We Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
I attended three Catholic grammar schools growing up. First, St. Antoninus in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then my dad was transferred to San Mateo, California where I attended St. Matthew and then when I was ten years old my dad was transferred back to Chicago and I attended St. James in Arlington Heights.
These three experiences introduced me to the larger experience of Catholicism, and in particular, the educational aspect of the Catholic Church that we know is present in every nation on the face of the earth. There are variations on the theme of Catholic education but many similarities. One similarity is that Catholic schools welcome students and families of ALL faiths. Curriculums vary but all present a prominence of Catholic teachings, spirituality and identity carried out regularly all around the world with sometimes great differences. For example, the Archdiocese of Milan has well over 1,000 parishes, none of them sponsoring schools.
The Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the largest school systems in the world. We have 216 parishes with 151 elementary schools serving 44,460 students; 29 secondary schools, 3 run by parishes and 26 by religious orders such as the Viatorians (St. Viator in Arlington Heights) and the Carmelites (Carmel High School in Mundelein) serving 19,253 students.
We here at Holy Family Catholic Academy are very proud of our unique Inquiry-based, STEM and International Baccalaureate curriculum. We have received several national awards and recognitions including being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education and special recognition by the National Conference of Catholic Education twice. We are certified as an International Baccalaureate School for primary grades since 2018 and are being certified for the same for middle school.
I want to thank our Principal Kate O’Brien, (who will complete her Doctorate in Education in the spring), and our Assistant Principal Laura Clark for leading a staff and faculty of over 80 dedicated people who truly embrace as a ministry their role as Catholic educators. Many thanks to our parents and students who are the heart of our Academy and come from 27 different zip codes to attend Holy Family.
Deb Atkins, our Director of School Development, shares these additional points:
• Our parish school is the only school in the Northwest suburbs that is nationally and internationally recognized for its curriculum and instruction.
• Nearly 500 students in preschool through 8th grade.
• As an International Baccalaureate World School, HFCA attracts families from all over the world who have moved here for their jobs. Students from Europe, Asia, and Central and South America call HFCA home. More than 20 different languages are spoken in our families’ homes. This diversity helps all of our students become global citizens.
• The Academy continues a long legacy of continuous improvement. HFCA’s growth mindset embraces reviewing and piloting research-based ideas, tools, and programs that enhance the educational experience for our students. This approach ensures a compelling curriculum designed to prepare our students to learn, lead, and serve — today and tomorrow.
• An example of this continuous improvement is seen in the introduction of a Design/STEM 2.0 class in our award-winning Middle School. Students learn to approach problems methodically, think innovatively, and reflect on their processes and results. Developing the essential skills of analytical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency prepares HFCA students for STEM careers in the future.
• True to our Catholic identity and mission, every grade from preschool to middle school is involved in service learning. From partnering with our parish ministries to community involvement and global awareness, HFCA students help others.
• Our preschool is a recognized leader in the community, offering 10 classes for 2-3, and 4-year-old students. Our passionate early learning teachers are 100% degreed and embrace the science of play with our youngest learners establishing a foundation for success.
New family applications open
Monday, January 27 at 9:00 am.
See the Academy website for details.