St. Catherine of Siena grade school in Fort Thomas to shut down this spring, diocese says
The Diocese of Covington has announced plans to close down one of its Catholic grade schools.
According to the diocese, St. Catherine of Siena will close down this spring at the end of the school year.
Sign up for our NewslettersThe school is located in Fort Thomas and educates students from kindergarten to eighth grade. The school first opened in 1949.
The diocese says that the closure comes amid persistent financial issues that stem from declining student enrollment at the school.
According to figures shared with WLWT, the diocese says that they currently have 81 students enrolled across grades K-8 for the 2025-26 school year. For the 2026-27 school year, the diocese is currently anticipating having only 58 students, a decline of about 28%.
However, the diocese says that the school's preschool operations will continue next year amid increasing demand. While the school's preschool enrollment is currently at 19 students, they are expecting to double their enrollment next year to 38 students.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, which the school describes as "a parish religious education program for children age 3 through 3rd grade," will also not be affected by the closure.
At least two nearby Catholic schools — St. Thomas School in Ft. Thomas and St. Therese School in Southgate — are reportedly in the process of reaching out to parents of St. Catherine of Siena students about their relocation options for the 2026-27 school year.
According to the statement, the move to close the school still has to be formally recommended by parish leadership and accepted by Bishop John Iffert. Although the diocese indicated that both had met last week and are in agreement when it comes to the necessity of the closure.
“I am deeply grateful for the many families who are now seeking new Catholic school homes for their children and for the thoughtful efforts parish and school leaders are making to support you through this process,” Iffert said in a statement. “My commitment now is to accompany you in the months ahead. Your children remain at the center of this transition, and we will do all we can to help them experience continuity, care and welcome.”
Iffert also indicated in a letter to staff that he hoped to explore future opportunities for St. Catherine of Siena faculty to remain employed within the Diocese of Covington's school system.
Outside of the school closure, the wider St. Catherine of Siena Parish will continue to operate as usual.
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