The End Of An Era: What Happened To St. Basil Academy In Jenkintown And The Shocking Future Of Its Historic Land

The story of St. Basil Academy in Jenkintown is a poignant tale of tradition meeting modern financial realities, culminating in a dramatic end for a near-century-old institution. As of late 2025, the historic campus, once a beacon of Ukrainian Catholic education for young women, is undergoing a complete transformation following its closure. The latest and most significant development is the ongoing demolition of the beloved buildings to make way for a major new residential community, marking a final, irreversible chapter in the academy's history. The news of the closure and subsequent sale sent shockwaves through the local community and its vast network of devoted alumnae. After operating for nearly 90 years, the all-girls high school, run by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, officially shut its doors, citing insurmountable financial pressures that were severely compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The property's sale and redevelopment are now the primary focus, transforming a piece of Jenkintown’s educational and architectural legacy into a luxury housing development.

The Timeline of Loss: Closure, Sale, and Demolition

The transition of St. Basil Academy from a thriving educational institution to a construction site happened quickly, leaving many alumnae and community members heartbroken. The timeline below details the critical events that led to the campus's current state.

• October 8, 2020: The Provincial Council of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great announced the decision to permanently close Saint Basil Academy at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
• Reason for Closure: The school cited long-term financial struggles, including declining enrollment and increased operational costs, which were exacerbated by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• June 3, 2021: The very last class of Saint Basil Academy graduated, marking the definitive end of the school's 90-year educational mission.
• Post-Closure Sale: The historic property, located at 711 Fox Chase Road, was acquired by the Fort Washington-based national homebuilder, Toll Brothers.
• Late 2024 / Early 2025: Reports indicated the beginning of the demolition process, including initial blasting, to clear the grounds for the new development.

The Sisters of St. Basil the Great: A Continuing Legacy

While the academy itself is gone, the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great remain a vital part of the Jenkintown and Abington Township community. The order's Motherhouse and convent are located nearby, serving as a center for their religious and charitable work. They are a Christian nonprofit organization that was founded in 1946 in the area. The Sisters, many of whom are elderly, continue to be actively involved in ministry, including supporting the Ukrainian community. Their dedication to prayer, healing, and life-giving presence continues, even as the school they founded has closed.

The Controversial Future: Toll Brothers' 55+ Community

The sale of the sprawling, historic St. Basil Academy campus to Toll Brothers immediately sparked local debate. The future of the land is now set to be a luxury active adult community, specifically targeting residents aged 55 and older. This development, while bringing new housing to the area, represents a significant change in the character of the neighborhood. The property’s location is directly across from Manor College, a key educational entity, making the transition from a place of learning to a residential enclave particularly notable.

Key Details of the New Development

The planned community will fundamentally reshape the landscape of the former academy grounds. The development is designed to cater to a demographic seeking maintenance-free, luxury living, a stark contrast to the historic academic environment it replaces. * Developer: Toll Brothers, a prominent national homebuilder. * Target Demographic: A 55-plus active adult residential community. * Location: The site at 711 Fox Chase Road, which straddles the Jenkintown and Abington Township lines. * Impact: The project involves the complete demolition of the existing school structures, including the main academy building, to construct new homes and community amenities. The demolition process, which required initial blasting, was a difficult moment for the academy's alumni. Many returned to the Jenkintown location to say a final, emotional goodbye to their alma mater before the buildings were torn down.

The Enduring Legacy of the St. Basil Belles

Despite the physical structures being removed, the spirit and legacy of St. Basil Academy remain strong through its alumnae network. For 90 years, the academy provided a rigorous college preparatory education rooted in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition. The school was known for fostering strong bonds among its students, who proudly referred to themselves as the "Belles." This network continues to operate, preserving the memory of the school, its traditions, and its impact on thousands of young women. They are the living embodiment of the school’s history. The closure of St. Basil Academy is sadly reflective of a broader trend affecting Catholic and private schools across the United States. Many are grappling with the dual pressures of rising costs and shifting demographics, making the decision to close a painful necessity for governing bodies like the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. The transformation of this historic Jenkintown site into a modern residential community is a powerful symbol of an era's end and the relentless march of real estate development.

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