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The Diocese of Albany is making significant changes to two of its schools, as announced on Monday (March 13). Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, high school students from Catholic Central School in Latham will transfer to Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. This decision will effectively end the high school program at Catholic Central, which currently has only 22 students in grades eight through 11, a number deemed unsustainable by diocesan leaders.
Under the new arrangement, Catholic Central will continue to serve students from pre-K through eighth grade, while Bishop Gibbons will accommodate students in grades six through 12. This change aims to create a unified school system with campuses in Latham and Schenectady. A new president will oversee long-term planning and fundraising efforts, and the two schools' boards will merge into one.
The announcement has surprised many students, including eighth-grader Natalia Tesoriero, who expressed her shock and sadness over the change to WNYT. "It's shocking news to me," she said, adding that she has built strong connections at Catholic Central. Despite the adjustment, Tesoriero remains optimistic about adapting to the new environment.
The Diocese's decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen Catholic education in the region. Mark O’Connell, a diocesan leader, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the schools, stating, "When something is spiraling down, you can just close your eyes and let it die, or you can intervene and pump some spirit into it."
In addition to the restructuring, diocesan leaders are exploring potential partnerships with local colleges and universities to create new programs and opportunities for students. The Diocese of Albany, which filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in 2023, continues to focus on enhancing its educational and community offerings. More details about the reorganization can be found on the Diocese's website.