Diocese of Buffalo

Office of Communications

For more information, please contact Joe Martone, Communications Director at

jmartone@buffalodiocese.org, (716) 847-8743, (716) 361-1931

For Immediate Release

St. John Vianney School will not reopen for the 2025-2026 academic year

Orchard Park, NY, June 23, 2025 – Officials from St. John Vianney School announced today that

the school will not reopen for the upcoming academic year.

The parish school, located at 2950 Southwestern Blvd., in Orchard Park, concluded its academic

year last Wednesday, June 18. The school was tasked last year to reduce costs, enhance

fundraising, and increase enrollment to continue its viability. Unfortunately, enrollment targets

were not met, and the decision to close the school was reached by clerical and lay leadership of

the parish and school in close consultation with the diocese.

The announcement of school closing began today with notification of parents, faculty and staff.

“We have accepted the recommendation of the school and parish leadership to close St. John

Vianney School,” explained Bishop Michael Fisher. “We understand that this will be difficult

time for all involved, and the diocese will lend our full support for those impacted by the

decision with our overall goal to preserve Catholic elementary education going forward. ”