St. Scholastica Academy announced March 14 that it will close its doors at the end of the school year. The school, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago for the last 146 years, is succumbing to a growing budget deficit and declining enrollment. “We are deeply saddened by the need to close SSA,” said Sister Patricia Crowley, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, who have sponsored this academy for more than 146 years. “St. Scholastica Academy has educated thousands of young women who have served our world well in business, religious and civic spheres. Our graduates are solid leaders, family members, friends, and genuinely fine women. “This fine educational institution has been an integral part of our ministry here in Chicago. We are dedicated to making the best transition possible for students and faculty, by providing assistance and support as they make plans for the coming school year.” If there is enough interest, the school will offer juniors the option to continue their schooling at what will be called St. Scholastica Senior Academy for their senior year and earn their SSA diplomas upon graduation. If juniors choose to transfer to another Catholic high school, the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago will work with that school to try to arrange for St. Scholastica students at that school to receive St. Scholastica Academy diplomas. The school has struggled financially as well as with enrollment for the last 15 years, according to a statement on the school’s website. The school enrolled about 1,000 students at its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. That has fallen to 147 students this year.