January 25-31, 2026
Nazareth Academy: Valuing Scholarship, Service, Spirit, and Unity
Nazareth Academy, a Catholic, Co-Educational, College Preparatory high school, centrally located in the western suburbs offers a short commute for many families in the area. Located in the heart of La Grange Park, Nazareth is one of the oldest educational institutions in the suburbs, with an established legacy of educating the whole person.
Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1899, Nazareth remains sponsored by the religious women of the Congregation of St. Joseph. The beautiful campus is home to 800 students from more than 100 local grammar schools in over 65 communities.
Nazareth values scholarship, service, spirit, and unity, which underscore the school’s mission. The academic approach has resulted in a legacy of high-achieving students who care for one another, feel seen and heard, respect the community, engage in opportunities, and find a place to grow. Nazareth is a family.
The strong relationships built between students, teachers, and college counselors underscore the value Nazareth places in helping ALL students to succeed. The physics-first science curriculum allows for a more current and cutting-edge study of biology, with prerequisites of physics and chemistry, while college-level AP courses are offered in each academic area. Nazareth offers students a pathway to the Illinois
State Seal of Biliteracy, which honors high school seniors who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in one or more languages, in addition to English. The academic investment in students is reflected in recognition at the state and national levels and benefits graduates in college. For example, Nazareth’s Class of 2025 graduates are currently enrolled at 66 colleges in 24 states after earning over $52 million in merit-based scholarships.
At Nazareth, 96% of students participate in a club, sport, or the Fine Arts. Student activities are a reflection of students’ passions and reflect the diversity of students’ interests. Each year, our students initiate and form new clubs. Recently added are Ultimate Frisbee, Computer Science and STEAM Club. The dedication of student-athletes is incredible. Since the Fall of 2021, Girls’ Volleyball, Baseball, Football and Girls Basketball have all won State Titles. Nazareth fosters a culture of inclusivity and a welcoming environment. When this is added to the outstanding academic curriculum, Nazareth can care for the whole person while preparing students for success in college and beyond.
Nazareth Academy 1209 W. Ogden La Grange Park, IL 60526 www.nazarethacademy.com
Award Winning School
Preschool through 8th Grade
Full and Half Day Preschool
All Day Academic Kindergarten
STEM, Spanish, Music, Art, Computer, and Physical Education
Faith Formation and Rigorous Academics
Students and Graduates Consistently Perform in Top Percentiles
Reading Specialist and Student Services Director on Sta
Extended Care Program
Optional Hot Lunch Program
Extracurricular Activities & All-Inclusive
Athletic Program
Strong School Community & Parent Involvement
St. Joseph School is a welcoming, nurturing community
Established in 1910, St. Joseph School provides excellence in education founded on the Catholic faith to Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For the eighth year in a row, St. Joseph School was voted the Finest Grade School and Preschool in Suburban Life’s 2025 Reader’s Choice contest.
Over the years, the school has grown from a few classrooms in the back of the church to over 420 students. Today, two classrooms are offered per grade level, bringing the average class size to 20. An award-winning preschool program offers full and half day options.
As an extension of St. Joseph Parish, the school shares the mission of the Catholic church. They provide opportunities to pursue academic excellence by offering advanced curriculum in core subjects. Students also have opportunities to discover their talents through classes such as STEM, Technology, Art, Music, P.E., and Spanish.
St. Joseph School’s sports program is all-inclusive to encourage participation for fifth through eighth-grade students. The sports offered include volleyball, football, basketball, track and field, and cross county. St. Joseph students in Kindergarten through fourth grade have
St. Mary of Gostyn School: A Tradition of Faith, Excellence, and Community
the opportunity to compete together in sports programs through the YMCA and Downers Grove Park District.
There are many opportunities for parent involvement, including the Parent Forum, School Advisory Board, Athletic Board, Parish Council, athletic and enrichment program coaches, and more. Special events for families include the Christmas and Spring Music Concerts, Green & White Gala, and Friday Night Lights.
A variety of after-school enrichment clubs and activities are also offered including Art, Violin, Band, Chess, Scouts, Drama, LEGO and Cooking to name a few.
St. Joseph School is a welcoming, nurturing community where faculty and staff work in partnership with school parents to benefit students spiritually and academically. Students are well-prepared; over 80% of graduates make the honor roll their freshman year. Grounded in faith and guided by a team of experienced administrators, teachers and staff committed to the academic, spiritual and social growth of their students, St. Joseph School is looking forward to continued excellence in Catholic education in the years to come.
For more than 125 years, St. Mary of Gostyn School (SMG) has been a cornerstone of faith-filled education in the Downers Grove community. SMG continues to honor its rich history while preparing students to succeed academically, spiritually, and socially in today’s world.
At St. Mary of Gostyn School, exceptional academics are seamlessly integrated with a strong Catholic foundation. Students participate in daily prayer, formal religion instruction, and weekly Mass, fostering a deep sense of faith and a personal relationship with God.
Serving more than 500 students from preschool through eighth grade, SMG offers a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Dedicated teachers and staff emphasize creativity, critical and analytical thinking, and real-world application through a Catholic worldview. Recognizing that every child is unique, the school provides individualized academic support, including supplemental reading and math programs, to ensure each student can thrive.
Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children and are valued partners in the SMG community.
This close collaboration helps create a supportive environment that addresses the academic, spiritual, and social needs of every student. SMG believes that nurturing the whole child leads to strong character, self-esteem, and happiness.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to explore their interests and talents through a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Academic and enrichment opportunities include Math Club, Environmental Club, Geography Club, Voices literary magazine, Students for Life, chess, and the annual school musical. A robust athletics program, with a no-cut policy, offers basketball, volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, track and field, and football, ensuring all students have the chance to participate and grow as teammates and leaders. From its humble beginnings in a oneroom schoolhouse to its modern campus with expanded facilities, St. Mary of Gostyn School remains committed to forming students who are academically strong, spiritually grounded, and prepared to serve others.
For more information or to learn how St. Mary of Gostyn School may be the right fit for your family, visit stmarygostyn.org/school.
St. Cletus School: A Tradition of Faith, Learning, and Community in La Grange
St. Cletus School has long been a cornerstone of faith-based education in the heart of La Grange, serving generations of families with a strong commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community values. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the school provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, morally, and socially.
Education at St. Cletus School goes beyond the classroom. The comprehensive curriculum builds strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, while also fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning. Dedicated teachers work closely with students to meet individual needs, ensuring that every child is supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
Beginning in Preschool 4, St. Cletus School is proud to offer a Dual Language immersion track, reflecting its commitment to innovative and inclusive education. This program provides students with the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish from an early age. Through immersive instruction, students develop language proficiency while gaining cultural awareness and
enhanced cognitive skills—preparing them for success in an increasingly global world.
Faith formation remains central to daily life at St. Cletus. Students participate in prayer, liturgies, and service opportunities that help them develop compassion, responsibility, and a strong moral foundation. These experiences encourage students to live out Gospel values both within the school community and beyond.
St. Cletus School also emphasizes the importance of educating the whole child. A variety of extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, and community events allow students to explore interests in academics, the arts, and athletics, while building confidence and leadership skills.
Equally important is the strong sense of community that defines St. Cletus School. Families, faculty, parish members, and alumni work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment where relationships thrive.
As it looks to the future, St. Cletus School remains dedicated to its mission of forming students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and committed to lives of faith, integrity, and service—continuing a proud tradition of excellence in La Grange.
