06/19/2025
Hello everyone!
It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors at St. John Central Academy in Bellaire, Ohio, must announce the closing of the school. This is a result of the lack of funding available to support the school.
The decision was not made lightly, as the board and school leadership exhausted every possible avenue to secure financial stability for the Academy. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, dwindling enrollment numbers and increasing operational costs made it impossible to sustain the institution. St. John Central High School and St. John Central Academy have been a cornerstone of the Bellaire community, fostering education and values for generations of students.
To all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and their families, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the years. The legacy of St. John Central High School and St. John Central Academy will live on through the achievements of its alumni and the cherished memories of those who called it their second home.
The administration is committed to assisting current students and their families in transitioning to new educational opportunities and ensuring that the closure process is as smooth as possible for all involved. Further details, including timelines and resources, will be communicated in the coming weeks.
It is our hope that the spirit of St. John Central Academy will continue to inspire and that the bonds formed here will remain unbroken. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
The annual SJC Alumni Golf Scramble will resume at the regularly scheduled time. The All-Class Reunion, however, will be postponed until further notice. The Diocese of Steubenville appointed the Board of Directors as the stewards of the remaining trophies, photos, yearbooks, banners, and other memorabilia. These items cannot be given away, sold, or pillaged. Therefore, until these items are secured, we cannot proceed with the use of the building for our reunion. SJCA sponsored the reunion each year, and we are hoping that others will take part in planning events and donating to the annual celebration in the future.
May God bless the alumni of SJC and SJCA.
Sincerely,
St. John Central Academy Board of Directors