St. Sebastian Catholic Academy in Woodside (Photo: Queens Post)
May 9, 2012 Staff Report
Due to the closing of two nearby Catholic schools, St. Sebastian in Woodside will increase enrollment by nearly 50 students in the fall.
Both St. Raphael School, on Greenpoint Avenue in Long Island City, and Corpus Christi School, located on 60th Street in Woodside, will permanently shut their doors at the end of the school year.
As a result, 30 St. Raphael students and 15 Corpus Christi students have registered at St. Sebastian, according to principal JoAnn Dolan. During this school year there were approximately 423 students enrolled at St. Sebastian, a nursery through eighth grade school.
“It certainly helps enrollment for next year,” Dolan said, “although we don’t like to see any Catholic schools close.”
Due to the increase in student numbers there will be two third grade classes in the fall and two sixth grade classes. For the past several years there has only been one class on each grade level.
In addition, there are wait lists for kindergarten (where two classes are already in place), fourth grade and nursery school.
To handle the increase in demand the school has held numerous open houses and tours, which are encouraged for prospective families.
The next open house is scheduled for Monday, May 14 at 9 a.m. Prospective parents are asked to call the school at 718-429-1982 before attending.
