Aquin Academy to Close Amid Declining Enrollment and Financial Concerns
Aquin Catholic Academy in Freeport, Illinois, will permanently close at the end of the current school year. The decision was announced by the Diocese of Rockford, following a recommendation from a task force led by Rev. Peter Snieg. The task force, which included input from families, faculty, alumni, and community members, cited declining enrollment as a primary reason for the closure. Currently, only 39 students are enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade, with about half identifying as Catholic. This closure follows the earlier shutdown of Aquin High School in 2024 due to similar issues. The diocese is encouraging families interested in continuing Catholic education to discuss options for tuition assistance and transportation with their pastors. 
