January 25-31, 2026
Catholic Schools Directory See what’s inside...
Cathedral of St. Raymond School......................pages 12 & 13
ADDRESS: 608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435
PHONE: 815-722-6626
WEBSITE: www.straymondgradeschool.org
PRINCIPAL: Ms. Marjorie Hill
CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Bill Dewan
Holy Family School ....................................................................page 6
ADDRESS: 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404
PHONE: 815-725-8149
WEBSITE: www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school
PRINCIPAL: Mr. Anthony Wilkinson
CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Brad Baker
Joliet Catholic Academy .....................................pages 15 & 16
ADDRESS: 1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435
PHONE: 815-741-0500
WEBSITE: www.jolietcatholicacademy.org
PRINCIPAL: Dr. Jeffrey Budz
Providence Catholic Children’s Academy.............pages 8 & 9
ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451
PHONE: 815-485-7129
WEBSITE: www.wearepc.org
PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Laura McErlean
PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis, OSA
Providence Catholic High School .................................. page 8
ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451
PHONE: 815-485-2136
WEBSITE: www.providencecatholic.org
PRINCIPAL: Mr. Paul Houston
PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis, OSA
Queen of Apostles ........................................................... page 5
ADDRESS: 130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet IL 60435
PHONE: 815-630-4404
WEBSITE: queenofapostlesjoliet.net
PRINCIPAL: Mr. Bob Tyrell
CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Michael Lane
Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy .............. page 7
South Campus (PreK-3rd Grade):
1201 S. Washington Street, Lockport (815) 838-4494
North Campus (4th-8th Grade):
529 Madison Street, Lockport (815) 838-8173
WEBSITE: www.SDJacademy.org
PRINCIPAL: Thomas Newton
PASTOR: Fr. Dan Hoehn
St. Joseph Academy and Montessori-based Preschool ....................................... page 14
ADDRESS: 403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435
PHONE: 815-723-4567
WEBSITE: www.sjajoliet.org
PRINCIPAL: Jan Novotny
St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox) .......................... page 4
ADDRESS: 241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451
PHONE: 815-485-2549
WEBSITE: www.stjudes.org/school
PRINCIPAL: Ms. Colleen Carroll CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Ray Flores, OSA
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School ............................... page 3
ADDRESS: 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield IL 60544
PHONE: 815-436-3953
WEBSITE: www.smischool.org
PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jennifer Errthum CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. John Horan
St. Mary Nativity Catholic School ...................... pages 10 & 11
ADDRESS: 702 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435
PHONE: 815-722-8518
WEBSITE: www. stmarynativity.org
PRINCIPAL: Dr. Elias Alonzo
CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Clive Otieno
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School Celebrating 70 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
For 70 years, St. Mary Immaculate School (SMI) has been a trusted cornerstone of Catholic education in Plainfield, forming students who are confident, compassionate, and prepared for the future. Founded to serve a growing Catholic community, SMI continues its mission today by educating the whole child - mind, heart, and spirit - through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
At the core of an SMI education are three essential pillars: faith, academic excellence, and growth beyond the classroom. Students are nurtured in a safe, family-centered environment where they are known, supported, and challenged to become their best selves. With strong resources in faith formation, reading, and special education support, SMI ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Faith is woven into everyday life at SMI. Through daily prayer, meaningful classroom instruction, liturgies, and service opportunities, students learn to live their faith with purpose. We work closely with families to strengthen each child’s spiritual foundation and encourage faith-filled lives at home and in the community.
Academically, SMI is known for excellence. Dedicated and passionate teachers inspire students to
think critically, work diligently, and strive for personal achievement. Our graduates consistently earn honor roll recognition at both public and private high schools, a testament to the strong preparation they receive.
Beyond academics, students thrive through athletics, fine arts, student council, and enrichment clubs that foster leadership, creativity, teamwork, and confidence. These experiences help students discover their God-given talents and grow into well-rounded individuals.
The success of St. Mary Immaculate School reflects a powerful partnership among committed educators, engaged families, and motivated students all within a loving, faith-filled community. Our numerous Herald News Readers’ Choice Awards further affirm this legacy of excellence.
We remain rooted in what truly matters: faith and family. At St. Mary Immaculate, we are honored to partner with families in nurturing the gift of faith and learning in their children.
To learn more, contact us at 815-436-3953, visit www.smischool.org or follow us on Instagram @ smischool_1955 and Facebook to see our mission in action.
Unity
St. Jude School provides students an educational environment where they can learn and live their Catholic faith.
Learning and Living Our Faith: St. Jude Catholic School Builds Minds, Hearts, and Community
OUR SCHOOL PROUDLY OFFERS:
Strong academic curriculum
3 & 4 year old preschool half day & full day options
1:1 iPads Kindergarten-8th grade
Small class sizes that enrich social interactions among peers
Before and after school program
Athletic programs
Extra-curricular clubs
At the heart of New Lenox, St. Jude Catholic School stands as a vibrant educational foundation rooted in faith, academic excellence, and community. Guided by its mission, Learning and Living Our Faith, St. Jude Catholic School is inspired by the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love, providing students with a safe, nurturing, and faith-based education grounded in the mission of Jesus Christ.
St. Jude School believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. Working in partnership with families, the school empowers students to reach their fullest potential through a shared commitment to its core values. Unity calls the community to be united in mind and heart as they respond to the invitation of faith. Truth encourages students to know Jesus in mind, body, and spirit through the pursuit of academic excellence. Love inspires students to live out Jesus’ call by serving others and leading lives rooted in compassion and respect.
Serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, as well as offering preschool programs for children ages 3 and 4, St. Jude School provides a comprehensive curriculum approved by the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office and aligned with Illinois State Standards. All textbooks and instructional materials meet or exceed the same requirements as Illinois public schools. The curriculum emphasizes individual needs, strong foundational skills, and
the development of positive self-images, ensuring that each child is supported academically, socially, and spiritually. Academic excellence is a hallmark of St. Jude School. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention and innovative instruction, including 1:1 iPads for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and state-of-the-art technology throughout the school. Junior high students receive Spanish instruction, and standardized testing results consistently exceed local and national averages in reading, math, social studies, and science. Students participate in iReady testing three times annually to monitor progress and support continued growth. Beyond the classroom, St. Jude offers a rich student experience that includes before- and after-school care, competitive and recreational athletic programs, and a wide variety of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that help students discover their interests and talents.
Committed to making Catholic education accessible, St. Jude School provides multiple tuition assistance options for families in Kindergarten through 8th grade. These include the St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship, which can offer up to 50% tuition assistance, as well as Catholic Education Foundation Grants and a Tuition Transfer Grant. Notably, 25% of graduating eighth-grade students earn academic scholarships to their chosen high schools, reflecting the school’s strong academic preparation.
The pros and cons of students working during the school year
Adolescence is marked by various changes, including teenagers’ desire to be more independent. Working may be a priority at this stage in life, as teens may find themselves with financial responsibilities, such as money needed for date nights or hobbies, or having to pay for gas and car insurance after getting their driver’s license. Some teens may need to contribute financially to their household to help make ends meet.
Working can be a transformative experience for teenagers. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Committee on the Health and Safety of Child Labor says having a paying job at some time during high school has become a near-universal occurrence. Some youth begin to work informally at around age 12 by doing odd jobs and babysitting. By the age of 16, adolescents are more likely to have formal jobs with consistent hours. But working comes with certain pros and cons that families must consider, particularly if kids hope to work during the school year.
THE PROS
The primary draw of adolescent employment is financial independence. Having a job enables teens to earn their own money. That income can be used for their own interests or to save for future expenses. This may be the first time teens learn about money management and financial responsibility.
Another benefit is teens are able to gain work experience. This helps teens develop essential skills like time management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Having jobs throughout adolescence can enhance a professional résumé and future job prospects. Work experience also can look good on college applications, as it shows a more well-rounded individual.
Walden University says holding down a job can give teenagers confidence and help them feel more capable. Furthermore, working gives teens something to do, helping to avoid boredom and keeping kids out of trouble.
THE CONS
Although there are many benefits to working during adolescence, it does come with some down sides. Working may negatively affect academic performance, particularly when teens work too many hours each week. Choosing work over study and homework can cause grades to slip. Working long hours also may cut into the required eight to 12 hours of sleep most adolescents require to function optimally.
Jobs also may require a significant time commitment, which can cut into hours that could be spent doing other things. Many students must make a choice between employment and sports as both take up considerable chunks of time.
Taking on a job can contribute to stress and burnout for teens who have trouble juggling all of their responsibilities. Working creates a Catch-22 situation where teens need money to socialize, but then have less time to be social. Many teens also work tedious jobs that can spark a less than favorable impression of working. According to data from ASCD®, a global leader of professional learning resources, research has found that most jobs held by high schoolers do not teach skills that can lead to any kind of career advancement. It may be better to wait to get a job that offers more substance.
It is up to families to decide if a part-time job is right for a student during the school year.
Holy Family School
Our family is your family — a place where children are known, loved, and supported.
Holy Family School is a place where children grow academically, emotionally, physically, and—most importantly— spiritually. As a Catholic school in the Diocese of Joliet, Holy Family School is committed to teaching more than academics; it is dedicated to forming the whole child in mind, body, and spirit. High academic expectations are paired with individualized instruction, as teachers seek creative and meaningful ways to challenge each student at their own academic level. At the same time, compassion remains at the heart of everything we do. Our educators recognize that children learn best when they feel supported, valued, and known, and they work intentionally to meet students where they are while encouraging them to reach their full potential. Faith is woven into the daily life of Holy Family School. Students grow in their relationship with Christ through prayer, religious instruction, service opportunities and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. These experiences help
students develop strong moral values, a sense of responsibility, and a deep understanding of what it means to live out their faith through kindness, service, and leadership. Beyond the classroom, Holy Family School offers opportunities that support students’ physical and emotional development through extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, and a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to use their gifts and talents, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships with peers and staff alike. At Holy Family School, students and staff consistently go above and beyond to grow individually and together as a school family. We strive for excellence always and growth each day, celebrating both academic achievements and personal milestones along the way. While preparing students for success in today’s world, Holy Family School is also focused on shaping future leaders who are grounded in faith, guided by compassion, and prepared for their future pursuits in life.
Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy
FAITH – SERVICE – ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WE ARE SDJCA
Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy is a dual-campus academy, serving students preschool through 3rd grade (South Campus) and 4th through 8th grade (North Campus).
Our school, built upon the strong foundations of the original St. Dennis and St. Joseph Catholic schools, provides the opportunity for Catholic elementary education to thrive in Lockport and surrounding communities. This unique two campus structure is blessed to have the support of St. Dennis and St. Joseph Parishes, both rich in faith and tradition.
The mission of SDJCA is to provide the environment, resources, structure and opportunities to educate children in the Catholic tradition in order to develop them as responsible, educated citizens and active members of the Catholic Church. SDJCA will strive to instill in each child the pillars of their faith; the need for charity and service; the importance of liturgy, prayer and sacraments; and a knowledge of their culture, history and technology in an environment of academic excellence
The South Campus at 1201 S. Washington Street serves younger students. It features a separate Early Learning Center building, for 3 & 4 year old learners, with an enclosed playground for preschool students. Kindergarten
Preschool - 8 Grade th
Sunday, January 25 - 11:00am -1:30pm th
through 3rd grade students learn in the main campus building in a nurturing, faith-filled environment, enhanced by the use of iPads.
The North Campus at 529 Madison Street is perfect for transitioning middle schoolers into high school. 4th through 8th grade students learn in a faithfilled nurturing environment, featuring a building with a full science lab and a gymnasium with a stage and new athletic floor. Middle school students further develop their academic skills using 1:1 laptops, interactive boards and advanced technology.
Extended care is offered and Art, Music and Physical Education classes are taught on both campuses. Extra-curriculars include Athletics, Band, Choir, Drama, Chess Club, Honor Society and much more at the North Campus. Sacraments and weekly Mass are celebrated on both campuses, allowing students to experience a unified Catholic curriculum and continue their spiritual growth.
The public is invited to an Open House on Sunday, January 25th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at both campuses in Lockport. For more information, call the South Campus at (815) 838-4494 and/or the North Campus at (815) 838-8173.
At SDJCA, we proudly offer: Weekly Mass & Daily Religion Rigorous Curriculum 1:1 iPads (K-3) & Laptops (4-8) Advanced Math for 8 Graders th Honor Society After School Tutoring Extended Care (AM & PM) Updated Campus Security Year-round Athletics Art, Music & P.E. Band, Choir & Drama
Register Today Our Early Learning Center is Expanding! No more wait lists! Secure your child’s spot for Fall 2026 for the best education in town… SDJCA!
Providence Catholic Children’s Academy Open House scheduled for Sunday, January 25th
Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA) was opened in 1992. Under the director of the Joliet Diocese, it served the religious and educational needs of children who are members of the New Lenox and surrounding communities. It is located on the campus of Providence Catholic High School at 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. in New Lenox. Preschool children, ages 3-4, have the choice of full or half-day classes. Kindergarten children, ages 5-6, attend school 5 full days a week. Before and after school care is also available to students on a full-time or as needed basis.
All teachers at PCCA possess a bachelor’s degree or greater. They provide a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. This environment encourages children to develop a positive self-concept, while allowing them to grow on many levels.
Tuition includes books and in school field trips. There are no required parent volunteer hours, and all fundraising is optional. Free occupational, speech and developmental screenings are offered to all PCCA students in the fall.
Our open house and registration for the 2026-2027 school year is on Sunday, January 25th from 9:00-11:00.
Please call or email Mrs. Laura McErlean at lmcerlean@ providencecatholic.org with any questions or visit the school’s website at www.wearepc.org
PROVIDENCE
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Truth. Unity. Love
Proud to Celebrate Catholic Schools Week!
Providence Catholic in New Lenox is founded on truth, unity, and love. We invite you to learn more about the Celtic family! Choosing a high school is like selecting a second home for the next four years. It’s where you’ll create memories, explore new academic paths, develop athletic skills, and forge forever friendships. Providence Catholic offers:
Excellence in academics A tradition of athletic excellence Spiritual growth An array of clubs & organizations Dual credit for college Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Discover the Joy of Faith-Filled Education at St. Mary Nativity Catholic School! DEEPLY
COMMITTED. CHRIST AT HEART.
Imagine a school where your child thrives academically, grows spiritually, and builds lifelong values in a warm, supportive community. At St. Mary Nativity Catholic School in Joliet, IL, we nurture the whole child—mind, body, and soul—preparing them for success.
From preschool through 8th grade, our faith-based curriculum blends rigorous academics aligned with Illinois and Diocese of Joliet standards, immersive Catholic teachings, including weekly Mass and sacramental preparation, and exciting opportunities like:
• Hands-on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities
• Fine arts, music, and creative expression
• Robust athletics and a variety of clubs and extracurriculars that spark passion and build teamwork
• Academic support tailored to every student’s needs
• Practical family support, including a free breakfast and lunch program, affordable tuition rates with financial assistance available, bus service, and extended aftercare
We are proud to maintain high educational standards through diocesan oversight and accreditation processes. Here, every child is cherished as a unique creation of God, surrounded by a community that lives our faith daily.
Join Us for Catholic Schools Week 2026: United in Faith and Community! We’re kicking off an exciting week of celebration—come see our vibrant school in action!
• Sunday, January 25: Celebrating Our Parish. Join us at 11:00 a.m. Mass, followed by our Open House from 12:00–2:00 p.m.! Tour the classrooms, meet teachers and families, and explore our legacy “Through the Decades.” Alumni—we’d love to welcome you back!
• Monday, January 26: Community Appreciation Day. Mismatched fun and inspiring community speakers.
• Tuesday, January 27: Student Appreciation Day. Dress down, pancake breakfast, games or movie with popcorn, pep rally—and no homework day!
• Wednesday, January 28: Celebrating Vocations. All-school Mass, shared Rosary, religious speaker, and student spiritual bouquets.
• Thursday, January 29: Celebrating the Nation. Red, white, and blue spirit, Pledge of Allegiance, and veteran guests.
The Cathedral of St. Raymond School
Our mission is to provide a joy-filled community, rooted in the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Cathedral of St. Raymond School has been a pillar in the community for over 100 years and continues to be a school of choice for over 230 families. Our mission is to provide a joy-filled community, rooted in the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ. We partner with parents to help each child reach their greatest academic, social and spiritual potential. Students and families find belonging and value and are invited into lasting relationships that form our community.
Located in the historic Cathedral area of Joliet, St. Raymond School educates over 350 students in 3-year-old PreSchool through 8th grade. Our challenging curriculum is taught by a team of experienced, faith-filled and certified teachers with an average of 15 years teaching experience, many who have been recognized with accolades and awards. In addition to core subjects, students are taught art, music, physical education and computer technology. Our 6th-8th grade students also take Spanish class and participate in a 1:1 Chromebook initiative.
St. Raymond School believes in offering our students a strong student life experience. We offer a robust athletic program, starting with intramural basketball in 1st grade, and then cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, volleyball and track and field in 5th – 8th grade. The focus of our program is on teamwork, responsibility, resiliency, discipline and, of course, fun!
In addition to sports, we offer a vast array of extracurricular activities from band, choir, a variety show and Spring Musical to Academic Bowls, Student Council, and Battle of the Books – St. Ray’s truly has something for everyone! There are also many incredible opportunities for students to connect with the community through volunteer and outreach programs.
Mass is celebrated every week and a class leads the mass as lectors, gift bearers, musicians and altar servers. Each month our students meet with their assigned Faith Buddy to work on building a faith-based relationship with one another. Our 1st and 8th grade students participate in our Big Friend/Little Friend program which offers them special sharing and friendship opportunities throughout the school year and lasts even long after they have graduated.
We want families to feel St. Ray’s is an option for them without feeling intimidated by the cost of tuition. Our goal is to fill our classrooms with families who believe in our mission and want an education rooted in faith, excellence, and community. For the 2025-2026 school year, we gave out over $105,000 in scholarships to school families.
We invite prospective families with students in preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade to our Open House on Saturday, January 24th from 4:00pm-6:00pm to tour our school and classrooms, meet our faculty, staff, and current parents and receive application information. Advanced registration is required. Check our website for the link to sign up.
Students interested in transferring into 2nd-8th grade should contact the school office to arrange a tour during the school week.
More information about our school can be found at www.straymondgradeschool. org and Facebook and Instagram at @CathedralofStRaymond.
We are confident in the experience we provide to our school families! Come discover for yourself what makes St. Raymond School a school of choice for families in the Joliet, Plainfield, and Shorewood area!
Did you know?
Families have their own reasons for choosing private school over public, and class size may factor into those decisions. According to U.S. News and World Report, the student-to-teacher ratio at private schools in 2021 was 12.5 students per teacher, lower than the average 15.4 at public schools. The National Center for Education Statistics says public schools have an average class size of 25 students, compared to 19 students per class in private schools. ThoughtCo. indicates public school classes can be as large as 25 to 30 students, particularly in urban neighborhoods, while most private schools keep their classes limited to 10 to 15 students. Freemont University reports that students learn faster and perform better in smaller classes. Those in classes with fewer than 20 students often get more individualized attention, participate with greater frequency, and have better communication with the teacher.
BS244849
The threat a sedentary lifestyle poses to kids
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Too often children aren’t spending enough time being physically active, and they could pay a hefty price for that as kids and adults.
The digital age has altered childhood for millions of youngsters. Whereas kids once spent much of their free time engaging in unstructured play, typically doing so outdoors, modern kids now live more sedentary lives indoors. Low energy sitting or reclining while looking at a phone or playing video games means children are spending more time than ever in inactive states, which can lead to long-term, negative health consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 24 percent of children between the ages of six and 17 participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The World Health Organization reports that more than 80 percent of the world’s school-aged adolescent population is insufficiently physically active. Here’s a look at how this lack of exercise is affecting children.
• Increased childhood obesity: Inactivity is directly tied to the global rise in childhood obesity, as sedentary behavior reduces metabolic rates and alters how the body processes fats and sugars, says the WHO.
• Reduction in cardiovascular fitness: Without regular exertion, the lungs and heart will not develop the same efficiency as they would if kids were physically active. According to data published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, sedentary childhood habits can contribute to arterial stiffness, which is a precursor to heart disease.
• Potential for weaker bone structures: Bone density is built through weight-bearing exercises like jumping and running. Sedentary children run the risk of entering adulthood with weaker bones, potentially leading to orthopedic issues and higher rates of fractures.
• Adverse psychological effects: Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in the body like endorphins and dopamine. Highly sedentary children may be at an elevated risk for anxiety and depression because they are not reaping the benefit of these natural mood boosters.
• Decreased cognitive function: Cognitive function could be impacted by low physical movement, which decreases blood flow to the brain, says the National Institutes of Health.
Children can benefit from being active, as it offers protective benefits against various health ailments that can manifest during childhood and even later in life.
Joliet Catholic Academy
Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 156 years of Catholic education in the Will County area, is built on the belief that Angels and Hilltoppers are champions of their faith in the classroom, after school, and on the playing field. JCA is a family of 560 current students and over 28,000 alumni. JCA is the number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities.
JCA’s alumni are lawyers, doctors, Catholic nuns and priests, teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters, and more. JCA graduates continually thrive in leadership positions in the Joliet community and beyond; elected officials, leaders on volunteer boards, school superintendents, school principals, athletic directors, and collegiate and professional athletes, Olympic medalists, Fortune 500 company CEOs, Hollywood producers, and box office stars are counted among its graduates.
JCA was founded on the principles that drive the missions of the Carmelites and Franciscans. Students experience opportunities to foster their spiritual awareness through daily prayer, liturgical experiences, Christian service within the community, and retreats. Angels and Hilltoppers are challenged to bring a deeper meaning to all aspects of their lives by following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.
JCA offers Advanced Placement courses and college dual credit options in addition to three levels of study. Student schedules are built to meet their individual needs. JCA offers 35 Honors, Dual Credit, and AP classes. This year, JCA students achieved a 67% pass rate on AP exams, a higher rate than the state and national averages. In the Class of 2025, 22 students were named Illinois State Scholars and attended 62 different colleges in 19 states. The Class of 2025 earned over $21.8 million in scholarship dollars.
Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-to-one program, utilizing the Warning Family Innovation Research Center. This state-of-the-art facility broadens their horizons with exciting new electives in Robotics, Engineering, and Computer Science. JCA was proud to be selected as a Microsoft Showcase School for the fourth year in a row and currently has six Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts on the faculty.
Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extracurricular involvement plays a significant role in developing the discipline and competitive spirit required for academic success. Every student at JCA has excellent opportunities to compete at many levels in 23 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program.
JCA is home to the Angels and Hilltoppers who have a rich athletic tradition with
37 State and National Championships. The Hilltoppers brought home the Class 5A football runner-up state trophy last school year and accomplished the same the year prior. The Angels and Hilltoppers had representation at the IHSA State final by 8 of their teams from 10 of our 23 programs in 2024-2025 school year.
All students have the opportunity to be creative, to be unique, to build confidence, and to be their best self. The award-winning JCA Drama Department annually puts on a Fall Play and Spring Musical. The play and musical, hosted at Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre is one of the hottest tickets in town, with all performances expected to sell out. JCA offers a Christmas Concert and Spring Concert, with the opportunity to participate in Marching Band and English Handbells performances as well.
Applications are still being accepted for the incoming Class of 2030 and for current high school students interested in transferring. JCA awarded nearly $2.4 million dollars in scholarships to current students during the 2024-2025 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to 50% off tuition, funded through several sources including the JCA Endowment, the Catholic Education Foundation, the Kazma Family Foundation, and over 65 yearly scholarships established by JCA alumni, families, and friends. Prospective students are also eligible to receive merit-based awards, which include the Franciscan-Carmelite Top Scorer Scholarships on the JCA Entrance Exam and the JCA Heritage Award, awarded to area students excelling in leadership, academics, and extracurricular involvement.
Apply online at www.jolietcatholicacademy.org. Contact the JCA Admissions Office for more information at 815.741.0500 or admissions@jca-online.org.
JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Inspiring Growth in Knowledge and Faith Since 1869
A Tradition of Faith & Family
• Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer ~ Kairos
• School Masses ~ Retreats ~ Christian Service
A Tradition of Academic Excellence
• 35 Honors, Dual Credit, and AP Courses offered
• 3 Levels of Curriculum
• 27.2 Average ACT Score for Honors Program students over the last 5 years
• 23.6 Average ACT Score for the top 50% of Class over the last 5 years
• Class of 2025: 22 Illinois State Scholars and over $21.8 million in scholarship funds offered
A Tradition of Athletic Excellence
• 37 State or National Championships
• 94% of Students Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities
• 67 Former/Current Professional Athletes
• 29% of the Class of 2025 Playing a Sport in College
Scan the QR code to visit our website: www.jolietcatholicacademy.org
JOIN THE ANGELS AND HILLTOPPERS!
7th & 8th Graders
Schedule a Shadow Visit or Private Tour Today! Register Online at www.jolietcatholicacademy.org.
8th Graders
Online Freshman Registration Deadline Sunday, March 1, 2026
$275 to hold spot in Freshman class and receive priority scheduling: $300 for all registrations submitted post – March 1
Scholarships range from $500 up to 50% off tuition through the JCA Endowment and Catholic Education Foundation.
In the 2024-2025 school year, JCA awarded over $2.4 million in financial scholarships. 68% of JCA students benefited from tuition assistance.
APPLY ONLINE TODAY
Now Accepting Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students
