St. Katharine Drexel Academy (SKDA) is a hidden gem in the College Area that has quietly but powerfully transformed the lives of its students.

Known for years as Blessed Sacrament School, it merged with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish School in 2018, creating a bold, innovative model of inclusive education. For many in our community, SKDA represents more than just a school—it’s a symbol of what education can and should be: a place where all students, regardless of their abilities or differences, are welcomed and supported to thrive.

But now, SKDA’s future is in jeopardy.

On Oct. 18, the Diocese of San Diego announced plans to close the school at the end of the current academic year, citing declining enrollment and financial struggles. For families and the broader community, this announcement felt abrupt and unfair. SKDA’s closure would be a significant loss—not just for the students it serves but for what it represents as a forward-thinking, inclusive educational model.

A unique approach to education

SKDA’s dedication to inclusion sets it apart. It is one of the few schools in San Diego County where students with special needs learn side by side with their peers in an environment that fosters acceptance, respect, and collaboration. Unlike many private schools, SKDA has embraced an inclusive model that benefits everyone. Research from the National Institute of Health shows that inclusive classrooms not only improve outcomes for students with special needs but also foster empathy, patience, and cognitive growth in typically developing students.

This environment prepares students for the real world, where collaboration, understanding, and respect for others’ differences are essential. SKDA’s inclusive model doesn’t just provide an education—it builds the next generation of leaders who are ready to navigate a diverse and interconnected world.

An overlooked opportunity

The decision to close SKDA feels especially harsh given the challenges it faced over the past year. Leadership changes, health-related absences, and a lack of long-term strategic planning left the school without the support it needed to address financial difficulties. These setbacks, however, should have been a call to action—not a reason to shut the doors.

After parents and community members voiced their love for SKDA and their belief in its mission, the Diocese offered a slim chance to save the school, requiring families to raise additional funds and increase enrollment in just a few short months.

Why it matters

The closure of SKDA wouldn’t just affect the families it serves; it would leave a gaping hole in the community.

The school has cultivated a culture of acceptance and innovation that’s rare in both private and public education. It’s a place where children who don’t fit into the traditional mold are celebrated for their differences and where all students learn the value of inclusion and empathy.

The ripple effects of SKDA’s closure would extend far beyond its campus. It’s a model of what education can achieve when it’s designed to serve every student, and its loss would be a setback for inclusive education in San Diego.

A call to action

There’s still time to save this remarkable school, but it will take a united effort from the community. Here’s how you can help:

• Spread the word: Share SKDA’s story with friends, family, and neighbors. The more people know about the school’s impact, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
• Donate: Every contribution helps support SKDA’s mission. Visit the school’s website to find out how to contribute.
• Consider enrollment: If you’re exploring educational options for your child, visit SKDA and see what makes it so unique.

A vision worth preserving

SKDA has built something extraordinary: a school that not only educates but also uplifts every student who walks through its doors.

The decision to close SKDA is not final. There’s still an opportunity to ensure that this remarkable institution continues to inspire and educate for years to come. But time is running out, and the community must act now.

Let’s not lose a school that shows us what education can be when it prioritizes acceptance, inclusion, and innovation.

SKDA is worth fighting for. Let’s make sure its story doesn’t end here.

Editor’s note: This is an op-ed piece from some concerned parents at St. Katharine Drexel Academy.

Courtesy photo