EAST BOSTON -- St. Mary Star of the Sea School announced April 10 that it will close at the end of the school year, June 2008.

A combination of factors, such as declining enrollment and a large financial deficit, have contributed to the school needing to close, according to a press release issued by the Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Boston.

“Enrollment has declined 40 percent since 2004 to 164 students, down from 275. The projection for 2008/2009 is 90 students,” the release said.

The Catholic Schools Office for the archdiocese is working to insure that families that wish to continue the education of their children in a Catholic school will be able to do so. Other Catholic schools in the area will welcome students from St. Mary Star of the Sea School, the release said.

East Boston Central Catholic School and Immaculate Conception School in Revere are the closest schools to St. Mary’s with available space to accommodate all of the students impacted. The 13 faculty and staff members affected by the closing will be placed on a priority list for openings in other Catholic schools for September 2008, according to the release.

“We are grateful for the many wonderful years and generations of students who have been educated at St. Mary’s in East Boston,” said Father John Kilmartin, FDP, pastor of St. Joseph St. Lazarus Parish.

“While we are forced to announce the closing of the school, we take comfort in the reality that we have been graced because of the contributions of thousands of students, families, teachers and staff since 1888,” he added.