LAKE PLACID — A local parochial school could be closed as soon as July 1.

St. Agnes School Principal Anne Bayruns said the decision came after a meeting of the parish finance committee and the Rev. Joseph Morgan Wednesday. Morgan gave her a press release to proofread Thursday that said the K-5 school would be closed due to low enrollment numbers.

“I was shocked, and I was upset about it. I asked for a little more time,” she said. “I’ve been given two weeks to get those numbers up.”

Numbers at the school are down, Bayruns said, with only 37 students enrolled for the upcoming school year.

“The parish has told me they can’t open with numbers that low,” she said.

Bayruns said she’s been the principal at St. Agnes since April 15. She also became principal at St. Bernard’s Parochial School in Saranac Lake July 1, 2008. She said she believes that, with time, she can increase enrollment. Bayruns pointed to the Saranac Lake school, where enrollment has increased from about 50 students to around 70.

“I know the same thing can happen at St. Agnes.”

Tuition last year was $1,500. That will increase to at least $1,700 for the upcoming year, she said, and could go up a little higher than that.

Increased enrollment could be on the horizon, if numbers in other programs are any indicator, Bayruns said.

Programs that serve 3-year-olds cater to 15 children, with a waiting list. Those for 4-year-olds have 18 children, also with a waiting list.

Lake Placid needs an alternative, private elementary school, Bayruns said, and St. Agnes has been that option since 1959, graduating its 50th class last week.

Bayruns said the school offers high-quality elementary education.

“Our test scores have skyrocketed. Our values are outstanding. We’re clearly a step above.”

Lake Placid resident Patricia Stanton said she’s had four children graduate from St. Agnes. That includes her youngest daughter, Laura, who graduated Friday.

“Our children received an excellent education with Christian values,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful school for us.”