The Archdiocese of Hartford recently made the determination to close St. Christopher School in East Hartford, CT starting the next school year. We respectfully request that the Archdiocese reconsider this proposed closure.

St. Christopher School is a culturally diverse Catholic school in East Hartford, CT, and has provided quality Catholic education for over 50 years. Currently, the school has students from East Hartford and as far away as Marlborough. It is the only Catholic elementary school between Norwich and West Hartford / Manchester, and fills a critical role in both the local community and the Archdiocesan education system.

The students of St. Christopher School make a difference in their community, donating both time and resources in support of fund drives for local organizations, food items to the local food bank, clothing for those in need and countless other charitable efforts. Children are taught to recognize the blessings they have in their life and to share those blessings with others with kindness and respect. Student test scores consistently far exceed national standards. The staff and teachers at St. Christopher School truly live their mission to form young men and women who are caring, who are Catholic, who can think critically and who can make a difference in society. St. Christopher School is a vibrant family community centered in Christ whose members have ignited hearts, a community that enlightens minds, and which has transformed lives, truly aligned with the Vision Statement of the Office of Education, Evangelization and Catechesis.

Without St. Christopher School, many families will need to turn to public or magnet schools since there are few Catholic school options available given both transportation and geographical constraints. For those parents who want their children raised in a Catholic education system, public schools are not an option, and we are left with little choice. For the staff who work with our children every day, the job losses are devastating. Parishioners will lose the children at morning Masses and in service to the parish. And the community would lose a valued institution that benefits local residents. This proposed closure leaves the families of St. Christopher School feeling unsupported in present and uncertain about the future of Catholic education within the Archdiocese.

We, the undersigned, respectfully call on the Archdiocese of Hartford to take into consideration the impact this proposed closure will have on children, parents, teachers, and the community as a whole, and to reconsider the closure of our school.

PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR SCHOOL!