures faith, confidence, and leadership. Notre Dame High School offers a uniquely supportive community where young women are empowered academically and spiritually.

Diocese Commitments Made to Families

When families chose to enroll their daughters at Notre Dame High School, we did so based on assurances that the Diocese supported a three-year enrollment growth plan. Several incoming freshmen were awarded four-year scholarships, reinforcing the understanding that the school had a stable future.

Families made significant financial and personal sacrifices to enroll their daughters because we believed in those commitments. We were also told that the Diocese had financial reserves that would allow the school to implement its multi-year growth strategy.

If financial challenges existed, why were families not informed sooner so that the community could mobilize to help? The Notre Dame community has demonstrated time and again that it is willing to step forward with support when given the opportunity.

Questions That Deserve Clear Answers

Many families are left with serious and unresolved questions:

• What would it cost to keep the school operating during this critical period while enrollment continues to grow?

• What is the minimum enrollment or annual funding necessary to sustain operations for two additional years?

• Will the Diocese reconsider the decision and provide a properly publicized meeting for the community to have an opportunity to demonstrate that Notre Dame High School can remain viable as promised with the multi-year plan currently in place?

• Why was the closure decision made without transparency or collaboration with the community most affected?

• Will the Diocese honor the scholarships and tuition agreements already promised to students?

These questions deserve clear and honest answers.

Notre Dame High School is more than a building or a line item in a budget. It is a place where young women are formed in faith, prepared for leadership, and encouraged to live lives of purpose and service. The sudden announcement of its closure has left families, students, and educators in a state of profound uncertainty and distress. But it has also galvanized a community that believes deeply in the mission and future of this school.

I respectfully call on the Diocese to pause this decision, engage in open dialogue with the Notre Dame community, and allow time to explore alternative solutions that could preserve the school and its mission.

Our daughters deserve that effort. Our community deserves that transparency. And the legacy of Notre Dame High School deserves every opportunity to continue.

Sincerely,

Linda Castillo