Girls Catholic School In Frederick To Close

Officials cite declining enrollment, rising costs.

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) – A Catholic girls school in downtown Frederick says the 192-year-old institution will close June 30 due to low enrollment and rising costs.

Visitation Academy Chairman Mark Matan announced the shutdown Friday in a letter to parents.

Archdiocese of Baltimore spokesman Sean Caine says in an email that 89 students are registered for next school year. The school’s enrollment was at 145 in 2012.

The school offered classes from pre-kindergarten through middle school.

Matan’s letter says school officials and the archdiocese will help families find other Catholic schools for their children.

The school’s website says the nearly four-acre property is the largest parcel in the downtown historic district.

The Frederick News-Post reported the shutdown Friday. It says the property has an assessed value of nearly $3.7 million.