List of schools of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago explained

The following is a list of schools operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, which covers Cook and Lake counties, followed by a list of former high schools closed after 1959 and former K-8 schools closed after 1983.

An August 27, 2015 article by the Chicago Tribune refers to the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools as the largest private school system in the United States.[1]

A wave of school closures after the 2014-2015 school year caused over 200 employees to change jobs and over 1,200 pupils to change schools.[2]

At the outset of the 2020/21 academic year, the archdiocese ran 160 elementary schools and three high schools. An additional eight Catholic elementary schools and 28 Catholic high schools that are not archdiocesan-run are located within the Archdiocese of Chicago.[3], the Superintendent of Catholic Schools is Jim Rigg, Ph.D.[1]

History

The school construction boom ended when Cardinal John Cody, archbishop at the time, decided to limit construction of Catholic schools in Lake County and suburban areas in Cook County.[4]

Between 1984 and 2004, the Office of Catholic Schools closed 148 schools and 10 school sites.[5] By 2005, over 50% of the Chicago Archdiocese Catholic schools that existed in 1966 no longer did.[4] In 1985, Joseph Bernardin, then the head of the archdiocese, stated that as costs increased to operate Catholic schools, it was likely merging or closure would result.[6] In 1990 Bernardin stated that 18 schools were to close that year. He suggested that some parishes may change from having their own schools to having joint schools with other parishes, or regional schools.[7] Ultimately 25 schools closed in 1990. In 1994 an additional 24 were shuttered.[8] From 1990 to 2004, the number of Catholic schools shuttered exceeded 100.[9]

In January 2018, the archdiocese announced the closure of five of its schools.[10] In January 2020, the archdiocese announced the permanent closure of five of its other schools.[11] As of 2022, there are 33 Catholic high schools currently operating in Cook and Lake counties, seven all-girl high schools, seven all-boys high schools and 19 co-ed high schools.[12]

Schools

9–12 schools in Chicago

Near West and Northwest Sides
North Side
Far Northwest Side
Southwest Side
South Side

9–12 schools in Cook County

This list excludes Chicago.

Northern Cook County
Northwest Cook County
Western Cook County
Southwestern Cook County
Southern Cook County

9–12 schools in Lake County

PK-8 schools in Chicago

PK-8 schools on the Near West and Northwest Sides

PK-8 schools on the North Side

PK-8 schools on the Far Northwest Side

PK-8 schools on the Southwest Side

PK-8 schools on the South Side

PK-8 schools in Cook County

This list excludes Chicago.

PK-8 schools in northern Cook County

PK-8 schools in northwest Cook County

PK-8 schools in western Cook county

PK-8 schools in southwestern Cook County

PK-8 schools in southern Cook County

PK-8 schools in Lake County

K-8 schools in Chicago

K-8 schools on the Near West and Northwest Sides

K-8 schools on the North Side

K-8 schools on the South Side

K-8 schools in Cook County

This list excludes Chicago.

K-8 schools in northern Cook County

K-8 schools in northwest Cook County

K-8 schools in southwest Cook County

K-8 schools in Lake County

K-7 schools

Chicago, south side

4–8 schools

(Lake County)

5–8 schools

(Chicago, Near West and Northwest)

6–8 schools

(Chicago, Southwest)

PK-3 schools

(Chicago, North Side)

PK-2 schools

(Chicago, North Side)

K-1 schools

(Cook County, excluding Chicago, far northwest)

PK-K schools

(Chicago, Near West/Northwest)

Former schools

The enrollment of Chicago Archdiocese Catholic schools was over 95,000 circa 2012. In 2020 this figure declined to circa 71,000, and that year the archdiocese closed five grade schools.[28] The number of schools open declined to 209 in 2020.[29]

Former high schools

Former high schools in Chicago

Closure date not stated:

Closed in 1960:

Closed in 1961:

Closed in 1962:

Closed in 1966:

Closed in 1967:

Closed in 1968:

Closed in 1969:

Closed in 1970:

Closed in 1972:

Closed in 1973:

Closed in 1974:

Closed in 1976:

Closed in 1977:

Closed in 1978:

Closed in 1979:

Closed in 1980:

Closed in 1981:

Closed in 1982:

Closed in 1983:

Closed in 1985:

Closed in 1988:

Closed in 1989:

Closed in 1990:

Closed in 1993:

Closed in 1994:

Closed in 1996:

Closed in 1997:

Closed in 1999:

Closed in 2001:

Closed in 2002:

Closed in 2003:

Closed in 2007:

Closed in 2013:[71]

Closed in 2016:

Former high schools in Cook County

This list excludes Chicago.Closed in 1960:

Closed in 1968:

Closed in 1969:

Closed in 1970:

Closed in 1983:

Closed in 1987:

Closed in 1991:

Closed in 1994

Closed in 2004:

Closed in 2005:

Closed in 2016

Closed in 2017

Closed in 2020

Closed in 2021

Former K-8 schools

Former K-8 schools in Chicago

Closed in 1984:[15]

Closed in 1985:

Closed in 1986:[15]

Closed in 1987:[15]

Closed in 1988:[15]

Closed in 1990:[15]

Closed in 1991:[15]

Closed in 1992:[15]

Closed in 1993:[15]

Closed in 1994:

Closed in 1995:

Closed in 1996:

Closed in 1997:

Closed in 1998:

Closed in 1999:[15]

Closed in 2000:

Closed in 2001:[15]

Closed in 2002:[15]

Closed in 2003:[15]

Closed in 2004:[15]

Closed in 2005:

Closed in 2007:

Closed in 2009:[82]

Closed in 2012:

Closed in 2013:

Closed in 2015:[85]

Closed in 2016:[86]

Closed in 2018:

Closed in 2019:

Closed in 2020:[88]

Closed in 2022:

Closed in 2023:

Former K-8 schools in Cook County

Closed in 1984:[15]

Closed in 1986:[15]

Closed in 1987:[15]

Closed in 1988:[15]

Closed in 1989:[15]

Closed in 1990:[15]

Closed in 1992:[15]

Closed in 1996:[15]

Closed in 1997:[15]

Closed in 2000:[15]

Closed in 2001:[15]

Closed in 2002:[15]

Closed in 2003:[15]

Closed in 2004:[15]

Closed in 2005:

Closed in 2006:[94]

Closed in 2009:[96]

Closed in 2010:

Closed in 2012:

Closed in 2013:

Closed in 2014:

Closed in 2015:

Closed in 2016:

Closed in 2017:[106]

Closed in 2018:[107] None of the schools had 150 or more students.[108]

Closed in 2019:[110]

Closed in 2020:[111] - The archdiocese cited a decline in the student population and budgeting problems.[112]

Closed in 2021:[113]

Closed in 2024:

Former K-8 schools in Lake County

Closed in 1984:[15]

Closed in 1990:[15]

Closed in 2014:

Closed in 2015:

Closed in 2016:

Closed in 2019:[119]

Closed in 2024:

Former 5-8 schools

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Crosby. Rachel. Chicago Catholic Schools names new superintendent. Chicago Tribune. Chicago. 2015-08-27. 2023-11-24.
  2. Web site: Pashman. Manya Brashear. Cardinal: Closing 7 schools unavoidable in cash-strapped district. Chicago Tribune. 2014-10-29. 2024-04-07.
  3. Web site: Facts and Figures - Archdiocese of Chicago. www.archchicago.org.
  4. Web site: Ellen. Skerrett. Catholic School System. 2005. Chicago Historical Society/Newberry Library. March 3, 2016.
  5. Web site: Closed School History: 1984–2004. Simons. Paul. Archdiocese of Chicago. March 3, 2016.
  6. News: Banas . Casey . Cardinal Sees Fewer Parochial Schools . . 1985-10-31 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160322065857/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-10-31/news/8503140692_1_parishes-catholic-schools-catholic-education . 22 March 2016 . dead.
  7. Web site: Reardon . Patrick T. . Hirsley . Michael . Bernardin Says High Costs May Dictate Regional Catholic Schools . . 1990-12-24 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151023210337/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-12-24/news/9004160345_1_parishes-new-schools-superintendent-elementary-schools . 23 October 2015 . dead.
  8. News: Puente. Teresa. Parents won't let school shut quietly. Chicago Tribune. 2002-01-16. 1, 6. - Clipping of first and of second page at Newspapers.com.
  9. Web site: Rucker . Patrick . Archdiocese to close 3 elementary schools . . 2004-03-16 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131020084618/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-16/news/0403160145_1_elementary-schools-catholic-schools-fewer-parents . 20 October 2013 . dead.
  10. Web site: Archdiocese of Chicago to close 5 Catholic schools. Leah. Hope. Rob. Elgas. Megan. Hickey. January 19, 2018. ABC7 Chicago.
  11. Web site: Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago to Close 5 Schools. 2020-10-19. NBC Chicago. January 13, 2020 . en-US.
  12. News: Six decades later, officials say Regina Dominican's all-girls education increasingly relevant. Chicago Tribune. March 26, 2019. May 23, 2022.
  13. News: Hayes. V. Dion. 2 Catholic grade schools team forces downtown. Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. 1994-09-22. Section 2, p. 5. - Clipping from Newspapers.com.
  14. Web site: St. Matthias Transfiguration Catholic School . October 1, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071017234129/http://values4life.com/values/index.php?option=com_weblinks&Itemid=4&catid=66 . October 17, 2007 . dead .
  15. http://www.illinoisloop.org/cath_closed_school_84_04.pdf Closed School History: 1984 – 2004
  16. http://www.pjpiischool.com/Aboutus/Sponsoringparishes.htm Untitled Document
  17. https://web.archive.org/web/19990508224739/http://www.archdiocese-chgo.org/newsreleases/Schools-close99.html 04-lent99.html
  18. "St. Therese Chinese Catholic School ." St. Therese Chinese Catholic Mission. Retrieved on April 17, 2009.
  19. Web site: Our History. St. Therese School. 2021-11-20.
  20. News: Laureman, Connie . Changing Chinatown . . 1990-07-15 . 1 . 2016-12-24 . 2017-11-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185158/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-07-15/features/9002280145_1_chinese-immigrants-chinese-men-chinatown . live .
  21. Web site: Buckley. Madeline. Chicago Archdiocese shares plans to merge several South Side parishes, schools. Chicago Tribune. 2018-11-29. 2021-11-20.
  22. Web site: The Academy of St. Benedict The African :: Pre-K through Eighth Grade :: About Us – Laflin Campus . October 2, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080828004821/http://www.academystbenedict.org/about/principal_murphy.php . August 28, 2008 . dead .
  23. News: Get ready to aid Catholic schools. Chicago Tribune. 1998-07-19. Section 1, 12. - Clipping from Newspapers.com.
  24. Web site: Schering, Steve. Archdiocese, Big Shoulders Fund money to benefit Oak Park's St. Catherine, St. Lucy school. Chicago Tribune. 2020-02-04. 2020-05-08.
  25. Web site: Stephens . Darlene Gravon . Breaking New Ground In Catholic Education . . 1999-06-11 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150602204029/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-06-11/news/9906110345_1_parish-catholic-education-pastors . 2 June 2015 . dead.
  26. Web site: Ziemba . Stanley . New Catholic School A Noble Experiment . . 2000-02-01 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160401213504/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-02-01/news/0002010191_1_new-school-catholic-education-catholic-parishes . 1 April 2016 . dead.
  27. https://www.privateschoolreview.com/cardinal-bernardin-montessori-academy-profile 'Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy (Closed 2022)'
  28. Web site: Anderson, Javonte. As Chicago-area Catholic schools close, parents hope new funding scheme signals church's commitment to education. Chicago Tribune. 2020-02-03. 2020-05-09.
  29. Web site: Issa, Nader. St. Jane de Chantal among 5 Chicago-area Catholic schools closing. Chicago Sun Times. 2020-01-03. 2020-05-09.
  30. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id845.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  31. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id641.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  32. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id859.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  33. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id792.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  34. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id818.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  35. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id715.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  36. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id720.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  37. Sometimes given simply as DePaul Academy.
  38. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id819.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  39. Not to be confused with St. Michael's Central Catholic High School.
  40. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id713.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  41. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id854.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  42. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id710.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  43. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id820.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  44. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id858.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  45. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id827.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  46. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id744.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  47. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id721.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  48. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id735.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  49. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id825.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  50. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id746.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  51. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id842.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  52. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id791.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  53. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id828.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  54. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id871.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  55. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id793.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  56. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id826.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  57. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id829.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  58. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id874.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  59. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id873.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  60. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id725.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  61. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id860.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  62. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id749.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  63. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id732.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  64. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id960.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  65. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id705.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  66. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id702.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  67. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id727.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  68. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id703.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  69. Web site: Simons . Paul . Catholic Schools Closed School History: 1984 2004 . illinoisloop.org.
  70. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id714.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  71. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-31.
  72. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id805.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  73. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id652.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  74. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id821.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  75. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id802.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  76. http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id683.html 'Illinois High School Glory Days'
  77. Web site: Five Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools will close. Chicago Catholic. 2020-01-22. 2020-05-08. - Spanish version
  78. https://www.privateschoolreview.com/cardinal-bernardin-montessori-academy-profile 'Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy (Closed 2022)'
  79. News: Rucker. Patrick. Archdiocese to close 3 elementary schools. Chicago Tribune. Chicago. 2004-03-16. 2024-01-18.
  80. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-27.
  81. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-27.
  82. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-27.
  83. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-31.
  84. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-04-01.
  85. Web site: Several Catholic Schools to Close. October 30, 2014. WTTW.
  86. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-28.
  87. Web site: Italian Church And School Closed in Chicago: Santa Lucia In Armour Square Is No More. June 3, 2019. Italian Enclaves Historical Society.
  88. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-28.
  89. https://www.privateschoolreview.com/cardinal-bernardin-montessori-academy-profile 'Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy (Closed 2022)'
  90. News: Nadig. Brian. Saint Bartholomew School in Portage Park to close and merge with Pope Francis Global Academy. Nadig Newspapers. 2023-01-21. 2024-03-24.
  91. Web site: Madhani . Aamer . Blue Island Catholic School To Be Closed . . 2001-03-31 . 2022-02-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160627165931/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-03-31/news/0103310220_1_new-schools-enrollment-school-year . 27 June 2016 . dead.
  92. Web site: School . October 1, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070920011522/http://www.olransom.org/school.htm . September 20, 2007 . dead .
  93. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-27.
  94. "ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CLOSING Plans In Place To Assist Students in Orderly Transfer ." Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Retrieved on March 25, 2009.
  95. Web site: Posen Catholic school to shut. Chicago Tribune. 2006-02-02. 2024-01-18.
  96. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-27.
  97. Web site: ‘This school meant everything to us’: Community pays respects as South Holland’s Christ Our Savior closes. Chicago Tribune. 2021-06-14. 2024-04-19.
  98. Web site: St. Barbara School in Brookfield will close in June. February 5, 2021.
  99. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-28.
  100. Web site: Forest Park's St. Bernardine School will close in June. January 11, 2013.
  101. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-28.
  102. Web site: Demolition of St. Bernadette School and Convent. December 15, 2022.
  103. News: Chicago Tribune. Shuttered St. Lawrence O’Toole Church and school in Matteson being offered for $2.7 million. September 25, 2023.
  104. Web site: Last day of school at St. Peter's in Skokie. June 5, 2015.
  105. Web site: Chicago Archdiocese to close Oak Park's St. Edmund Catholic School. .
  106. Web site: Kennedy, Mike. 2 Catholic schools in Chicago's south suburbs will close. American School & University. 2017-01-12. 2020-05-07.
  107. Web site: Five Chicago Area Catholic Schools To Close This Summer. CBS Chicago. 2018-01-18. 2020-05-07.
  108. Web site: Hope, Leah. Rob Elgas. Megan Hickey. Archdiocese of Chicago to close 5 Catholic schools. ABC 7 Chicago. 2018-01-19. 2020-05-08.
  109. Web site: Sacred Heart Re-Shuffled Under 'Renew My Church' Plan. Patch.com .
  110. Web site: Chicago Archdiocese to merge 6 suburban parishes, close 1 school and 1 church as part of reorganization plan. .
  111. Web site: Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago to Close 5 Schools.
  112. Archdiocese news release: Web site: Five Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools will Close at the end of the 2019/2020 Academic School Year.
  113. Web site: Chicago Archdiocese To Close 4 Suburban Catholic Schools.
  114. Web site: Archdiocese of Chicago announces closure of two west suburban Catholic schools. WGN News. 2024-02-08.
  115. Web site: St. Zachary School in Des Plaines to close after 61 years. 2024-04-23. 2024-04-23.
  116. Web site: At least 6 schools in Chicago archdiocese slated to close. https://web.archive.org/web/20140111122602/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-10/news/chi-several-chicagoarea-catholic-schools-slated-to-close-20140109_1_chicago-archdiocese-6-schools-chicago-catholic. 2014-01-11.
  117. Web site: Chicago Archdiocese to consolidate Catholic schools. October 30, 2014.
  118. Web site: 3 Chicago Archdiocese Catholic schools to close. .
  119. Web site: Closed Parishes, Schools and Orphanages. Archdiocese of Chicago. 2020-10-01. 2024-03-28.
  120. Web site: St. Bede School in Ingleside to close, Archdiocese of Chicago announces. ABC 7 Chicago. March 22, 2024 .
  121. Web site: History. San Miguel School. 2024-01-22.
  122. Web site: Martin. Michelle. San Miguel School to close Gary Comer Campus after 10 years. Chicago Catholic. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. 2012-03-11. 2024-01-22.