The century-old St. Athanasius Elementary School will close its doors after this school year because of low enrollment.

The announcement was made this weekend at Masses at St. Athanasius Church in West View.

Only 79 students were enrolled in August at the start of this school year. The enrollment includes students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

There is no fourth grade this year because of low enrollment.

The cost to educate each student has nearly doubled over the past seven years, from $3,681 for each of the 150 children enrolled in 2003-04. Should the school continue next fall, it would cost $7,600 for each student.

Fewer than 80 students are projected to attend the school next year, and the parish would be left with a deficit of $125,000.

A recommendation to close the school was sent in January from the pastor, Father Robert Norton, to Bishop Donald A. Zubik of the Pittsburgh Diocese.

The parish and school officials will help families register at other Catholic schools next year.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.