Students Rally At Philly Schools Slated To Close

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Students at a Philadelphia Catholic high school slated for closure are rallying outside the building to voice opposition for an archdiocese closure and consolidation plan that would shutter 48 schools.

Dozens of students gathered outside St. Hubert's High School for Girls early Monday carrying signs, chanting and singing the school's Alma Mater.

St. Hubert's is one of four Roman Catholic high schools slated for closure under a plan announced by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Friday. The plan would also close 44 elementary schools.

Officials in the archdiocese say declining enrollments are forcing the closures, which will displace almost 24,000 students.

The archdiocese enrollment is down 35 percent since 2001.

Students at other schools plan additional demonstrations for Monday.