Parents, students and staff in Westchester are grappling with emotional news — Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale will close at the end of this academic year.

A cornerstone of the community for more than 70 years, the school’s closure has left families shocked and heartbroken.

“It’s a lot of tears, a lot of sadness, a lot of definite anger,” said parent Peter Brown. “It’s not an easy thing for my family, and I know for the teachers, it’s devastating.”

Sacred Heart is one of three schools slated to close under a plan announced by the Archdiocese of New York, citing ongoing challenges facing Catholic education.

Teachers are also feeling the impact. Danielle Burgio, who has spent 27 years at the school, called the decision heartbreaking.

“This is such a special place. I wish they had given us another year,” she said.

In a message to families, Superintendent Mary Grace Walsh called the decision “deeply difficult,” thanking the community for its years of dedication.

For many, the closure reflects a broader trend.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s becoming less and less,” Brown said. Asked to sum up his feelings in one word: “Anger.”

The closure follows the shutdown of Transfiguration Catholic School in Tarrytown in 2024.