Catholic Schools Progress Report by Archdiocese of Chicago

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

For more than 175 years, Catholic schools have been a vital ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, forming generations of families in faith and academics and building an alumni community that numbers in the millions. Today, our dedicated teachers carry that tradition forward by preparing students to live faithful, successful lives.

The Office of Catholic Schools strengthens this mission by supporting our elementary and high schools in academics, student support, Catholic identity, leadership development, marketing and communications, scholarships, school operations, and compliance.

WE BELIEVE

• Great leaders make great schools

• We are stronger together

• Supportive environments encourage growth

• Challenges are opportunities

• We are the joyful hands of Christ

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Greg Richmond

Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Therese Craig

Deputy Superintendent for Academics

Karen Rebhan-Csuk

Deputy Superintendent for School Support

Matthew Walter Chief Operating Officer

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I continue to be deeply grateful for the thousands of families who entrust their children to our Catholic schools, and for the generous donors whose commitment makes that education possible for so many. Your faith in the transformative power of Catholic education brings hope not only to our local Church, but to the entire Catholic community across the nation and around the world.

This year, we are especially inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV— a proud product of Catholic schools in Chicago—whose life of service, humility, and faith reflects the very mission we strive to fulfill each day. His story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are formed in mind, body, and spirit.

Your support ensures that our schools remain vibrant places where faith and learning flourish side by side, and where students are prepared to lead lives of excellence, compassion, and deep purpose. I am proud of what our Catholic school community continues to achieve, and I give thanks for the many blessings it brings to our archdiocese.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop of Chicago

Dear Friends of Catholic Schools,

We believe in the enduring power of Catholic education to transform lives. For more than a century, Catholic schools have been a source of strength and renewal for the Archdiocese of Chicago—and this year was no exception. As we reflect on the milestones and moments that defined this year, I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary community that brings our mission to life.

We believe that families, educators, pastors, and supporters are the heart of our schools. Their dedication allows us to nurture students in faith, form them in character, and prepare them for lives of purpose and service. In the pages of this report, we celebrate their contributions, honor the achievements of our schools, and acknowledge the real challenges we continue to face.

We believe that Catholic education matters—now more than ever. Thank you for your unwavering faith in our mission. Together, we are shaping students who are not only academically strong, but spiritually grounded, morally courageous, and ready to lead with compassion.

In Christ,

Greg Richmond Superintendent of Schools

ACADEMIC GROWTH

We believe every student can reach their potential. i-Ready assessments three times a year help teachers personalize learning and track growth.

Comparison to statewide measures

Our students outperform statewide averages.

IN READING:

41% of Illinois students meet grade level

75% of our students are on grade level

IN MATH:

28% of Illinois students meet grade level

67% of our students are on grade level

(Source: Illinois Assessment of Readiness)

Increasing student proficiency over time

2024/25 Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools students per i-Ready 2023/24 State of Illinois students per IAR (2024/25 data not yet published)

We continue to be proud of the academic progress our students are making. While holding steady in math, we continue to increase proficiency levels in reading.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

We

believe

faith shapes the future.

Our faith-based approach not only drives strong academics, it gives students the moral compass to live with purpose. Each year, we measure Catholic Identity through a survey question: “I believe God is present in my life.” Our goal is for at least 75% of students to strongly agree.

This year, we surpassed that goal: 79% of students strongly agree +14 points over the last three years 76% of schools now meet the goal (a 49-point increase)

SCHOOL CULTURE

God is present in my life...

79% students strongly agree 18% students agree

We believe that supportive environments encourage growth.

Each year, teachers, students and parents complete the 5Essentials Survey, developed by the University of Chicago. Schools strong on at least three essentials are ten times more likely to improve student learning.

This year, we saw continued progress toward our culture goal:

+11 points in Ambitious Instruction

+9 points in Effective Leaders

+7 points in Supportive Environment

+12 points overall in schools strong on 3+ essentials since 2022

What our parents are saying…

What our parents are saying...

93% are likely to recommend their school

95% agree that their children are safe at school

“Children are valued and attended to, both academically and in their faith development.”

Current parent

What our students are saying…

What our students are saying...

96% agree that “the teacher expects everyone to work hard”

95% agree that “I feel safe with my teachers at this school”

92% agree that teachers have their children’s best interest in mind

93% agree that teachers do their best to help children learn

94% agree that “the teacher expects me to do my best all the time”

91% agree that “the teacher wants us to become better thinkers, not just memorize things”

IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, WE BELIEVE

Our students, teachers, schools and donors celebrated some amazing achievements during the 2024/25 school year.

ST. JOSAPHAT SCHOOL WINS BLUE RIBBON

Congratulations to St. Josaphat School on earning its third National Blue Ribbon Award! One of just 18 Illinois schools recognized in 2024, this honor celebrates a community dedicated to academic excellence. It’s a testament to the leadership, teachers, and families who make student success possible every day.

DRIEHAUS LEGACY FUND AWARDS $50,000 TO CHICAGO SCHOOLS

Five Catholic schools were honored with 2024 Driehaus Legacy Fund Achievement Awards, receiving $10,000 grants generously offered by the Stenning Foundation. Bridgeport Catholic Academy, Maternity BVM, St. Gall, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. William were recognized for remarkable growth in reading and math — a true testament to their commitment to academic excellence.

YEARLONG PROGRAM

CHICAGO CELEBRATES POPE LEO XIV

On June 14, a sold-out crowd gathered at Rate Field to honor Pope Leo XIV. Catholic school families from across the archdiocese joined in fellowship and prayer, with students and educators proudly representing their schools. The celebration highlighted the deep connection between faith, community, and family that defines Catholic education.

The Office of Catholic Schools launched the Aspiring Principals Institute to prepare future Catholic school leaders. The inaugural cohort completed the yearlong program of discernment, leadership, and faith formation, showing deep commitment to Catholic education. We look forward to the impact these future principals will make across the archdiocese.

ICCW LAUNCHES SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIRLS

In 2024, the Illinois Club for Catholic Women (ICCW) partnered with the Archdiocese of Chicago to launch the ICCW Scholarship for Girls. This threeyear program empowers young women through Catholic education and, in its first year, awarded scholarships to 35 students across five schools. It reflects ICCW’s dedication to uplifting the next generation of faith-filled leaders.

Local school’s mock conclave goes viral around the globe

By Joyce Duriga | Editor

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Two days before Pope Leo XIV, a native Chicagoan who is a member of the Augustinian religious community, was elected the 267th pope by the College of Cardinals, students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy elected their own native Chicagoan in a mock conclave, and the student elected took the name “Augustine” when he accepted his election. The event was covered by Chicago Catholic and local news media, and it went viral starting in the two days before Pope Leo was elected.

Twenty first through fourth graders dressed in costumes resembling cardinals, down to red hats made out of card stock, and acted out the process of the conclave with the rest of the student body taking part as the watching crowd.

When they elected a “pope” — fourth grader Auggie Wilk — white smoke billowed out of a chimney in the courtyard outside and “Pope Augustine” greeted the other students from a window.

The photos and videos touched the hearts of countless people across the world.

Dominic Moretti, a teacher and director of marketing, conceived the idea a few years ago. Moretti said the school has heard from people all over Chicago and Illinois and from as far away as the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, Italy, France and Canada.

“We’ve all been very proud of these kids,” Moretti said a week after the event. “Everyone who’s ever been connected to this school or parish has reached out. … I don’t know that they realize it yet at their age, but they brought everyone a lot of joy.”

Max Schnakenberg, who played one of the cardinals, said the reaction was “crazy.”

“Auggie goes down there, and everybody was giving him high-fives and everybody was just screaming,” he said of the conclave. “And then there were news cameras around. It was really exciting.”

“This really deepened our understanding of the conclave and what it was like, because there was some pressure in the room,” Wilk said. “I think it taught us how the cardinals must feel in the conclave.”

Excerpt from Chicago Catholic article.

WE BELIEVE IN OUR IMPACT

Together, Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools form a community where students of all backgrounds are united by faith. Dedicated teachers provide a rigorous academic experience in nurturing environments that empower every child to reach their full potential.

43,358 students

41% students of color

3,263 teachers

13:1 student to teacher ratio

148 elementary schools

2 counties served: Cook and Lake

1 shared goal: student success fueled by faith

YOUR SUPPORT

We believe that a Catholic education is an investment in the future and are extremely grateful for the support of our donors who partner with us to make the experience of a Catholic education possible for thousands of families.

Donors supporting our cause:

nearly 1,000

Average scholarship award: nearly $2,000

Students with significant need applying for aid:

more than 11,000

Scholarships granted: nearly 4,000

Average family income: under $44,000

Students remaining on scholarship waitlist: nearly 3,000

The financial assistance we are able to grant due to the generosity of our donors makes a tremendous impact. Increased donor support would not only give more deserving children access to a Catholic education, it would also improve the financial strength of our schools most reliant on scholarships.

Annual funding gap: $35 million

Scholarship support covers: 34% of family need

Average tuition covers: 66% of the true cost to educate a child

THE GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

Thanks to your generosity, the Archdiocese of Chicago continues to provide thousands of children and their families with the financial assistance needed to access a high-quality Catholic education. Your support empowers us to fulfill our mission of delivering an excellent, faith-based academic experience to every family who seeks it.

In the 2024/25 school year, our supporters stepped up in a remarkable way—raising over $4 million to help bridge the funding gap left by the end of the Invest in Kids Act. Because of that unwavering commitment, nearly 90% of students who previously relied on tax credit scholarships were able to remain in our schools. This success was made possible not only through donor contributions, but also through the combined efforts of scholarship organizations like the Big Shoulders Fund and the aid provided by our schools and parishes.

As more families turn to us in search of an affordable Catholic education, your continued support is more vital than ever. Together, we can ensure that no child is turned away due to financial hardship—and that the dream of a Catholic education remains within reach for all.

“I would like to express how grateful we are to have this beautiful opportunity! My daughter is forever grateful and thankful for your generosity; Thank you so very much!”

Parent of a Phoenix Scholarship recipient at St. Mary Star of the Sea School

“Thank you so much! I am truly truly grateful and beyond words to say how much this means for myself and my daughter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Blessings to all!”

Parent of a Catholic School Scholarship

at St. Patricia School

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO SCHOLARSHIPS

Catholic Schools Scholarship Program

After the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program ended in fall 2023, the Archdiocese of Chicago launched the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program to address the resulting funding gap. This new program absorbed the former Caritas program and now includes additional named scholarships created with key donors. These renewable scholarships are available to eligible K–8 students at archdiocesan schools and may be transferred between schools, subject to funding and donor intent.

Phoenix Scholarship Program

The Catholic Education Scholarship Trust (CEST) was created in 2013 through the To Teach Who Christ Is archdiocesan capital campaign. Phoenix scholarships are provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago on behalf of CEST. These renewable, need-based scholarships are awarded to qualified K–8 students attending eligible schools. Since the first scholarships were distributed in 2016, more than $14.8 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded.

Emergency Tuition Assistance Fund

The archdiocese established the Emergency Tuition Assistance Fund to assist families with tuition when unforeseen situations arise during the school year, such as a death in the family, a job loss, extraordinary medical expenses, bankruptcy or home foreclosure. All students in good standing are eligible.

$2,293,415

88% of scholarship funds are issued to students of color.

Over $7.7 million in scholarships were issued in 2024/25. 74% of scholarship funds are directed to families making less than $50,000/year. The median income of a scholarship recipient family in 2024/25 was $40,096.

FORE THE KIDS

Archdiocese of Chicago

Catholic Schools Golf Outing

On June 23, the Archdiocese of Chicago Stewardship and Development team and the Office of Catholic Schools hosted the annual ‘Fore the Kids’ Golf Outing at Chicago Highlands Club. Thank you to our generous sponsors and thank you to the golfers who came out to help raise money for our emergency tuition assistance fund.