Public hearing on Preston High School’s proposed closure

Attorney General James held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Lehman High School Auditorium, regarding the proposed closure of Preston High School. The hearing was attended by 500 people in person and an additional 390 people streamed the hearing online. The office received 485 comments from current and former Preston students, school staff, concerned parents, neighbors, elected officials and other stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees of Preston High School announced that the school will be closing at the end of this school year in June 2025. The school is located in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx and has 370 young women enrolled this academic year. Preston High School was established in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, as an independent, college-preparatory Catholic school.

Attorney General James examined how the decision to close Preston High School was reached, how Preston has contributed to and served Preston’s beneficiaries and the surrounding community, and how the planned closure will affect Preston’s beneficiaries and the surrounding community.

Disclaimer: This activity was not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.

The comment period is now closed. Thank you to all who provided written and oral testimony.