The Faith Baptist School in Longmont has announced that it will close its doors for good after 45 years when the school year ends next month.
The Christian educational institution issued the following statement about its decision Monday, citing decreasing enrollment and funding:
"Faith Baptist School began in 1971 as a ministry of Faith Baptist Church. Due to decreased enrollment and funding, the decision has been made to cease operations of Faith Baptist School at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 school year. We are thankful for the many years of service to Longmont and the surrounding communities and for the many students, parents, faculty, and staff who have been a part of Faith Baptist School. We rest in God's sovereign direction and provision, and firmly believe that He uses all things for good (Romans 8:28)."
The school, founded in 1971 as a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, had about 135 students from pre-kindergarten through high school in 2011. At the time, then-principal Dan Perryman attributed declining enrollment to more charter schools in the area and a struggling economy.
Principal Jared Gunderson says student enrollment has dropped to 79, down from the school's record-high of 350 students in the 1999-2000 school year.
School officials say they're working with parents and staff as they prepare to close in May.