Students, parents and alumni of St. Raymond Academy for Girls are refusing to give up hope after learning the Bronx Catholic school will close its doors at the end of the school year.

The all-girls academy, which has served the community for more than 65 years, is set to shut down in June, which would leave many students devastated and uncertain about their future.

Despite heavy rain Sunday, students proudly marched in the Columbus Day Parade, determined to show their school spirit and raise awareness about their fight to keep the academy open.

"It's my dream school," said one student. "I've always wanted to go here, so I'm really sad about it."

The closure announcement sparked an outpouring of emotion from students who say the school is much more than a place to learn.

"Because of the sisterhood," another student explained. "I've met so many of my friends here. I've met so many people who I love here. It's a community. It's a family."

According to a letter sent to families, parish officials cited declining enrollment as the primary reason for the decision, saying the school has been operating at about half capacity.

Parents say the announcement came as a shock and left families scrambling to weigh their options for next year.

"She's not going to be with her friends," one parent said. "You go to a different school for the first time where everybody knows each other and you're the new student."

Adding to the frustration for many families is the fact that the affiliated boys high school and elementary school will remain open.

"It's honestly just aggravating because it's only the girls school that's being closed down," one student said. "The boys school is staying open, the elementary school stays open."

While the parish says tuition assistance will be available for students who transfer to two other Catholic schools in the Bronx, many students are not ready to consider leaving.

For them, St. Raymond Academy represents more than academics. It is a sisterhood, a support system and a second home.

"I just really think that if we all try to come together and try to save the school, it's going to be possible," said one student.

Students and supporters plan to continue their efforts with a rally Tuesday aimed at building community support and raising awareness about the school's future.

For now, they remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that St. Raymond Academy's story is not yet over.