Catholic school in Medford announces ‘heart-wrenching decision’ to close after nearly 100 years

A Catholic school that has been in Medford for nearly a century has announced that it will close in June.

“Following a careful review of enrollment trends and a very challenging financial burden for the school and parish, we have determined that St. Joseph School will conclude its mission at the end of the current academic year,” Father Tim Hynes said in a March 2 letter to the school community. “Costs to educate students and maintain the building are increasing at rates that simply cannot be passed on to families.”

The unexpected news shocked parents, faculty and students, teacher Lauren Fiore said.