& A FUTURE THAT MATTERS.
Choosing a high school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make - and at Providence Catholic, we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
When students describe Providence, the most common phrase we hear is: “It feels like a second home ” That sense of belonging - along with our commitment to faith, excellence and the Augustinian Values - sets us apart You’ll see it in the classroom, on the field, on retreat, and in the way our students cheer for each other. Simply put, our Augustinian Values of Truth, Unity and Love guide us in all that we do.
We hope to see you at an open house, shadow day, or campus event soon We’d love to welcome you personally into the Providence Family
Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A., President & Mr. Paul Houston,
Principal
At Providence Catholic, we will accompany your student through their high school years We will challenge, support, encourage and celebrate them as they discover who they are and who they’re meant to be.
100+ College-Prep Courses
$39 million in Scholarships offered to the Class of 2025
75% of students participate in athletics
90% of students join a club, sport, or activity Faith, service, and community are at our core
We are a close-knit Catholic community that offers personalized academic support along with award-winning athletics and extracurriculars. We don’t just prepare students for college - we prepare them for life. We’re more than a high school. We’re a second home. We’re the Providence Family.
We have counselors and a social worker available to meet the social, emotional, educational, and college preparation needs of students!
We have counselors and a social worker available to meet the social, emotional, educational, and college preparation needs of students!
Because have 33 state championships and 64 state trophies - the most of any private high school in Illinios!
Because we have 33 state championships and 64 state trophies - the most of any private high school in Illinios!
Because around 17% of senior athletes annually commit to continuing their athletic career in college - far beyond the national average!
Because around 17% of athletes annually to continuing their athletic career in college - far beyond the national average!
To get a day off of school when one of the Celtic teams wins a state championship!
To get a day off of school when one of the Celtic teams wins a state championship!
For Celtic Nation, the best cheering section in the state! For Celtic Nation, the best cheering section in the state!
Join our mailing list to be among the first to find out about upcoming events and opportunities!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025 AT 8:00 AM Register online at providencecatholic.org/admissions.
OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIP
Four Year Scholarships and Grants
Merit Scholarships: Merit Scholarships will be awarded to high performers on the Placement Exam. Open to all students. ($1,000-$5,000 / 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 ($2,000 / per year)
FACTS Application: Need-Based Aid is awarded to families that apply and qualify through the FACTS application
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:
Discount for 2nd student ($1,540)
Discount for 3rd student ($3,850) No charge for 4th student *Students must be enrolled concurrently
Triskelion Foundation Scholarship: 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!
Check out the full admissions timeline for the Class of 2030 online! upon testing, You’ll receive a packet with additional scholarship opportunities!
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid
Merit scholarships have DOUBLED for the coming year!
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I afford this?
A: With need-based aid, merit scholarships, and payment options, many families are surprised at what’s possible
Q: How do I apply for aid?
A: Submit a FACTS application by February 1, 2026
Q: Do I have to be Catholic?
A: No Students of all faiths are welcome - and thrive - here
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
CHALLENGE. SUPPORT. ACHIEVE. ACADEMICS
Every Student Can Succeed
At Providence Catholic, academic success isn’t reserved for the top of the class — it’s an expectation for everyone Whether you're aiming for top-tier colleges, exploring career-ready trades, or finding your strengths in new subjects, we meet you where you are and help you go further.
Academic Offerings
100+ College-Preparatory Courses
22 Advanced Placement Courses Offering College Credit
24 Honors Courses
Distance Learning Courses Through Brigham Young University
Taught By College Professors
Dual Credit For Courses
Visual And Performing Arts
Sports Medicine, Sports Officiating, And Fitness
World Languages
THECELTICLEARNINGCENTER
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
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
AP Classes
21 classes in 2024-2025
256 students took 481 AP exams in 2025
Dual Credit Courses
At Providence Catholic, we provide each student with a fouryear 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
Learn more about academics
Students even take their learning outside the classroom to learn more about opportunities in the trades and public service! Students have taken insightful field trips to Electricians Local 134 and Pipefitters Local 597, amongst others, 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.
Learn more about the first Augustinian Pope!
Check out current and past editions of the Celtic Review magazine.
Visit the online Spirit Shop to get the newest Celtic spiritwear!
Our students graduate confident, capable, and college-ready.
EXCELLENCE ATHLETIC
Where Champions - and Character - Are Built
At Providence Catholic, athletics go far beyond wins and trophies. Our student-athletes learn to lead, to work hard, and to support one another With over 75% of students participating in sports, we offer opportunities for every skill level
Our athletes have set #TheCelticStandard - and continue to raise the bar
Since 1984, every graduating class at PCHS has brought home at least one state trophy and added to the athletic tradition! Celtics have brought home 64 state trophies 17.7% of 2025 graduates committed to college teams (the national average is 6%). Student-athletes have access to the state-of-the-art Zac Plantz Performance Center.
&SERVICE FAITH
FAITH, FAMILY & PURPOSE
At Providence Catholic, faith isn’t just part of our name - it’ everything we do Rooted in the Augustinian values of Truth our students grow in their relationship with God, serve oth compassion, and live out their faith every day.
Whether celebrating Mass together or volunteering in the c students learn to lead with kindness, integrity, and purpose
A Year of Faith in the Celtic Community:
All-School Masses on Holy Days of Obligation and special occasions Retreats that deepen friendships and faith
Daily Prayer & Morning Reflections led by students and staff
Campus Ministry open to all - no experience needed
Augustinian Youth Ministry, which encourages student-led service and spiritual growth
"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
KAIROS
Growing up, St Augustine liked to hang out with friends. Through his friendships, he discovered his own talents, gifts and meaning.
Students attend various retreats over their four years at PC, with Kairos being a highlight of senior year and one of the most treasured memories by Providence alumni This three-day, off-campus retreat invites seniors to step away from the busyness of daily life and experience God’s love in a powerful way. This retreat allows students to grow closer to their faith - and to one another. Ask any alum, and chances are Kairos is the moment they’ll never forget.
SERVICE THAT CHANGES LIVES.
Our students live out the mission and give thousands of hours each year in service - at shelters, special needs camps, food pantries, and more Each act of kindness forms the foundation of lifelong empathy and leadership, and allows students to see and feel the impact of their service
Some opportunities include:
Sandwich Patrol
Service Days at the Northern Illinois Food Bank
Special Needs Athletic Camps
Parish Service Projects
National Honor Society Service Hours
Club and Team-Led Outreach
Learn more about service.
Your journey at Providence isn’t just about the classroomit’s about faith, character, and becoming the kind of person God created you to be.
The Counseling Department provides information to students that will enable them to make wise decisions essential to their spiritual, academic, social and emotional growth. Our goal is
On-staff experts provide...
N S C O L L E G E
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
Classroom presentations
academic placement sessions on and interpretation
udent college planning sessions
nd financial aid seminars
eer planning software
ege application assistance
Over the past five years, $232,595,119 in scholarships have been offered to Providence Catholic graduates.
elor Meetings: A designated college rovides individualized guidance for each he college application process ntations: plication procedures covering with submitting applications, etters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores to College: Information ations to ensure our ave a successful transition ife
RAMS
Senior Parent College Night
Inside Admissions: College Panel (for all)
Holistic Success: Parent’s Survival Guide (for all) Your Fit, Your Future: College Edition (for all)
Learn more about the Counseling Department and the college process.
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:
“Parent Nights” sponsored by our Counseling Department Participation in Suicide Awareness Month Retreats A Weekly “Minute Meditation” for the entire schooL
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 realworld 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.
At Providence Catholic, students have the opportunity to expand their horizons through unforgettable travel experiences Recent trips have taken students to destinations like Florida, New York, Greece, Peru, Italy, Spain, France, and England Whether traveling for academic programs (Visual Arts, Band, Choir), athletic competitions (such as international soccer tournaments), or cultural enrichment, these journeys bring classroom learning to life in real-world settings
ARTS A FOCUS ON THE
Creativity is a powerful form of communication and in the Fine Arts Department, students discover how to express their ideas, emotions, and individuality through visual art and music. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush, strumming a guitar, or raising your voice inharmony, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your skills, and tap into your creative potential
Our department offers a full curriculum in the visual arts, including drawing, painting, 2D design, and AP Studio Art Musically inclined students can explore three levels of band and choir, take a beginner friendly guitar class, or dive into advanced topics with AP Music Theory. Students also have the opportunity to be recognized for their talents and achievements through participation in the National Art Honor Society, the Illinois Music Honor Society, and the International Thespian Society
Plus, there's plenty of opportunity for performance via two musicals, Marching Band, Jazz Band & Choir, our annual concerts and art show, and other special events No matter your experience level, our classes help you see the world differently, connect with others, and find joy in creating something meaningful Join us, and let your creativity lead the way!
Sophia Leverett, Class of 2025, was the recipient of the 2025 Best Performer in an Actress Role Award at the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards! Sophia earned this prestigious honor for her dazzling performance as Ursula in Providence Catholic’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid With her incredible voice, captivating stage presence, and four years of standout roles, Sophia has been a cornerstone of the Provi Theatre This recognition led to her first appearance on Broadway!
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
Yes - we get your student here! The Providence Catholic Transportation Company provides convenient, affordable bus service to families throughout the southwest suburbs. Visit www.providencecatholic.org for pricing and details
The following bus routes run every school day through your area to Providence Catholic: Crest Hill, Frankfort, Homer Township, Joliet, Lemont, Lockport, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Areas, Plainfield, Rockdale, Shorewood and Tinley Park
Cluster Stops Available for families 20+ minutes away
The following cluster stops currently are available for the 2025-2026 school year (these change from year to year). Cluster Stops will be decided each year during routing
Theodore & Drauden Rd Gas and Wash far West Joliet & Plainfield Laraway Road and Rt 45 in Frankfort
Renwick & Hometown Rd in Plainfield
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 (these areas may be at Cluster Stops)
Contact: (815) 717-3031 for info or visit [website link]
Learn more about transportation, and see the newest updates.
TUITION TECHNOLOGY
Tuition 2025-2026
$15,750 online Tuition Payment Options (full, semi-annual, quarterly, bi-monthly, and monthly) Scholarship and Grant Programs
Over $3 million in aid and scholarships awarded to PCHS families this year alone
Through generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities, a Providence education is affordable for families who seek a private, college-preparatory education.
At Providence Catholic, technology is more than a tool - it’s a bridge to innovation, creativity, and real-world readiness
We are a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school, and all students use Microsoft 365 and Teams to collaborate, stay organized, and complete coursework Other popular tools include Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Vernier Logger Pro, EMC Passport, IXL, and Aleks
These applications make learning more engaging and inclusive - giving students the digital fluency they need to thrive
Hands-On Tech in Action:
3D Printing & CAD: Students bring ideas to life through design, modeling, and production
Engineering Projects: From trebuchets to rockets, students explore physics and problem-solving.
Digital Media & Web Design: Projects include videos, infographics, and marketing strategies powered by data science
Robotics: Students engineer and program robots to complete autonomous tasks
Computer Science & Coding: Students learn programming, algorithms, and systems in Intro to Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A Engine Design: Through practical projects, students explore the mechanics of engines and develop skills in design, building, and repair.
“One of the best decisions we have made as parents was partnering with Providence Catholic for the guidance and support of our children during their very important formative high school years Attending 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
“I wish I had gotten more involved sooner. At Providence, there’s something for everyone - and the memories I made outside the classroom are the ones I’ll keep forever.” —
Maia Allen, Class of 2025
ORGANIZATIONS CLUBS AND
ACTIVITIES STUDENT&
Find Your People. Try Something New. Lead the Way. Clubs and student organizations at Providence
Catholic help our students grow into confident, connected, and creative individuals Nearly 90% of students participate in clubs, performances, leadership, or service
Student Life Includes:
Spirit Weeks, Dances, Homecoming, Pep Assemblies
Leadership Conferences & Retreats
Dress-Down Days and School Spirit Events
Encouragement through locker notes, prayer boards & “High-Five Fridays”
30+ Clubs & Organizations including:
Creative & Performing Arts: Art Club, Band, Choir, International Thespian Society, Marching Band, Color and Winter Guards, Provi Theatre, Celtic Pipers
Tech & Media: eSports, Coding Club, Yearbook, Proviscope Newspaper
Academic & Honors: Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Illinois Music Honor Society (ILMHS), Book Club, International Club, Science Club, Stock Market Club
Service & Leadership: Student Council, Sandwich Patrol, Augustinian Youth Ministry, Student Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity
Learn more about clubs and activities.
Community & Culture: International Club, Pop Culture Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Movie Club, Cosmetology Club are encou uch to be rovidenc e to get i
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! Fall and Spring dates available, including Super Celtic Shadow Days! Register online
OPEN HOUSE
Bring the family on Sunday, November 16 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 6, 2025 | 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!
As a Catholic school, we care about the success of students academically as well as their overall growth and development as unique, strong individuals.
