Xavier Prep to close at end of school year
wwltv.com
Posted on February 20, 2013
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NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University Prep School, the Catholic all-girls high school that has educated young African-Americans Uptown since 1915, will close at the end of this school year, officials announced Wednesday.
A meeting was being held with parents Wednesday evening to announce the news, which was also posted on the school web site.
In a statement from Xavier Prep, officials said there would be communication with current students during the closure.
"We remain committed to the students and families of Xavier Prep and will work with the Archdiocese of New Orleans to help all students transition to new schools, if need be."
Xavier Prep has educated generations of local African-American and minority students since opening in 1915. It opened as a coeducational school but became an all-girls' school in 1970.
Located on Magazine Street, the school was founded by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who also founded Xavier University.
Among the notable Xavier Prep alumni are Judge Edwin Lombard, former New Orleans first ladies Sybil Morial and Mickey Barthelemy, as well as singer Wanda Rouzan, who also taught at the school.
The school is not owned or operated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, but Archbishop Gregory Aymond -- who described the closure as sad and surprising -- said their offers of financial resources to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament were declined.
Aymond and superintendent Dr. Jan Lancaster said the Office of Catholic Schools will work "diligently" to help the students affected find a new school.
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