For the first time in its more than 100-year history, All Hallows Catholic High School in West Concourse is accepting female students.

News 12 visited the school during the first week of classes.

Principal Nicholas Corrado says they’d planned to go co-ed next school year but sped up the process after beloved Catholic girls school Saint Barnabas closed. Corrado said they wanted to fill in the gap for Bronx families who were left scrambling without their school community.

The Archdiocese of New York has said tuition costs and changing demographics are part of why they’ve had to close schools across the city—including 12 in the 2022-2023 school year.

Students and staff at All Hallows say they hope to set an example of how Catholic schools can evolve in an ever-changing educational landscape. Student Body President Brandon Valera, who has a long family legacy at All Hallows, told News 12 fhay students have already planned welcome events to make the transition smoother for their new classmates.

All Hallows says it’s not too late to enroll, and to contact them at 718-293-4545.