The closing of St. Ann's School earlier this spring was a big loss for the Hornell community. But there were some who just couldn't see the tradition of the school and the education it provided go. As our Bill Mich tells us, St. Ann's School may be closed, but St. Ann's Academy is getting ready to open its doors.

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HORNELL, N.Y. -- Declining enrollment coupled with the cost of building maintenance forced the Diocese of Rochester to close St. Ann's School at the end of the last school year. But some decided losing that faith based education wasn't an option for their kids and have put their efforts into opening a new faith based school called St. Ann's Academy. An effort that has been well received.

"It's kind of a leap of faith for people to enroll a child before they know, A) where the facility was going to be located and B) what the teachers are. So there has been tremendous response. I think the people trust this board. We have been very transparent with our approach to this school," said board member David Gray.

The school is located at 138 Main Street in the Maple City. School officials say they plan to incorporate a faith based education into the New York State curriculum, an education plan that must be approved by the Hornell District Superintendent. Currently the school is accepting kids from Pre-K through fourth grade and plan to offer a fluid learning environment.

"Students who are in first grade, let's say, will not necessarily only be working at a first grade level. If their ability allows them to move up to a higher grade level for reading or math, they'll be able to do that," said board member Laura Picco.

The new school will not be a part of the Dioceses of Rochester, but officials say they will do their best to make the transition from St. Ann's School to St. Ann's Academy a seamless transition.

"St. Ann's itself was really the center of this community that this community grew up around and I'd like to believe that what is in our hearts and what is in our minds is the same of those people that built it 150 years ago and all those who have supported it," said board member Randy Regan.

Classes begin at the new St. Ann's on September 5th.

To learn more about St. Ann's Academy, including how to enroll and tuition costs, you can visit the school's website at saacademy.org.