ST. LOUIS– While the Archdiocese of St. Louis begins the public process that could lead to parish closures as part of a plan to better position itself for the future amid dropping attendance figures, it has apparently already decided the fate of two high schools.

St. Mary’s High School, located on more than 27 acres at 4701 S. Grand in the city of St. Louis since 1931, will close as an affiliated school of the Archdiocese at the end of the current academic year, with hopes of remaining open as an independent Catholic high school, according to a letter shared with school families. School leaders and representatives of the archdiocese did not respond to questions Tuesday night ahead of a Wednesday morning news conference.

The Archdiocese confirmed Wednesday to students at Rosati-Kain High School, which has been located at Lindell and Newstead since 1919, what it reportedly told faculty on Tuesday. The school will also close at the end of the current academic year.

“While we are very surprised and disappointed with their decision, the mission of St. Mary’s High School is too vital to our students, our community, and our region to let it go away. We are already working with influential alumni and business leaders to review all alternative options to operate as a Catholic high school independent of the Archdiocese,” the letter said.

St. Louis Alderman Shane Cohn, who is listed as a member of the St. Mary’s Board of Directors, said on Twitter that “The decision by @archstl is disappointing, and really absurd given the mission of the school and church, but it’s not over for the students, faculty, or campus. Proud to have @StMarysDragons in Dutchtown.”

The online application process for prospective students at Archdiocese high schools is set to open next week, with open houses scheduled for November.

In a news release, the Archdiocese said it was making the announcement now to give families time to evaluate other educational options for enrollment, noting the availability of similar institutions within a 12 to 15 mile radius of both schools. The announcement also gives staff time to find new employment.

Amid declining enrollment, the Archdiocese closed Trinity High School, located in Spanish Lake, at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. John F. Kennedy High School in West St. Louis County closed at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.

St. Mary’s has emerged in recent years as a local prep football powerhouse, winning the Missouri Class 3 state championship last November.