All Hallows Alums Face Closure of Beloved School

Mr. Brenes and his brothers, all alumni of All Hallows, worked as janitors in the mornings before school to help cover costs. After graduation, Mr. Brenes dedicated 18 years to teaching at the school before transitioning to the role of admissions director. The closure of the school hit him hard, especially when a group from a charter school toured the building unannounced shortly after, leaving him feeling as though the closure had been rushed and insensitive.

With 325 current students at All Hallows, the decision to admit girls has led to a surge in applications, with 400 received this year compared to 243 the previous year. The introduction of girls brought new energy and traditions, such as decorating lockers on birthdays.

Daniel Pimentel, an 11th grader at All Hallows, expressed his appreciation for the positive impact the girls had on the school’s atmosphere, making the news of the closure even more devastating. The closure announcement left him in a state of shock, unable to attend school the following day.

“The girls found a home,” he said, “and now it’s happened again.”

The current mood at All Hallows is somber, with some students already transferring out. While Catholic school remains a preferred option for those who can afford it, many are expected to transition to public schools, with concerns about retaining their All Hallows scholarships. Mona, aspiring to attend Columbia University and pursue a career in neurosurgery, has been accepted at Cathedral, a Catholic school in Manhattan. Bridget, with aspirations in criminal justice, is awaiting placement in a public high school.