Viewbook 2024

ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL

Tradition Starts Here

TRUTH

UNITY

LOVE

AN AUGUSTINIAN COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL SINCE 1905

“

We watch our Ritamen flourish every day in the classroom, on the field, out in the community, and within their own spirituality. As they grow, we grow as well – and we will continue to grow as we write the next phase of our story.”

Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D. President

Dear Prospective St. Rita Parents, I encourage you and your son to look through this booklet to learn what St. Rita of Cascia High School offers and how it will enhance your son’s life not only today but throughout his lifetime.

St. Rita of Cascia High School offers your son a unique opportunity and educational experience based in the tradition of the Order of St. Augustine and its core values of Truth, Unity, and Love.

At St. Rita of Cascia High School: WE BELIEVE

in educating the whole person. in gaining knowledge by uniting the efforts of the heart and the mind. in searching the mind for God, who is Truth and Love. in a journey of discovering truth through self-knowledge. in interaction and sharing to create a community of friends and brothers.

At St. Rita of Cascia High School your son will be offered an individualized experience with many opportunities to learn and grow.

YOUR SON

will be known — he will not get lost in the crowd or disappear in a corner. will be valued — he will be fully supported in his distinctive journey. will be understood — he will be encouraged on his path of discovery and expression.

I invite your son to join the 25,000 other men who have walked our halls since 1905 and proudly call themselves Ritamen.

Join the St. Rita Family — Tradition starts here!

Sincerely,

Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D. President

“

Academics THREE RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Each year, every student is provided an academic plan tailored to his needs He is placed in courses from our three programs of study.

They are: Augustinian Academy

Our diversified curriculum ensures that each Ritaman is challenged – and supported – as an individual. Students are placed into classes based on their academic strengths and may take a combination of Advanced Placement, Honors, College Prep, and Foundational level courses in any given semester or year.

• Rapid pace • Serves gifted and motivated students

–Mr. Josh Blaszak ’02 Principal

• Opportunities for accelerated coursework • Courses include College Board approved Advanced Placement (AP) classes in most subject areas and Honors courses in nearly every academic department

Mendel Academic Program • Accelerated pace • Rigorous college preparatory program for dedicated students • Provides students with core skills and essential tools for success at the college level

Fr. Green, O.S.A. Academic Support Program • Moderate pace • Customized learning resource program designed to meet the needs of students with documented learning differences who demonstrate the potential to succeed in a college prep program • Opportunity for students to receive individual attention, tutoring, mentoring, and help with studying Additional Support for Diverse Learners* Classroom Accomodations

Testing Accomodations

• Preferential seating

• Extended time by 50 percent

• Teacher check-ins

• Directions read orally

• Access to assistive technology, such as audio books

• Use of a calculator

• Access to classroom notes, when available

• Use of iPad for written responses

CURRICULUM GUIDE Scan the QR Code to view the 2024-25 Curriculum Guide, which includes class offerings and course sequences.

• Access to a calculator *Accomodations based on each student’s IEP or 504 Plan

stritahs.com/academics

21 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

13:1 STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO

57 ELECTIVE OFFERINGS

15 ADVANCED PLACEMENT OFFERINGS

7 DUAL COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES Offered through Benedictine University, Dominican University, Grand Canyon University, and Saint Xavier University

Faith Campus Ministry Center The mission of St. Rita’s Campus Ministry Center is to build a strong, healthy, Christian community based upon Catholic ideals of the Gospel and the Order of St. Augustine. We strive to instill within each Ritaman the Augustinian core values of Truth, Unity, and Love. Campus Ministry helps each young Ritaman recognize and develop his own unique gifts and talents to their fullest potential. The student body is a faith community that seeks to grow in love of God and neighbor.

TRUTH

UNITY

LOVE

DAILY MORNING AND AFTERNOON PRAYER

WEEKLY NOVENA PRAYERS TO ST. RITA AND EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

BI-WEEKLY ALL-SCHOOL MASSES INCLUDING HOLY DAYS

ANNUAL RETREATS

Spiritual Life The Campus Ministry Center encourages all members of the St. Rita Family to take an active role in our school faith community through a wide range of activities, including: • Daily all-school morning and afternoon prayers • Weekly Novena Prayers to St. Rita at the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine and Eucharistic Adoration • Optional daily Mass with the Augustinians before school, as well as bi-weekly All-School Masses, including all Holy Days • Active liturgical involvement for all students as Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers, Lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion • Reconciliation during Advent, Lent, and by request • Annual retreats for all students, faculty, and staff, including a four day off-campus Kairos experience during each Ritaman’s junior or senior year • Sacramental preparation for those wishing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation to the Catholic Church • Awareness weeks for spiritual and social justice topics • Discernment opportunities for those feeling called to religious life

Service As part of an Augustinian Catholic community, Ritamen are called to actively live their Christian identity serving those most marginalized. St. Rita enables and encourages Ritamen to share their lives with others in a variety of ways, including: • Regular trips to local shelters/food pantries to assist with the distribution of food and clothing • Voluntary collections that annually raise over $20,000 for various charities • Education about social justice issues, including programs designed to promote racial equity • Required service hours through our Reflective Outward Service Experience • Integrating responsibility, respect, and tolerance as part of daily life at St. Rita

$20,000+ RAISED ANNUALLY FOR CHARITIES

35 SERVICE HOURS REQUIRED OVER 4 YEARS

Student Involvement There is something for each student at St. Rita to engage in and find their passion – from Student Government, to our Aviation Club, to our Black Student Union.

Student Life programming promotes student involvement, school spirit, spiritual development, and social concern.

RITAMEN CREATE. RITAMEN LEAD. RITAMEN CONNECT.

“

Over the past three years, I’ve learned so much about my interests, my passions, and my identity because of the clubs, sports, and student involvement here. St. Rita has helped me grow confident in myself as well as my leadership skills.”

Raymone Saffold ’24 Student Government, President Football, Captain Black Student Union Bowling Track & Field

95% OF ST. RITA STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

35+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Advice Beyond the Classroom Art Club Aviation Club Band / Jazz Band / Pep Band Big Brothers Black Student Union Broadcasting (Sports & Social Media) Caritas Club The Cascian Yearbook Chess Team Cooking Club Creative Writing Club Esports Hispanic Heritage Club Model Building Club Movie Club

Mustang Blackjack Club Mustang Scholars Club National Honor Society The NATIR Satirical Newspaper Outdoors Club Praise Band / Choir Respect Life Club Ritamen Weep Improv Troupe Scholastic Bowl Seinfeld Club Spanish Club Spikeball Club Sports Fantasy League Student Ambassadors Student Government

Opportunities to Explore Future Careers PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CAREER READINESS Aviation Program St. Rita students have had a unique opportunity to learn about careers in the aviation industry, reestablishing St. Rita’s historic aviation program that taught many Ritamen how to fly and build planes on our 63rd Street campus in the 50s and 60s. In the revived program, Ritamen have been able to meet airline industry pilots and support staff to learn about all the varied

careers involved in aviation through our collaboration with Southwest Airlines. In addition, the program has developed a relationship with Lewis University (known for their renowned Aviation Program), which has provided Ritamen the opportunity to fly an aircraft. Last year, students also visited Chicago Center for Air Traffic and Control.

Electrical Program St. Rita’s Electrical Program offers a 10-week class to our young men to introduce them to basic electrical skills. In addition, we will expand our existing engineering class collaboration that we have with the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) to include this new electrical construction opportunity. In its thurd year, the program will continue to offer offcampus hands-on experiences, field trips, and industry shadow days.

In-Tech, located in Alsip, is the premier electrical construction training school in the country.

ADVICE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM (ABC) Advice Beyond the Classroom (ABC) is an extracurricular program that teaches Ritamen the soft skills that lay a foundation for career exploration and future professional success. Founded over 12 years ago by St. Rita alum Nick LoMaglio ‘04, ABC’s curriculum helps students to develop their public speaking skills, practice the art of communication, learn how to build a personal brand, and create relationships with mentors that allow them to explore careers. Open to all students from Freshman to Senior year, many students participate in the program over multiple years. Returning students are eligible to serve in leadership positions as well as peer mentors.

At monthly 90-minute before school meetings, the 90 plus students currently in the program present to classmates on skills necessary for business success and collaborate on real business problems. Additionally in each class, the students work with and learn from professionals drawn from the consulting, banking, engineering, nonprofit, information technology, hospitality, and medical sectors.

Each academic year ends with a student led group presentation to business executives and competing against other ABC sites at the ABC State Championships held in downtown Chicago. Since the program’s inception, St. Rita has won four Champioships.

The following companies and businesses have relationships with ABC: Altair Advisers Americanos American Cancer Society Google Graham Enterprise HUB International Jones Lang LaSalle Morning Star Retirement Northern Illinois University Northern Trust Asset Management Oracle PricewaterhouseCoopers Science Olympiad The Raine Group UBS Financial Services Vista Equity Partners

Athletics St. Rita High School Athletic Department The goal of St. Rita is not to simply have a great season, but to develop great young men. St. Rita students are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports. Hard work, perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership are the cornerstones of our athletic programs. Our programs are designed to lead young men to discover and surpass their physical and mental limits, while learning life lessons as a result of a competitive program.

2023-24 Athletic Accomplishments STATE CHAMPION Wrestling - Sean Larkin ’24, 144 lbs. (pictured right) CHICAGO PREP BOWL CHAMPS Football (pictured right) CHICAGO CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMPS Football REGIONAL CHAMPS Baseball, Volleyball LAWLESS AWARD STUDENT RECIPIENT Bowling

Class of 2024 33%

Pursuing College Athletics

$1.2M

Amount Received in Athletic Scholarships

St. Rita competes in the Chicago Catholic League and is a member of the Illinois High School Association. In support of IHSA policies, St. Rita High School may not promise or offer athletic scholarships of any kind. Violations may result in loss of eligibility for the student, coach, and/or school.

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Did you know that Ritaman Sir Jamison Jones ’24 was drafted to the Washington Nationals on April 13, 2024. Photo by Oscar Villalobos.

Baseball Basketball Bowling Cross Country Football Golf Hockey Lacrosse Rugby Soccer Swimming Track & Field Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling

Technology 1:1 iPad Program Students and faculty alike benefit from a wide range of uses this technology offers. The goal of 1:1 iPad Program is to ensure Ritamen are smart, ethical users and to see it as a learning tool that will never replace student-teacher interaction.

Families must supply their own iPad.

Technology in the Classroom Classrooms are equipped with hardware and software that facilitates collaboration between teachers and students. Together, they can share screens and ideas with one another, increasing classroom engagement and learning.

VLC & STEM Labs The Van Leuven Center (VLC) and the STEM Labs provide students with access to Macs and PCs for coursework, research, and printing.

These resources are available to students throughout the day, as well as before and after school.

STEM Technology & Innovation Labs Students have access to our STEM Technology & Innovation Labs, which host courses aimed at developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Courses hosted in the STEM Technology & Innovation Labs include: • Honors Engineering - Immerses students into multiple fields of engineering, with a focus on electrical engineering. Some of the units studied in the course are 3D modeling, biomedical engineering, material engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering and sustainability. The electrical engineering coursework includes a partnership with Local 134.

• Freshmen Technology - Students explore Digital Citizenship and responsible use of technology. They learn to use blocks, scripts, Swift and basic Java Script to program drones and robots.

• Swift Programming - Students learn how to make apps for Apple devices with Swift programming language.

• Computer Science Principles Students explore the foundational concepts of computer science and examine how technology can be used to solve real world problems.

• Graphic Design / 2D-3D Animation Students create graphic and multimedia projects and designs using the Adobe Creative Suite.

Guidance COLLEGE PLANNING & STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER College & Career Advising

• Dual enrollment opportunities

• Comprehensive testing program to help prepare for the PSAT, ACT, and AP tests

• Career Week presentations

• Practice and official ACT tests available to students to enhance performance

• Assist students with hands-on opportunities in career pathways

• Introduction to a college search program during freshmen year, Naviance • Additional on-site test prep classes for ACT • Over 70 college representative recruitment visits during lunch periods and a college fair each year • Personalized college advising appointments for students and parents preceding senior year

• Career exploration in the trades, presentations, and tours

• Assist with NCAA and NAIA eligibility

Academic Support • Assist with the adjustment to high school • Identify individual academic goals and strategies to meet them • Recommend individual course and level placement • Interpret standardized test results

• College Seminar Series offering juniors and their parents an overview of the college application process as well as presentations given by college admissions representatives

• Collaborate with teachers and parents

• Resume preparation and college essay writing in junior English classes • Additional workshop offerings for college essay writing, college applications, financial fit, and FAFSA

All St. Rita counselors are professionally trained to assist students and offer: • Individual support through one-on-one appointments

• Assistance in securing merit-based college scholarships

• Coping and conflict resolution skills

• Guidance in pursuing selective college scholarship opportunities

• Crisis counseling

• Host parent-teacher conferences

Personal Support

• Referral to community agencies

$162,000,000+ IN MERIT-BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS OVER PAST FIVE YEARS

100% GRADUATION RATE

25,261 $141,000,000+ ALUMNI

IN MERIT-BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS OVER PAST FIVE YEARS

Our 2024 Graduates

26% WITH A 4.0 OR HIGHER GPA

19% WITH A 4.4 OR HIGHER GPA

26% PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

43% NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

17% ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS

2% ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY

8% ENROLLED IN TRADE PROGRAMS

$21,319,781 TOTAL EARNED IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

80%

90%

EARNED ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

CONTINUED ON TO COLLEGE

Our Campus Students take advantage of numerous facilities on our expansive 37-acre campus.

Through the generous support of loyal alumni and benefactors, we offer the best facilities, including newly constructed and renovated spaces.

ST. RITA OF CASCIA SHRINE CHAPEL

28 CLASSROOMS INCLUDING AN ART STUDIO & STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER STEM TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION LABS (NEW-2021) BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND PHYSICS LABS

MROZEK FAMILY FITNESS CENTER

JOHN MCNICHOLAS BASEBALL CLUBHOUSE

VAN LEUVEN FAMILY RESEARCH CENTER

BAND WING AND AUDITORIUM

MCCARTHY STUDENT CENTER

ATHLETIC FACILITIES INCLUDING DOYLE STADIUM, BASEBALL FIELDS, POOL, AND RENOVATED GYM

ADVICE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM (ABC)

2024 FACILITIES UPGRADE COMPLETES WHOLE SCHOOL COOLING PROJECT

100%

The $1 million project began in the Spring of 2024 and concluded August 15 in time for the Class of 2028 Orientation — the largest incoming class in five years.

“We take pride in providing an Augustinian education for our students; and this upgrade to our beautiful campus will ensure OF ST. RITA CLASSROOMS our Ritamen can make the most of it,” President Deacon John DUAL COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES Donahue shared. “As a growing institution, it is our top priority ARE AIR-CONDITIONED Offered through Benedictine University to ensure our classrooms are an effective learning environment and Saint Xavier University for our students.”

Shadow at St. Rita St. Rita’s Shadow Program will provide you with a first-hand experience on what a typical day is like for a Ritaman.

Who Can Shadow?

at the same entrance.

During the Fall of 2024, all 8 grade boys are encouraged to schedule a Shadow Day.

th

Interested 7th and 6th graders can shadow beginning in January.

What Occurs?

You will be hosted by a current Ritaman throughout the entire school day. A pizza special or Mustang Special of the Day will be provided for lunch. You may want to bring an extra dollar or two.

Your host for the day will be either a freshman or sophomore who has similar interests and academic goals to yours. If you would like to request a specific host student, we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

When Can You Shadow?

Students can shadow any day that St. Rita has a full day of school. Please arrive between 7:50 a.m. - 8:05 a.m. and enter through our Main Entrance (Door 15) which is located at the West back parking lot. A member of the Admissions Staff will meet you and introduce you to your host. Pick up will be at 2:40 p.m.

What Do You Need To Bring?

We will provide you with an informational folder and a writing utensil. Students are allowed to bring a phone but are asked to not use it during school hours.

What Is The Shadow Dress Code?

Dress code is a collared shirt and dress pants or grade school uniform.

How Do I Schedule A Shadow Day? Please contact Mr. Bill Heaney ’05, Director of Admissions at bheaney@stritahs.com or 773-925-7482. You can also sign up online at stritahs.com/shadow-days.

A minimum of two full days in

PERSONAL FAMILY TOURS Personal Family Tours are available on weekdays and designated Saturdays. Tours average about one hour. To schedule an appointment contact Mr. Bill Heaney ’05, Director of Admissions at bheaney@stritahs.com or 773-925-7482. You can also sign up online at stritahs.com/private-tour.

CONTACT US Mr. Bill Heaney’05 Director of Admissions bheaney@stritahs.com x6613

Mr. Ross Burt Admissions Coordinator Head Basketball Coach rburt@stritahs.com x6616

Mr. Tony Munzing ’16 Admissions Coordinator

MEET THE ST. RITA ADMISSIONS TEAM

Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Assistant Big Brothers Coordinator tmunzing@stritahs.com x6655

Mr. Ryan Klinger ’03

Our team is committed to making your son a future Ritaman and to welcome your family to be a part of our St. Rita community.

Whether it is our academics, athletics, spirituality, or student involvement, we know your son will find something that will make him feel at home throughout his four years at St. Rita High School.

Admissions Coordinator Head Wrestling Coach rklinger@stritahs.com x6664

If you have questions regarding shadow days, private tours, or any other admissions related questions, please feel free to contact any of the members of our Admissions Team.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships SCHOLARSHIPS TUITION 2024-25 Tuition: $14,100 Registration Fee: $500

FINANCIAL AID All St. Rita students are welcome to apply online for financial aid. Financial aid and scholarships awards an average of $4,000 per student. To receive aid a family must demonstrate need and the student must be able to make a positive contribution to the St. Rita Family and community through academics, activities, or both.

Through the generosity of St. Rita alumni, donors, and benefactors, St. Rita students currently receive more than $1.9 million in scholarships and financial aid.

Academic Scholarships Young men in 8th grade may be awarded academic scholarships based on their scores on the St. Rita Entrance Exam (HSPT-High School Placement Test) held in December.

Students will be tested in (3) subject areas: Math, English, and Reading, and their National Percentile (NP) score will determine the amount of academic scholarship.

99+ National Percentile (NP) Score = $5,000 (Renewable by maintaining a 4.5+ GPA)

95-98 (NP) Score = $2,500 90-94 (NP) Score = $1,500 85-89 (NP) Score = $1,000 To qualify for an academic scholarship, students must test at St. Rita.

Academic Scholarships for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Year Updated for the Class of 2026 and beyond 4.5+ GPA = $2,500 4.4-4.49 GPA = $1,500 4.2-4.39 GPA = $1,250 4.0-4.19 GPA = $1,000

GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS Catholic School Graduate Scholarship $8,000 Award ($2,000 per year) Incoming freshmen who graduate from a Catholic grammar school.

First Responder Award $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent serving as a full-time police officer or firefighter in the City of Chicago or its neighboring suburbs. Limit one First Responder/Four Star/ Veteran Scholarship per student.

Four Star Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent living in and working full-time for the City of Chicago.

Limit one First Responder/Four Star/Veteran Scholarship per student.

Veteran Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent who is an active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces.

Limit one First Responder/Four Star/Veteran Scholarship per student.

Legacy Scholarship $4,000 Award ($1,000 per year) Incoming freshmen whose father or grandfather graduated from St. Rita High School.

Catholic School Teachers Scholarship $2,000 Award ($500 per year) Incoming freshmen whose parent is a teacher employed full-time by the Archdiocese of Chicago, Diocese of Joliet, or Diocese of Gary.

Brother Scholarship $1,500 Per Son Annually Families with multiple sons enrolled at St. Rita at the same time.

MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS* St. Augustine Scholarship $8,000 Award ($2,000 per year) Incoming freshmen who demonstrate excellence in service, leadership, and character.

Lou Ricci ’53 Fine Arts Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who demonstrate interest and ability in the fine arts – music or visual art. Recipients must enroll and remain enrolled in the fine arts program to maintain this scholarship.

For complete information on St. Rita Scholarships & Financial Aid visit stritahs.com. *Application required for review and selection

Transportation St. Rita High School is committed to providing students with the most efficient, affordable, and safest transportation possible.

BUS ROUTES Our privately-owned shuttle buses allow students to have a convenient commute at a lower cost. All bus routes have morning, after school (2:45 p.m.), and after extracurricular activities (5:45 p.m.) availability.

For the 2024-25 School Year St. Rita plans to offer bus routes with pick-up and drop-off locations (at local grammar schools or other stops) along each of the routes. Students/Parents will be responsible for getting to one of the designated stops each morning to meet the St. Rita shuttle bus.

St. Rita plans to offer service in the following areas: Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Blue Island, Alsip, Crestwood, Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Midway, Bridgeport, Canaryville, Lansing, Calumet City, Matteson, Lemont, Bolingbrook, Darien, LaGrange, and more.

METRA SHUTTLE SERVICE Metra’s Southwest Service Line (SWS) with stops in: Chicago Ridge Homer Glen Lockport Manhattan

Frankfort New Lenox Mokena Oak Lawn

Orland Park Tinley Park Palos Worth

These stops are a short train ride to the Wrightwood Station (79th & Kedzie) where a St. Rita shuttle bus transports students before and after school.

Transportation Questions Do you have questions about transportion, including possible routes, pick up and drop off locations, cost, and more?

Contact our Transportation Coordinator, Ms. Adriane Griggs at agriggs@stritahs.com. Or visit striths.com/transport.

DON’T SEE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? LET US KNOW! We base our pick-up and drop-off locations on students’ needs each year.

N

CHICAGO

290

55

294 LaGrange

Bridgeport

Garfield Ridge

Canaryville

Midway

355 Darien

94

Clearing

55 294

90

Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Beverly

Bolingbrook Mt. Greenwood

Lemont

Alsip

57 94

Crestwood

90

Blue Island

Calumet City

294 Lansing

80

Matteson

ADMISSIONS EVENTS Open House

Celebrate St. Rita

Sunday, October 13, 2024 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 14, 2024 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Prospective Mom’s Night Out

Class of 2029 Entrance Exam

Thursday, October 24, 2024 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 2024 8:00 a.m.

stritahs.com ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL 7740 S. Western Ave. | Chicago, IL | 773.925.RITA