Latest tough break for SW Detroit: Girls' school shuts

Economic reality ends a door-opening opportunity provided by Catholic nuns on the city's southwest side for eight years:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School for Girls, which isn't part of a parish or the archdiocese, closes after this semester. Staff got the word Monday afternoon and students were informed today.

Release is at http://www.tiny.cc/pf0RY. . . and excerpted here:

An independent middle school that expanded learning opportunities for southwest Detroit girls will close at the end of this academic year for financial reasons, its sponsoring Catholic groups announced today. Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School for Girls provided faith-based education for grades six through eight since 2001.

. . . "We're proud to have helped young women believe that they can achieve success, prepare for high school and dream about their future," said Sister Gilmary Bauer of the Sisters of Mercy. "It's vital to reach young girls in the core city early and show them how education can help them succeed. We deeply regret that economic conditions have caused an end to this wonderful educational experience for our girls." . . .


Currently, 43 girls, are enrolled in classes averaging 15 students each. . . . OLG was designed with enrichment programs that included computer technology tutoring, mentoring, workplace field trips, guest speakers, and a robust after-school program. A health sciences curriculum was developed with Oakwood Healthcare System of Dearborn. The school's motto is "Values for a lifetime." . . .


The school has graduated 48 eighth-grade girls, all went on to high school. In addition, seven girls have graduated from high school and all but one of those has enrolled in college.