Diocese of Joliet announces school closure in Warrenville

The Diocese of Joliet today announced that low enrollment and financial challenges have forced the closure of a DuPage County school, St. Irene in Warrenville, at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The decision was made to ensure quality Catholic education in the Diocese of Joliet now and into the future.

In a letter to the school families and parishioners of St. Irene parish, Fr. Clive Otieno stated, “Your dedication to providing Catholic education for your sons and daughters makes the decision even more difficult. Please know that our prayers are with you in this most difficult time. The current circumstances that face our communities makes this announcement even more difficult.” 

The Diocese of Joliet has assured parents of its commitment to providing St. Irene students access to quality Catholic education. Fr. Otieno and the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office are assisting families in exploring registration at nearby Catholic schools. Additionally, the parish and diocese are making arrangements to provide a $500 grant to current St. Irene students who attend other Diocese of Joliet elementary schools for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.