Once a beacon of education, Annunciation School whispers tales of a bygone era. It stood at 461 West 131st Street in Manhattanville. This Roman Catholic elementary school opened its doors in 1852. Initially, it was a school solely for boys.
Annunciation School was closely tied to the Annunciation Church parish. It operated under the Archdiocese of New York. The school building itself was dedicated in 1907. Imagine the countless children who passed through those doors.
The school’s story has several chapters. The Christian Brothers of Manhattan College initially ran a school for boys. This was after the parish establishment in 1852. It was first on college property and then in a small building. This building was located on West 131st Street and Amsterdam Avenue. People knew it as the Brothers’ School.
A boarding school for girls was established in 1850. The Religious of the Sacred Heart oversaw it. It was on Manhattanville College property. It was known as the Convent School. A new school building arose on West 130th St/Convent Ave in 1872. Sadly, a fire destroyed it, but it was rebuilt in 1888.
The Christian Brothers continued to manage Annunciation School until 1922. Manhattan College then moved away from the area. Auxiliary Bishop John J. Dunn engaged the Dominican Sisters. They came from St. Mary of the Springs in Columbus, OH. They taught and administered Annunciation School.
A significant change came in 1952. The Religious of the Sacred Heart and Manhattanville College relocated. This left the girls’ school without teachers. The girls joined the boys’ school. The Girls’ School building was leased out. It eventually became part of City College of New York. By 1953, Annunciation School had 425 boys and 415 girls.
Under Fr. Thomas Donnelly, a new addition was built in 1961. He was pastor of Annunciation Church. The parish bought and demolished three apartment buildings on Amsterdam Avenue. The cornerstone was laid in 1963. Bishop Edward Dargin dedicated the new building on May 31, 1964.
In 1977, the Piarist Fathers took over the pastoral guidance of the church. They then oversaw the school. In 1978, the Dominican Sisters relinquished administration. Some sisters remained as teachers for a while. The Piarist Fathers focus on educating youth worldwide.
Annunciation School faced its closure in 2013. At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, it shut down permanently. Today, a network charter school uses the building.
Though Annunciation School no longer operates, its legacy endures. It represents a significant part of New York City’s educational history. The school contributed to the lives of countless students and families. It stands as a testament to faith, community, and the pursuit of knowledge.