Nazareth High In Brooklyn Will Remain Open After Fundraising Effort

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Cheers erupted Wednesday night in Brooklyn as the principal of Nazareth High School announced the institution would remain open.

"The 'Save The School' campaign has met the three goals that were set to us," principal Providencia Quiles announced to applause inside the school's gymnasium.

1010 WINS' Holli Haerr Speaks With Students Of The School

Nazareth, which boasts an impressive athletic and academic track record that includes championship basketball teams and a 98 percent graduation rate, was marked for closure following financial problems and sluggish enrollment.

However, the East Flatbush school got a second chance when the board laid down three conditions last month to keep Nazareth open.

Those conditions included getting 80 kids enrolled into the freshman class, developing a business plan and raising $700,000 by April 15 -- all of which were met.

Quiles said students, alumni and staff were all involved in fundraising and that a benefactor loaned the school $500,000.

Students said they felt all along that the school would come through.

"We all kind of knew in the back of our heads that while this could never happen to our school because we're just a good institution -- how could we ever close?" one student told 1010 WINS' Holly Haerr.

That said, he worked hard to save the school so other students could have the opportunities he has had.

"I felt like a ton was just lifted off my shoulders," another student said.

"The teachers and the staff make you feel like it's a second family," one freshman told Haerr.

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