ELMIRA, N.Y. -- Since Elmira Christian Academy first opened its doors 47 years ago, Idella Robinson has been continuously teaching there. But she says the announcement of the school's closing didn't come as a shock.
"Not really surprised, because I know it has struggled in the past few years money-wise, as many schools have struggled in the past few years money-wise," said Robinson, who teaches second grade.
At its peak, the school had 220 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This year, it has 80 students enrolled. Some say tough economic times contributed to the decline.
"It's very hard for people in this area," said Robinson. "I mean, both parents probably are working, especially if you're paying extra money for school, when you could go to the public school. It's been hard."
School officials also say more and more parents in the area have pulled their children out of schools in favor of home-schooling.
"It's hard to compete with families who feel that it would be more advantageous for them to educate their kids from home," said Pastor David Leandre from the Elmira Christian Center.
With dwindling enrollment and less tuition money, it's been increasingly difficult for the school to make ends meet. Officials say the decision has been especially hard on parents.
"For many of them, being a part of a small Christian school is like being a part of a family. So when we say it's a difficult decision, to a lot of people, it's almost like a death in a family," explained Leandre.
The school is working with the families of students who want to transition to another Christian school at the end of the school year.