Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in their lifetime. The right school will provide them an educational, spiritual and social foundation, ultimately equipping them with the essential skills needed for a successful future. What they will learn within the classroom walls is an extension of your family’s beliefs and values, especially when those are based in the Catholic faith. So how can you make such a seemingly daunting decision in a city like Chicago, which offers so many options?
Established over 130 years ago in the heart of the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, St. Josaphat School (SJS) educates over 380 students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and it prides itself on offering a caring, welcoming, faith-based environment at a reasonable cost. But don’t take our word for it. Here are four reasons it stands out amongst the rest:
1. A commitment to “Enlighten, Empower, Excel”
Winner of two Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence, SJS offers the highest Catholic education through four levels — Early Childhood, Primary, Intermediate and Junior High — preparing each student for a lifetime of learning and service. In addition to language arts, math, sciences and religion, each level includes special classes in foreign languages, arts, music, physical education, library and STEM, helping students develop important skills while furthering their education.
2. Highly skilled and supportive faculty & staff
Comprised of 40 professionals, both faculty and staff are committed to encouraging each child to pursue their passions and interests, in great part thanks to the small class size with a 10 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, which enables each child to be individually nurtured spiritually, socially, intellectually and physically. Parents of current students have praised teachers for being smart, kind and invested in their child’s development under the leadership of Principal Mullens, and appreciated their commitment to in-person learning even through the challenges of the recent pandemic.
3. A welcoming faith-based community
In contrast to larger public institutions across Chicago where individuality is often overshadowed by class sizes, this small, private and faith-based school fosters a sense of community and service for both students and their families. With a variety of after-school activities and thanks to the inclusive and welcoming environment permeating the entire organization, new students and their parents will feel like part of an extended family.
4. Excellent extra-curricular activities and athletic programs
To round out a rigorous curriculum, SJS also offers a wide variety of activities and programs to suit each of their students’ interests. Their team sports program starts at the Junior level from Pre-K through 3rd grade, becoming more challenging through 7th and 8th grade, and fostering integrity, teamwork, and respect while preparing each child for competition beyond grade school. Students can also pursue interests outside of sports, with after-school clubs and programs that range from band and choir to chess or theater.
Want to learn more? Schedule a tour of St. Josaphat School or send an email to admissions@stjosaphat.net.
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