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St. Mary Catholic School is closing its doors after 100 years of history in the Orange area. The school is set to close its doors at the end of this academic year.

The closure stems from a lack of enrollment in the past year with the School announcing that less than 30 students are projected to enroll for the 2025-2026 school year and run a projected operational deficit of over $600,000. 

“It is with a very heavy heart that I write to share this news of our school’s closure at the end of this academic year,” said Reverend David L. Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont. “The parents of St. Mary Catholic School have placed their trust in our school, and to you, I am most especially grateful, and with you, I grieve over this news. I remain proud of the 100-year history of St. Mary and rejoice in each student who had the privilege to study here.”

All current St. Mary students will be offered half-tuition scholarships to any of the Pre-K through 8th grade schools within the Diocese. All teachers and staff are being let go and made aware of open positions in the school system. 

“We are so grateful for the hundredfold of blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon our school community during these 100 years of education in Orange, Texas’” said Sister Mary Benedicta Maier, Principal of St.Mary.

The Diocese has stated that the current proposal of the “school choice” bill currently in the Texas Legislature would not be enough to save the institution as the financial need is immediate despite the bill being a good prospect for the school.

Parents will be able to request transcripts from the school at the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Beaumont on July 1 after the school shuts down.