St. Mary Catholic School, a school with grades PK-5 in Lake Village, will close at the end of the school year.
In consultation with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, Superintendent Vernell Bowen and the Rev. Theophilus Okpara announced the decision to the staff, parents and parishioners April 17. The decision was based on the low pre-registration of only 27 students for the 2015-2016 school year.
In order to be viable financially and to provide quality academic programs, the enrollment would need to be at least 40 students.
Prior to the meeting with the parish council, the superintendent met with the pastor and principal to review the enrollment trends over the past few years. Since 2003-2004, the enrollment declined from 107 to the 50.