Hello, future Celtics! We invite you to join the Providence Family!
WHYPROVIDENCE?
In our rapidly evolving world, it's essential to anchor ourselves in timeless principles: truth, unity, and love Between COVID, technology and global uncertainty, there is a place to grow in a productive, safe and different way: The Celtic way!
When I ask students what they like best about Providence Catholic, the most common answer is, Providence is my second family.” There are plenty sons why. Students not only attend classes, but participate in sports and extracurricular activities, and celebrate at Homecoming, Harvest Drive Olympics, State Championships, concerts, dances, retreats and pep assemblies
Another part of the answer comes from the warm feeling of welcome and belonging that makes us a family. Providence truly is a second home!
Over the next four years you will grow in knowledge and social skills. You will form a group of friends and volunteer to help others, whether you decide to make sandwiches for the homeless or assist in the special needs athletic camp You will discover your talents and put them to use in your classes, sports, student council, music, media and production, innovative entrepreneurship, theatre, math team and a wide variety of other extracurricular clubs and teams.
Most of all, you will meet caring members of our community who will teach you, guide you, encourage you and who will not let you fail And you’ll have fun doing it!
We look forward to seeing you on campus for a shadow day, a sporting event, a concert, a tour, or our annual Open House. Come and discover what it is like to be a Celtic!
God bless you!
Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A.
ONE WE ARE
What is the Celtic way? We focus on our core values of Truth, Unity and Love. These guiding values are infused into every activity, every action and every lesson.
Truth -The PCHS Community will experience the ultimate truth in faith by enveloping learning, leading and growth in a transparent environment
Unity - The community is welcoming and caring. This closeknit environment fosters a sense of belonging and shared values.
Love - Each unique member of the PCHS community will be deeply cared for, lifted in prayer and supported in perpetuity
Succinctly put, we offer Truth in all we do, Unity in everything, all resting in Love. For over 1600 years, these time-tested values through the perspective of St. Augustine have offered what the world has needed, and remain critical in today’s fast-paced pursuits
The Celtic way is what we offer each student, each day This is unique to Providence Catholic and we invite you to invest in your student, your family and a better future for all.
in college scholarships offered to PCHS graduates the past five years
in scholarships offered to the Class of 2024
students accepted $100k+ scholarships to their college
students attending 76 colleges in 23 states
the average scholarship accepted per student/per year
students had a perfect 36 on the ACT
students scored a 30+ on the ACT
Illinois state scholars
student athletes made college athletic commitments
Students even take their learning outside the classroom to learn more about opportunities in the trades and public service! Last year, students had an insightful field trip to Electricians Local 134 and Pipefitters Local 597, exploring exciting pathways in the trades. This is another career exploration opportunity offered by the Counseling Department to help students set goals for the next stage of learning
Academic Offerings
100+ COLLEGE-PREPARATORY COURSES
22 ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES offering college credit
18 HONORS COURSES
19 DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES through Brigham Young University taught by college professors
DUAL CREDIT FOR TECHNOLOGY COURSES through Moraine Valley Community College
DUAL CREDIT FOR ALGEBRA 2 HONORS, AP CALCULUS AB, AND AP CALCULUS BC through Moraine Valley Community College
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESS WORLD LANGUAGES
AP Classes
20 classes in 2023-2024
272 students took 467 AP exams in 2024
At Providence Catholic, we provide each student with a four-year college preparatory course of study. Our students gain a strong foundation in all disciplines within a liberal arts curriculum.
Get a jump-start on college while attending high school! Dual credit allows the student to earn college credit while simultaneously earning high school credit here at Providence Catholic. These credits can fulfill general education and career course requirements towards a college degree, no matter what field a student chooses to study
Dual credit courses include:
Algebra 2 Honors
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Introduction to Technology
Digital Marketing*
AP Computer Science*
Introduction to Programming
Trigonometric Functions
*Approval Pending
H I G H L I G H T S A C A D E M I C
Learn more about academics..
Four Year Scholarships and Grants
Merit Scholarships: Merit Scholarships will be awarded to high performers on the Placement Exam
Other Opportunities
Catholic Educator Discount: Providence Catholic supports those who dedicate their life to Catholic education and offers a discount of $1,200/year for all four years to any incoming student whose parent is a full-time Catholic educator in a Catholic grade school or high school
Paid in Full Discount: Providence Catholic families who pay their tuition in full at the start of the year will receive a $250 discount per student. Must be paid by August 1.
Multiple Student Discount:
10% discount for 2nd student
25% discount for 3rd student
No charge for 4th student
*Students must be enrolled concurrently
upon testing, You’ll receive a packet with additional scholarship opportunities! Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Open to all students ($1,000-$2,500 / per year)
Veritas Award: Recipients of this award are eligible for leadership-based scholarships Open to all students ($2,000 average award / per year)
Legacy Scholarships: Students whose parents or grandparents graduated from Providence will be awarded a Legacy Scholarship. ($1,000 / per year)
FACTS Application: Need-Based Aid is awarded to families that apply and qualify through the FACTS application
Catholic Education Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
Kazma Family Scholarship: Administered by the Catholic Education Foundation of the Diocese of Joliet, 8th graders who plan to attend a Catholic High School in the Diocese of Joliet and have significant financial need are eligible to apply for a four-year scholarship
Catholic Education Foundation Scholarship Program: This program enables students and their families to obtain the promise of a Catholic education The program is open to K-12 students with demonstrated financial need determined by a verified FACTS application for those currently enrolled or applying for the next school year in any CEF-supported Catholic school within the Diocese of Joliet The standard CEF scholarship is $1,000 per student Learn more at www cefjoliet org/scholarship-grants-css/catholicelementary-school-tuition-assistance
Check out the full admissions timeline for the Class of 2029 online!
GROWTH ACADEMIC
Providence Catholic has a long history of developing each student’s unique potential for learning This philosophy has led to the development of the Celtic Learning Center (CLC) Our customized learning resource program is designed to assist students with documented learning needs who demonstrate the potential to succeed in a college preparatory program
Goals:
Discover how you learn: The program seeks to help students identify their learning strengths. This will allow the student to determine the most effective and efficient methods for learning
Explore the methods and materials that help you learn: As a strategies-based program utilizing the student’s classwork and textbooks, the program enables each student to learn to use their strengths to address challenges
Become an independent learner: The CLC is designed to encourage each student to take responsibility for their own participation in learning
requirements:
Each student must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
Must qualify for acceptance to Providence Catholic High School. Provide a comprehensive evaluation completed by a qualified professional prior to freshman year enrollment
Possess work habits and behavior that demonstrate the potential to succeed in a college prep high school
tutoring
The Providence Catholic High School Tutoring Center, located in the Bishop Blanchette Learning Commons, provides academic support and tutorial services to all students, while equipping them with the skills needed to be successful, independent, life-long learners
The Tutoring Center is available for students to drop in with questions in any subject area at any level This includes writing revisions, test preparation and concept review
We meet your student where they are, and get them where they need to be.
Hello!
Welcome prospective students an you for considering Providence Catholic I hope you use this publication to discover all the amazing things happening at PCHS! It is an exciting time at Providence, a vibrant community of faith, education, connections, and personal growth.
Your choice of high school is an important decision, and I look forward to you joining us to learn more about course offerings, sports and clubs, technology, visual and performing arts, liturgical celebrations and retreats, and everything else that makes up the
Learn more about the Celtic Learning Centre
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Being a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school, our students become experts in using their laptops for productivity Many students opt to use electronic books All students use Microsoft365 and Microsoft Teams for their coursework Other popular applications include Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Vernier Logger Pro, EMC Passport, IXL and Anchor podcasting These technology tools make class more engaging, and also create a more inclusive learning environment Students utilize technology to foster collaboration and inquisitiveness while applying their learning into real-world application
Join our mailing list to be among the first to find out about upcoming events and opportunities!
3D Printing
3D printers are an excellent way to deploy experiential learning by giving students hands-on experience as they create
Real-World Application of Engineering
Students work with teachers to create some unique and fun learning opportunities such as building trebuchets (catapults), pressure launchers, rockets, and more
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Students work to quantify and recreate the physical world around them. CAD experiences focus on following the creation of a project all the way from idea to design to physical production
Digital Media & Web Design
The majority of our classes incorporate projects in which students create videos, infographics, presentations and other media files as a way to demonstrate their learning In Digital Marketing class, students create media websites and use data science to develop marketing and advertising strategies
Robotics
Students work in groups to engineer, create, and program complex robots Students must build and program the robots to complete specified tasks autonomously
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles was designed to complement the AP Computer Science A course and addresses topics including Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing
coding
In our Intro To Programming and AP Computer Science Classes, students learn to code while also strengthening their analytic and systematic thinking skills
{an entrepreneurial class
In the INCubatoredu program, teams learn about all aspects of entrepreneurship. Together, they develop ideas and implement a business plan over the course of two semesters, including product development and pitching their ideas, products, and services
Learn more about INCubatoredu and see the newest updates.
Learn more about faith and celebration
SPIRITUALITY FAITH, FAMILY, AND
Growing up, St. Augustine liked to hang out with friends. Through his friendships he discovered his own talents, gifts and meaning. Like Augustine, we celebrate with our friends:
At Mass
On the field
At the Grotto
In the classroom
At lunch in the cafeteria
On retreat
During school assemblies
On stage
Serving others
All-School Masses are celebrated on Holy Days of Obligation and special occasions within the Church and the Providence Family
"What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy It has eyes to see misery and want It has the ears to hear our sighs and sorrows. That is what love looks like." Confessions, St. Augustine
MISSION LIVING THE
We are called to help one another, through service During your four years at Providence Catholic, you will see and feel the impact of your service.
You will see it in a smile, hear it in a "thank you", and feel it in a hug of ppreciation.
here are many opportunities throughout the year as students, teams, and clubs nd organizations all participate in various service projects within the school as well as out in the community
Learn more about service
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
The Providence Transportation Company offers an affordable option for students to receive transportation to and from PCHS. Pick-up points are determined annually. Please contact the PCHS Transportation company with specific inquiries at (815) 717-3031
Visit www providencecatholic org for pricing and details
The following bus routes run every school day through your area to Providence Catholic: Channahon, Crest Hill, Frankfort, Homer Township, Joliet, Lemont, Lockport, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Areas, Plainfield, Rockdale, Shorewood and Tinley Park
Cluster stops are for students living 25 minutes or more from PCHS. In some cases, parents may need to drive their student to the closest bus pickup point.
The following cluster stops currently are: 167th & Forest Avenue in Tinley Park; CVS; Caton Farm & Drauden Rd in Joliet; Laraway Road and Rt 45 in Frankfort; St Mary Immaculate School; Route 59 in Plainfield Route 6 & I-55 in Channahon
TUITION
Tuition 2024-2025
$15,400 ($1,540/month)
online Tuition Payment Options
(full, semi-annual, quarterly, bi-monthly, and monthly)
Scholarship and Grant Programs
Current Zones:
Zone 1 - East side of Joliet, New Lenox
Zone 2 - Crest Hill, West side of Joliet, Rockdale
Zone 3 - Frankfort, Homer Township Areas, Lockport, Manhattan, Mokena
Zone 4 - Channahon, Lemont, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Palos Areas, Plainfield, Shorewood, Tinley Park
Providence awarded more than $3 million in aid and scholarships this year to its families Through generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities, a Providence education is affordable for families who seek a private, college-preparatory education
“We are often asked why we send our children to Providence, and the answer is simple: it’s family Providence has established a strong culture of performance both academically and athletically, built on a foundation of faith There is no price tag we could place on this As an alumnus myself, I can speak firsthand about how powerful this experience can be. We couldn’t be happier with the teachers, coaches, counselors, and staff, and we truly believe they have our children’s best interests and futures in mind.”
- The Noonan Family: Michael ’96, Anna, Michael ’25, Kyra ’27, and Ryan ‘30
Learn more about transportation, and see the newest updates
TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD
Providence Catholic believes in the transformative power of both national and international travel for their students These trips, designed to immerse students in real-world experiences, extend classroom learning to a global scale Traveling abroad can significantly enhance cultural awareness and offer students a deeper understanding of God's presence around the world.
Recently, students have had the opportunity to participate in trips to Florida, New York, Greece, and Peru. These experiences allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts and see their studies come to life.
Check out current and past editions of the Celtic Review magazine.
Senior Maia Allen (pictured on right) delivered an inspiring all-school prayer, encouraging students to actively engage in school and in life. Each morning, students and staff come together to lead the school in prayer, promoting messages of truth, unity, and love It is an incredible way for Celtics to uplift and unite the entire community.
Visit the online Spirit Shop to get the newest Celtic spiritwear!
“Good Morning Providence, this is Maia Allen and I am a senior. Two years ago, I saw a quote that said ‘Do it or don’t do it, you’ll regret it either way’. I i h I h d thi t b f t ti hi h school Looking back I wish I had joined more cl myself out there in fear of failure or what other worst that would have happened?
Dear God,
Please help the Providence community realize t life is too short to not do things in fear of what others might think Remind us that we will never regret trying something new, but rather regret not doing it Love Me.”
EXCELLENCE ATHLETIC
of students are athletes as well!
2023-2024 Highlights
Providence Cathol state championshi ethic of every stud students to instill
Since 1984, every graduating class at PCHS has brought home at least one state trophy and added to the athletic tradition!
IHSA Team State Finishes
Dance – 5th place Class 1A
Baseball – STATE CHAMPIONS Class 4A
IHSA Individual State Finishes
Wrestling – 6th Place 126 lbs. Class 2A (Tommy Banas)
CCL/GCAC Team Conference Championships
Girls Volleyball – GCAC White Division
Football – CCL/ESCC White Division
Boys Bowling – CCL South Division
Softball – GCAC Red Division
Baseball – CCL Blue Division
Girls Soccer – GCAC White Division
IHSA Team Super-Sectional Championships
Baseball
of 2024 graduates college teams. (Th is about 6%.)
state trophies brought home by Celtic teams
IHSA Team Sectional Championships
Girls Volleyball
Girls Soccer
Baseball
IHSA Individual Sectional Championships
Tommy Banas – Wrestling
Luke Leverett – Boys Track & Field 100M
IHSA Team Regional Championships
Girls Volleyball
Girls Basketball
Girls Volleyball
Girls Soccer
Softball
Baseball
IHSA Individual Regional Championships
Geno Papes – Wrestling
Tommy Banas - Wrestling
Learn more about athletics, view athletic schedules, and learn more about
STANDARD THE CELTIC
Zac Plantz Performance Center
The Zac Plantz Foundation unveiled the Zac Plantz Performance Center - the newly renovated weight room - at Providence Catholic in 2021 This project commemorates the heart and dedication Zac Plantz '11 held for football and school alike. This new performance center provides exceptional training and lifting equipment and serves as a vital new hub for Celtics to train and enhance their fitness and skills.
Teams
PErsonalizedStrength& ConditioningTraining
Strength and conditioning is a vital part to developing athletes. Coaches work with student-athletes and teams to create personalized fitness plans. Combined with access to the Zac Plantz Performance Center, students are set up for success from the moment they enter our doors
Providence Catholic holds the most baseball state championships in the IHSA, securing number six with last year’s 4-1 win over Conant in the title game. This marks Coach Smith’s fourth state championship with Providence Catholic.
Providence Catholic sponsors a wide variety of engaging activities, clubs and organizations that allow students to meet new friends and become involved in the PCHS community. Activities are designed to give each student opportunities to have fun, work with other students and their teachers, enjoy wholesome recreation and provide service to the larger community
30+ clubs and organizations are open to all Providence students, creating unity among the student body
PCHS students are involved in activities outside of their daily classroom schedule providing social growth.
Nearly 90% of students participate in clubs and organizations at PCHS.
ORGANIZATIONS CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES STUDENT
Learn more about clubs and activities.
Dances
All students are encouraged to become involved in activities and events There is so much to be learned outside of the classroom! Student Activities are open to Providence students regardless of their year in school. It is never too late to “have fun Celtic style” and get involved at PCHS!
Bagpipes Bagpipes
Band Band
Bass Fishing Bass Fishing
Book Club Book Club
Celtic Nation Celtic Nation
Celtic Time Advisor Celtic Time Advisor
CChoir hoir
Coding Club Coding Club
Color Guard Color Guard
Computer and Tech Club Computer and Tech Club
Dungeons and Dragons Club Dungeons and Dragons Club
eeSports Sports
Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity IALAC 2 0 IALAC 2.0
International Club International Club
International Thespian Society International Thespian Society
Math Team Math Team
Movie Club Movie Club
National Art Honor Society National Art Honor Society
National Honor Society National Honor Society
Pop Culture Club Pop Culture Club
Proviscope (school newspaper)
Proviscope (school newspaper)
Sandwich Patrol Sandwich Patrol
Scholastic Bowl Bowl
Science Club Science Club
Student Ambassador Program Student Ambassador Program
Student Council Student Council
Tabletop Games Club Tabletop Games Club
TThheatre eatre
Tri-M Music Honor Society Tri-M Music Honor Society
Volleyball Intramurals Volleyball Intramurals
Winter Guard Winter Guard
World Language Honor Society World Language Honor Society
Yearbook (Media Club) Yearbook (Media Club)
Dress Down Days
Entertainers
Field Trips
Intramural Sports
Homecoming Week
Leadership Conferences
Motivational Speakers
Musicals/Plays
Pep Assemblies
Spirit Days
Spring Spirit Week A
FINE
ARTS
The Fine Arts Department teaches students the fundamentals of self-expression and creativity It provides an avenue for the development of the aesthetic potential of the student and a means of achieving emotional satisfaction and fulfillment in an artistic experience. Students work on many types of art, partake in local art competitions, and more! The National Art Honor Society has even traveled to New York to visit museums and landmarks, observe local art and the 9/11 Memorial, and learn more about the importance of art in society.
The Singing Celtics are an award-winning group of singers who provide music for Masses and perform at community events and concerts. Students are trained by an experienced, professional musician and learn an eclectic selection of music from around the world. First year students enroll in Beginning Choir. Concert Choir may be taken for a full year or per semester The Honors Choir is for the more experienced singers and is open to juniors and seniors with at least one year of previous enrollment Singers can apply to the ILMHS Music Honor Society which hosts Music in Our Schools Week and Open Mic Night Approximately 85% of Singing Celtics are active with Provi Theatre, which produces two musicals a year
There are many curricular and extra curricular offerings for band students at PCHS including Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Colorguard, Winterguard, Bagpipes Corps, and Chamber Groups and Ensembles. The band program is now in it's 16th year as a competitive program in the state of Illinois. We perform throughout the state at various contests, festivals, and events, and have traveled recently to places like St Louis, Nashville, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando The material performed by the students is ability appropriate for each section of class We offer Cadet Band (Freshmen and beginning students), Band (Intermediate HS Level), and Honors Band (Advanced HS Level) All sections include basic music theory, music history, modern music, and standard band repertoire. We strive to teach the whole student and encompass a variety of curricular lessons!
ltiple ways to be involved in the Provi Theatre family! Actors, singers, and ve highly focused acting, singing, and choreography training by our Director, or and Choreographer. Pit musicians work with an experienced Music Director uilding their sound and enhancing technique. Crew members work as a team pervision of our Tech Director to create the set pieces at our build site and show from either backstage or the booth. Provi Theatre produces two ar
The Bagpipers are a time-honored tradition at Providence Catholic Performing at games, assemblies, parades and more, these dedicated pipers bring a unique aspect to every event.
Providence Catholic is pleased to introduce a new scholarship available for incoming freshmen performing arts students! The Triskelion Foundation Scholarship is for students who have an interest in the arts. This scholarship will be awarded to students who will participate in Band, Choir, Theatre (Includes those on stage in the crew or the orchestra pit), and Color Guard For details and to fill out the application, visit us online!
responsible citizens.
On-staff experts provide...
Classroom presentations
Individualized academic placement sessions
Test preparation and interpretation
Parent and student college planning sessions
Scholarship and financial aid seminars
Interactive career planning software
Individual college application assistance
p Providence Catholic surrounded them with administration, faculty, coaches, and, most importantly, peers who share our family values and the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love Providence not only met but exceeded the academic, spiritual, extracurricular, and social needs of our three unique children. They have all made lifelong friendships, which we enjoy watching grow as they transition into adulthood. We are enthusiastic supporters of Catholic education and continue to do our part to support this wonderful institution so that it will continue to thrive for many years to come ”
- George ’09 (and wife Kelly), Will ’15 and Nell ’21 McCabe
SUPPORT STUDENT
Sometimes students need a break, like an ice cream social or karaoke in the cafeteria A time to relax with friends and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate during a study session for semester exams
It’s also nice to be greeted with smile by the principal on “High Five Fridays.” Or find a post-it note on your locker with a positive message, and have your locker decorated with affirmation magnets.
These are just some of the ways Providence has implemented mental health initiatives to help students throughout the school year We also provide programs to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of all members of our community. Here are just a few:
Learn more about the Counseling Department and the college process
“Parent Nights” sponsored by our Counseling Department Participation in Suicide Awareness Month Retreats A Weekly “Minute Meditation” for the entire schooL
As a Catholic school, we care about the success of students academically as well as their overall growth and development as unique, strong individuals.
SEARCH & SELECTION PROGRAM
FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE YEARS
Academic Advisement:
College preparatory coursework matching student’s abilities
Four-year academic planning and goal setting
Initiate post-secondary discussions
Classroom Presentations:
Introduction to Naviance Student (web-based college and career search program)
Standardized testing to prepare for high-stakes college admissions testing
Spring College Fair at Providence for sophomores
Career Day workshops
JUNIOR YEAR
Interactive, small-group session that explains the process and timeline of exploring, applying and deciding on the best-fit college options for your student
Classroom Presentations:
Introduction and explanation of the college admission timeline
Free practice ACT test
PSAT test and opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship
In-house ACT test prep taught by Providence faculty College Representative Visits: Admission Reps from colleges across the country visiting Providence to meet with interested students
Spring College Fair at Providence Career Day workshops
SENIOR YEAR
Individual Counselor Meetings: A designated college counselor who provides individualized guidance for each student during the college application process
Classroom Presentations: College application procedures covering assistance with submitting applications, acquiring letters of recommendation, submitting transcripts and test scores
Transition to College: Information and expectations to ensure our students have a successful transition to college life
PARENT PROGRAMS
College Planning Night for Senior Parents
College Planning Night for Junior Parents
New Parent Welcome Night for Freshmen and Transfer Students
Conquering College Costs Seminar for all parents
Local College Fairs for students and parents
QUESTIONS?
For more information on Providence Catholic’s College Search and Selection Program, please contact:
Antonella Feyerer Senior Counselor 815-717-3187
afeyerer@providencecatholic org
Huda Hamdan Director of Counseling 815-717-3183
hhamdan@providencecatholic org
Want to know more about how our counselors prepare students and their families for college? Visit us online or follow our social media!
SATURDAY,DECEMBER7,2024 AT8:00AM
Register online at providencecatholic.org/admissions.
NEXTSTEPS:
Find information and dates on the upcoming events below by visiting our Admissions Timeline at providencecatholic.org.
SHADOW DAYS
Exerience a day in the life of a Celtic! September to December - register online
OPEN HOUSE
Bring the family on Sunday, November 17 to learn more about the Celtic community! Details at providencecatholic org
SCHOLARSHIPS & AID
Learn about opportunities to benefit students and families
PLACEMENT EXAM
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. Details at www.providencecatholic.org
FAMILY TOURS
Contact the admissions office: swithers@providencecatholic.org or nsenffner@providencecatholic.org or (815) 717-3160.
JUNIOR HIGH NIGHTS
Join us for a Junior High Night at several of our athletic events - and experience life as a Celtic fan!
