Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
Dear Parent or Guardian, Thank you for your interest in St. Benedict Preparatory School (SBPS). Since 1902, SBPS has provided top-quality, faith-based education by pairing exceptional academic instruction with traditional Catholic teachings. St. Benedict Prep has a strong commitment to offering outstanding education and long-term community building in the North Center area. Today, over 650 students attend SBPS. An enriched school community and strengthened educational experience is a result of the partnership between SBPS and school families. WITHIN THIS PACKET YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION ON: • St. Benedict Prep’s mission. • The innovative approach to curriculum in the early childhood, primary, intermediate, and middle school grades. • Extracurricular student and family activities. • Tuition, fees, and extended care options. • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). I encourage you to schedule a school tour to see the classrooms and meet our teachers. To arrange a visit or to have additional questions answered, please contact me at jgallagher@stbenedict.com or 773-509-3814. Once again, thank you for your interest in St. Benedict Preparatory School. We are proud of our Catholic educational heritage and sincerely look forward to welcoming you into our community. Best wishes,
Janet Gallagher Janet E. Gallagher Director of Enrollment & Admissions St. Benedict Preparatory School
ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
2019 National Blue Ribbon Award St. Benedict Preparatory School is one of only 362 schools across the country chosen by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance. St. Benedict Prep is one of only 50 non-public schools across the nation honored as an Exemplary High Performing School. As a National Blue Ribbon School, St. Benedict Prep demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning. St. Benedict Prep students consistently exceed national benchmarks on ACT Aspire tests. The St. Benedict Prep approach to education is based on the 21st Century Learning Framework that focuses on the essential skills which research shows are critical to student success. Instruction allows students to think critically and creatively, learn rigorous content, develop resilience, and become productive collaborators. All instructional activities are built on one or more of the 7 C’s of Learning: Catholic Formation, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Content, and Confidence.
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Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
f o ’ s C n e v e S e Th n o i t a c u d E p e St. Benedict Pr
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Rachel Waldron, Head of Lower School
LOWER SC HOOL
EARLY CHILDHOO
D
PreK &K
PRIMARY
1-3
Mary Deletioglu, Head of Upper School
UPPER SCHOOL
INTERMEDIATE
4&5
MIDDLE SCHOOL
6-8
Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School
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Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
LOWER SCHOOL:
E A R LY C H I L D H O O D
Preschool
During these formative years, the focus is on developmentally appropriate activities for young students. In preschool, a nurturing and fun environment allows for supervised play and content-based learning integral to the development of pre-literacy and pre-math skills. Students develop social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills in order to arrive in kindergarten ready to learn. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 3 half day, 3 full day, 5 half day, or 5 full day options Certified teacher and teacher’s assistant in every classroom 10:1 student teacher ratio Family style hot lunch for both half and full day students Modern outdoor playground Secure campus on a self-contained city block Indoor gross motor room Seamless plan for transition from preschool to kindergarten Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program ACADEMIC Weekly themed curriculum 2 Spanish sessions per week 2 Physical Education sessions per week 1 Music session per week 6 field trips per year Wonder Lab STEM Exploratory Lab Interactive projectors in every classroom
iPad technology integration Portfolio reflection and goal setting Accredited by AdvancED FAITH Daily prayer and once per trimester Mass attendance Prayer Buddy partnerships with Lower and Upper School students EXTRA-CURRICULAR Before school and after school care Extra-curricular club offerings Bitty Basketball & Bitty T-Ball
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Kindergarten
Using small group instruction, kindergarten literacy and math skills are built upon using the Everyday Math and Reading Mastery programs. Everyday Math is a research-based and field-tested program effective in developing lifelong mathematical skills. Reading Mastery develops a strong phonics foundation and allows students to begin reading at their own level. Center-based activities allow hands-on experiences for students to learn at their own pace. This type of learning fosters the development of social, fine, and gross motor skills. ACADEMIC Full day kindergarten Certified teacher and teacher’s assistant in every classroom 10:1 student teacher ratio 2 recess sessions per day in a secure outdoor area FAITH 2 Spanish sessions per week Daily prayer and once per trimester 2 Physical Education periods per week Mass attendance 1 Library session per week Prayer Buddy partnerships with Lower One trimester each of Music, Art, and and Upper School students STEM Technology 4 Field trips per year EXTRA-CURRICULAR Interactive projectors in every classroom Before school and after school care iPad technology integration Extra-curricular club offerings Portfolio reflection and goal setting Bitty Basketball & Bitty T-Ball Optional hot lunch program Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program
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LOWER SCHOOL:
PRIMARY
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grades
In the primary grades, students further develop reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills in a highly personalized setting using small group instruction and frequent observation and assessment. Students learn through hands-on activities, games, real-life problem solving, school/family cooperation, and the appropriate use of technology. The balanced literacy approach in first, second, and third grades develops reading strategies and literacy skills with an emphasis on decoding, fluency, and comprehension. With teacher support, students develop the skills to become independent readers. Language Arts, Religion, Science, and Social Studies complete the curriculum focus. ACADEMIC Small class sizes with 21 student maximum in each classroom Certified teacher in every classroom Daily recess in secure courtyard 2 Spanish sessions per week 2 Physical Education sessions per week 1 Library session per week Reading Specialist support One trimester each of Art, Music, and STEM Technology 1:1 technology integration with school-issued laptop Portfolio reflection and goal-setting 4 field trips per year Optional hot lunch program Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program
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FAITH Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation in 2nd grade Prayer Buddy Partnerships with Lower and Upper School students EXTRA-CURRICULAR Before school and after school extended care Extra-curricular club offerings Optional strings instruction starting in 1st grade Bitty Basketball and Bitty T-Ball
UPPER SCHOOL:
I N T E R M E D I AT E
4th & 5th Grades
Everyday Math continues in the intermediate grades as students continue to learn the underlying principles and applications of math skills. The balanced literacy approach remains a critical component of learning as students continue reading at personalized levels. Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, and Novel Studies allow students to write about their reading and receive individual feedback from teachers. Research and presentation skills are developed through special projects and assignments in Science and Social Studies. Students grow in independence and critical thinking skills during these years. ACADEMIC Small class sizes Certified teacher in every classroom Leveled instruction in Math, Reading, and Writing Departmentalized instruction in Science and Social Studies 1:1 technology integration with school-issued laptop/tablet 2 Spanish or French sessions per week 2 Physical Education sessions per week 1 Library session per week One trimester each of Art, Music, and STEM Technology Global Learning Lab Optional band and strings instruction Portfolio reflection and goal setting 4 field trips per year Daily recess in secure courtyard Optional hot lunch program Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program
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FAITH Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance Prayer Buddy Partnerships with Lower School students EXTRA-CURRICULAR Before school and after school extended care Extra-curricular Club Offerings Optional strings instruction Optional band instruction Athletic program includes basketball, volleyball, cross country, track & field, and cheerleading
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
UPPER SCHOOL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th, 7th, & 8th Grades
The Middle School departmentalized learning environment is developed around the unique needs of the young adolescent. Research, writing, and analysis are integrated through novel, literature, primary sources, and historical studies. Students apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to deepen understanding of content material.
ACADEMIC Small class sizes Certified teacher in every classroom Daily recess in secure courtyard 2 Spanish or French sessions per week 2 Physical Education sessions per week 1:1 technology integration with school-issued laptop/tablet Creative Media Center Global Learning Lab Electives in fine arts and core curriculum National Junior Honor Society Portfolio reflection and goal-setting Optional hot lunch program Merit/Demerit system AGORA: LEARNING BEYOND THE SCHOOL WALLS
ELECTIVES Art Band & Strings Creative Writing Communications Dance Geometric Explorations Hands on Science/Robotics/Forensics International Studies Journalism Popular Literature Science of Sports Technology & Computer Science Theater
This unique program aims to connect learning inside the classroom to real world experiences. Students learn about a topic throughout the school year in Agora Seminar. The program culminates with a week of travel in the spring. 6th Grade: City of Chicago Experience | 7th Grade: State of Illinois Experience 8th Grade: Washington D.C. Experience
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ACADEMIC LAB Academic Lab provides time during the school day for organization, advisory, grade checks, group work, and personal development. Advisory groups assist students in the development of selfunderstanding and effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills. BENGAL PREP The transition to middle school can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. 6th grade students participate in Bengal Prep, a course that teaches executive functioning skills that students will use throughout their academic career. Emphasis is on time and task management, organization at home and at school, goal setting, and note and test taking strategies.
FAITH Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance Prayer Buddy Partnerships with Lower School students Retreats and service learning projects 8th Grade Confirmation Preparation EXTRA-CURRICULAR Before school and after school extended care Extra-curricular club offerings Athletic program includes basketball, volleyball, cross country, track & field, and cheerleading HOUSE SYSTEM The Middle School House System fosters leadership and community in grades 6-8. Students are assigned to one of five houses that are named after saints from the religious order founded by St. Benedict. Through pep rallies, friendly competitions, and service projects, houses earn points throughout the year. The coveted House Cup and House outing is awarded to the house with the most points at the end.
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Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
Faculty and Staff 52 TEACHERS 2/3 of teachers with 6+ years of teaching experience 50% have earned or are earning a Master’s Degree 2/3 of teachers have a teaching endorsement in subject areas Full time STEAM teachers Inclusion facilitators at Lower and Upper School levels ADMINISTRATION TEAM Three certified Catholic school administrators SUPPORT STAFF Director of Inclusion Reading Specialist Mission Advancement Team Director of Finance Full-time Counselor Full-time Nurse Full-time Athletic Director Full-time IT Team
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ASK
Full Steam Ahead STEAM* integration throughout the St. Benedict Prep curriculum encourages students to think like engineers. With each project, students use the engineering design process, inquiry, and investigation skills to solve problems. STEAM teachers also partner with classroom teachers to provide year-long STEAM activities that connect with core subject units.
SHARE Look What We Made!
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TEST & IMPROVE
IMAGINE PLAN
CREATE
*Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math
STEAM LEARNING LABS Early Childhood Wonder Lab | STEM Lab for Lower School Creative Media Center for Upper School | Global Learning Lab
AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT St. Benedict Prep is committed to inclusive education to meet the needs of diverse learners. Classroom teachers partner with inclusion facilitators to provide the framework for each child to access the general education curriculum. Inclusion facilitators work with families and students who have special learning needs that require classroom accommodations and modifications. Inclusion facilitators provide in class support and testing accommodations for students in whole group, small group, and one-to-one settings.
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT Lower School differentiates Reading, Writing, and Math based on academic growth. Upper School students may take electives in core subjects to fully explore content areas.
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Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
CURRICULAR 3rd grade Wax Museum Upper School International Fair Math Club Parent Education Workshops Field Trips Portfolio Night Young Inventors Fair Student Council Awards Day CLUBS American Girl Club Art Club Bakugan/Pokeman Club Boy Scouts Drama Club Girls On he Run Boy and Girl Scouts Chess Club Jewelry Making Club Lego Club Little Chefs Club Little Scientist Club Mad Science Soccer SuperStars ATHLETICS Basketball Baseball Bitty Basketball Bitty T-Ball Cheerleading Cross Country Softball Summer Camp Summer Sports Camp Track & Field Volleyball
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Student & Family Activities MUSIC & DANCE Band Lessons Children’s Choir Dance Classes Piano Lessons Violin Lessons FAITH ACTIVITIES Altar Servers Advent & Lent Liturgies Advent Food Drive Catholic Schools Week Confirmation Preparation Family Mass First Holy Communion Preparation First Reconciliation Preparation Grandparent’s Day Prayer Service Living Rosary Living Stations of the Cross Weekly Mass Attendance Grades 1-8 FAMILY ACTIVITIES Christmas Musical Ice Cream Social Father/Daughter Dance Mother/Son Ninja Warriors Mother/Son Bowling Open Gym Talent Show
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES* Class Activity & Event Planning Coaching Field Trip Chaperones Home & School Association (HSA) Lunchroom/Recess Monitors Room Representatives SBPS Advisory Board SBPS Athletic Association *All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained
Safe Places for Children to Flourish • St. Benedict campus self-contained on one city block • BluePoint alert system and security cameras throughout the campus • Secure courtyard play areas • Two gym facilities • Indoor gross motor room for preschool • Auditorium • Three STEM labs • Creative Media Center with green screen technology • Two libraries • Dance studio • Two large cafeterias with kitchen onsite • All teachers have their own dedicated classroom
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Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
Our Mission St. Benedict Preparatory School continues a centurylong tradition of superior education in a vibrant Catholic community. We recognize that each student’s Godgiven gifts hold unique value, potential, and dignity. Our city block campus offers preschool through grade 8 programs to the parish, the Northside of Chicago, and all those who share our mission. With a focus on critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration, the St. Benedict Parish faculty and staff, in partnership with parents, develop the creators and contributors of tomorrow inspired by faith and informed with a global perspective. We are a welcoming and supportive community with Christ at our center. A commitment to inclusive and rigorous challenge creates a dynamic, innovative, and active learning experience in which the needs of the whole student are met. At St. Benedict Preparatory School, the strengths of each child become an inspiration to others to learn fearlessly, to lead responsibly, and to serve joyfully.
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully. 3 900 N Leavitt Street Chicago, Il 60618 773-539-0066 www.stbenedict.com