NEW YORK - The Archdiocese of New York will close seven Catholic schools at the end of this academic year.

The five schools in the city are St. Rose of Lima and St. Brigid in Manhattan, Our Lady Help of Christians on Staten Island, and St. Nicholas of Tolentine and St. Joseph in the Bronx.

The remaining two schools are St. Mary Elementary School in Wappingers Falls and St. Peter's Regional School in Liberty.

The Archdiocese says it's not feasible to keep educating students in buildings that are in need of significant improvements or are underutilized.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan says he wishes the circumstances were different.

"I'd rather be opening some new ones instead of closing some of the gems we got, but reality sets in. All the kids in these schools that are closing are going to be able to go to another Catholic school nearby. All but one. They'll be immediately, enthusiastically welcomed," Dolan said.

The Archdiocese says affected families will be offered applications for financial aid and scholarships for the next academic year.