The General Administration of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart announced the order has decided to close D’Youville Academy in June, 1969 because of a shortage of religious teachers.

The private, girls school which opened in 1960 had an enrollment of 118 this school year and 31 graduates.

Sister Mary Charlotte GNSH, principal, announced the planned closing of the school in a letter to parents. She said, “The Grey Nuns owe gratitude to all who have assisted us. The many comments of regret, appreciation and commendation during the past week bear testimony to belief in this school. Although the Grey Nuns are unable to continue at the academy we will cooperate with any plans which might be made regarding its future.”

She told the Bulletin that she would like to emphasize that the congregation made the decision because of a shortage of religious teachers.

In a statement, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan praised the order for “giving Atlanta girls a top-rate education at the secondary level and a vision of life that they will not easily forget.’

He said efforts are being made by friends of the school to obtain the services of other religious communities to continue it. “It is my sincere hope that during the next two years while the Grey Nuns are continuing the school, the parents and friends of D’Youville will be able to interest another order to fill this need for our young women. The Archdiocese of Atlanta will cooperate with them in every way,” the archbishop said.

In the letter to parents, Sister Charlotte said, “We strongly assure you that our efforts on behalf of your daughters will suffer no diminution. Rather, our educational program will improve during these last two years in order that our students may be duly compensated for this disappointment.

“The decision is a painful one. Dedicated teachers have spent themselves for your daughters, and we do feel that all who attended D’Youville Academy have benefited in many ways. You, in turn, have been a loyal support in this short endeavor, and the fruits of our combined efforts will certainly endure.”