NASHVILLE, Ill. — St. Ann Grade School in Nashville has announced it will close its doors at the end of the academic year but will continue to operate its preschool.

The Diocese of Belleville says it will help affected families find other Catholic education programs in the region.

However, a combination of declining enrollment, difficulty hiring teachers at a lower rate of pay than public schools, and the cost of maintaining aging buildings contributed to the diocese’s decision to not only close St. Ann’s but also Notre Dame Academy in Belleville.