Florida Catholic | St. Michael School to Close

St. Michael School to close at end of current school year

Published: 02.29.08

PENSACOLA | The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Catholic Schools Office announced Feb. 19 that effective with the end of the current school year, St. Michael Interparochial School, 601 N. Palafox, in Pensacola, will cease operations. The announcement was made in a series of meetings with board members, staff and parents. St. Michael School has enjoyed a long and distinguished history of providing high-quality Catholic education for the people of Pensacola.

This decision came about as a result of careful study and much prayer, according to Deacon Jeff Trumps, chief financial officer for the diocese. “As it is with many school systems within Florida, both public and private, the demographics of a declining school-age population coupled with rising costs in a number of areas have brought about this decision. With resources that are limited, and with a desire to continue to provide the highest quality Catholic education for all of the students entrusted to our care, it is prudent that as good stewards we take this step at this time. We chose to announce the closing at this time to allow students and staff to make smooth transitions to other schools.”

Susan Mueller, superintendent of schools for the diocese, said, “We commit to place as many current students as possible in the other Catholic elementary schools. As many staff members as possible will be welcomed into positions within our other Catholic schools. While we continue to explore alternate uses for the facilities at St. Michael, no decision as to future use has been made at this time. There are no plans at this time to consolidate any other schools within the diocese.”

“St. Michael School has played a vital and significant role in Catholic education in Escambia County for many, many years, so it is with mixed feelings that we announce this closing,” said Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ. “While it is a sad occasion for the St. Michael School family, it is a move that reinforces our Catholic education system as a whole. I remain optimistic about the future of our schools and the value that they bring not only to the members of the church, but to the entire community. This is a positive action that will allow us to move forward with strong, vibrant Catholic schools, and I have great hope that it will help ensure that the entire system remains robust and sustainable.”

Information for students and staff

Students: As many students as possible who desire to enroll in other Catholic schools will be accommodated. Space is available, although not in all grades in all schools. Books and uniforms will be provided for current St. Michael students at other schools for the coming year, and registration fees paid will cover registration fees at other schools (Little Flower, Sacred Heart, St. John the Evangelist and St. Paul; Little Flower and St. John the Evangelist have the largest number of spaces available).

Staff: Insofar as possible, those who desire to continue to serve in Catholic schools will be afforded priority in applying for openings in other Catholic schools. Those who transfer to other Catholic schools will maintain their years of seniority in employment and benefits.

Questions? Contact the Catholic Schools Office at 850-435-3500.

History and tradition of St. Michael

In late June 1877, seven Sisters of Mercy set sail from New Orleans to visit Pensacola preparatory to the opening of a school, as requested by Bishop John Quinlan of Mobile, Ala. Plans were finalized and St. Michael School was officially opened Sept. 8, 1877. The school was located on Palafox Street, at the approximate site of the present downtown walkway between Jefferson and Palafox streets, and opened with an enrollment of 300 children. The first class was graduated in 1886.

In 1910, a new St. Michael School was opened on the corner of Chase and Baylen streets, with classes from first grade through high school. State accreditation was granted to both high school and elementary schools in 1939, making St. Michael the first grade school in Florida to be awarded accreditation from the state of Florida. In 1941, St. Michael High School ceased to exist when Catholic High School of Pensacola — which later became known as Pensacola Catholic High School — was founded.

In 1961, St. Michael Elementary School was transferred to the present school location and became an interparochial school (a school that is not aligned with a particular parish) at that time. The new campus, with six sisters and two lay teachers, provided instruction in grades one through eight. The school received its first Florida Catholic Conference accreditation in 1973.

The list of St. Michael alumni includes many prominent Pensacola citizens who are leaders within their professions and within the community and beyond.

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St. Michael School to close at end of current school year

Information for students and staff

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