Jenkintown Bids Farewell to St. Basil’s Academy

The beloved St. Basil's Academy, a cherished institution in Jenkintown, prepares for demolition as the community reminisces.

News Summary

The community of Jenkintown is mourning the upcoming demolition of St. Basil’s Academy, a cherished all-girls Ukrainian-Catholic school that has served for 90 years. As the school closes its doors, alumni gather to remember the friendships and values instilled. The school’s property has been sold for development into a 55+ active adult community, reflecting a significant change in the area as local demographics shift. The impact of St. Basil’s will continue through its alumni, ensuring that the spirit of the academy remains a vital part of the town’s history.

Jenkintown Bids Farewell to a Cherished Landmark

In the quaint town of Jenkintown, a bittersweet chapter is closing as the beloved St. Basil’s Academy, an all-girls Ukrainian-Catholic school, gears up for demolition. This institution has played a pivotal role in the education of girls from the Philadelphia area for an impressive 90 years, instilling values and knowledge in the hearts of thousands.

Long History Comes to an End

After enduring challenges brought on by declining enrollment and financial pressures, exacerbated by the pandemic, the academy officially closed its doors following the 2020-2021 school year. Since its closure, the once bustling hallways have remained empty, echoing with memories of laughter and learning.

A Heartfelt Gathering

Recently, alumni gathered in front of the school to pay tribute to this treasured landmark. Emotions ran high as former students reflected on their time spent within those walls, recalling friendships forged and lessons learned. Each story shared served as a reminder of the unity and acceptance that the school consistently promoted. The warmth of camaraderie was palpable as everyone came together to celebrate their shared history.

The Legacy Lives On

The academy has been a significant part of the community, not just as an educational institution but as a linchpin in building bonds among young women. The alumni association president shared the powerful sentiment that this school has consistently inspired and educated the hearts and minds of young women, shaping them into strong individuals ready to face the world.

New Beginnings with Toll Brothers

The property has been sold to Toll Brothers for $9.5 million, with plans set in motion to construct a vibrant 55+ active adult community. This new development will feature 150 home sites along with amenities like a pool and a clubhouse, breathing new life into the area located at 711 Fox Chase Road.

Demolition Date Looms

Initially, the school was set to be demolished on April 14, but now the timeline has shifted to May. As the demolition approaches, nostalgia runs deep among those who passed through the academy’s doors. The memories may fade with the building, but they will forever remain in the hearts of those who cherished their time there.

Support for the Sisters of Saint Basil

The sale of the academy will indeed support the Sisters of Saint Basil, the owners of the property since 1911. With the significant decrease in the local population of high school-aged girls, they faced mounting financial challenges, running significant operating deficits over the years. This change will allow them to cover essential healthcare and living expenses, providing them with much-needed support as they continue their important work in the community.

A Lasting Impact

Although the physical school will no longer be present, the impact of St. Basil’s Academy will continue to live on through its alumni. The friendships formed and the values instilled in those hallowed halls will echo into the future, ensuring that the spirit of the academy remains an indelible part of Jenkintown’s history.

A Fond Farewell

As we say goodbye to this cherished institution, there’s a collective feeling that although the bricks and mortar will be replaced with new homes, the heart of St. Basil’s Academy will forever beat within those who had the privilege to call it home. As the alumni turn the page on this chapter, they carry with them cherished memories and an undeniable sense of pride.