Livonia's Ladywood High School to close after 68 years

LIVONIA, Mich. (WJBK) - Since 1950, all-girls Catholic school Ladywood High in Livonia has developed a reputation as both a powerhouse in sports and academics, with over 6,000 alumni. But after this year, it's closing.

"It's sad and somewhat hard to understand," said Sr. M. Alfonsa Van Overberghe, chair of Ladywood's board of trustees.

The school had difficulties, with an $11,000 tuition rate. That's not the highest of Catholic high schools, but nevertheless a
lot in tough times. And enrollment has decreased 60 percent since 2005.

"I don't think we're the only ones that the enrollment is down. We know that even public schools have closed because of enrollment," Van Overberghe said.

She says four or five of Ladywood's traditional feeder elementary schools have closed.

But Ladywood is helping other schools by offering a $500 scholarship to any student who attends another Catholic high school in southeast Michigan.