READVILLE -- In the face of declining enrollment, the Archdiocese of Boston announced Jan. 26 that St. Anne School in Readville will close at the end of the current academic year.

“Changing demographics in school age populations nationally and locally as well as the challenges of the current economic downturn have had an immediate impact on the parish and school. A major consideration in announcing the closing has been a significant and sustained decline in enrollment since 2006,” the archdiocese said in a statement.

According to the archdiocese, there currently are 77 students enrolled at the school, down from 136 in 2006. Projected enrollments indicate that enrollment will continue to decline to fewer than 60 students by 2011.

In addition, the archdiocese said, the parish is offsetting a current year school deficit of $130,000 in order to keep the school open until the end of the current school year.

In making the announcement, Father William F. Joyce, the pastor of St. Anne Parish said, “This decision comes after a valiant effort to keep St. Anne’s School open. To our teachers, staff, and parents I say thank you for helping sustain us this long and for your outstanding commitment to our students, their families and Catholic education. We are blessed by the tremendous outpouring of support from neighboring Catholic schools who are opening their doors to make certain every student is guaranteed a seat in one of their classrooms. We will insure to provide for a smooth and seamless transition for families.”

Current students will be offered a seat in one of the neighboring Catholic schools and teachers and staff will have the opportunity to apply for other positions at Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Boston.