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 570 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 afoster@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,
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
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 iReady benchmarks.
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.
THE 7C’S OF ST. BENEDICT PREP
Collaboration
Communication Critical Thinking
7C’s
Creativity
LOWER SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
EARLY CHILDHOOD PRIMARY MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERMEDIATE
PreK &K 1-3 4 & 5 6-8
Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School
Rachel Metz, Head of Lower School
Mary Deletioglu, Head of Upper School
LOWER SCHOOL: EARLY CHILDHOOD
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 Conscious Discipline.
ACADEMIC
Weekly themed curriculum
2 Spanish periods per week
2 Physical Education periods per week
2 Music periods per week
6 field trips per year
Wonder Lab STEM Exploratory Lab
Interactive projectors in every classroom
iPad technology integration State of Illinois Recognition
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
Kindergarten
Using small group instruction, kindergarten literacy and math skills are built upon using the enVision-Savvas Math and Reading Mastery programs. enVision-Savvas 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 assistants in every classroom
10:1 student teacher ratio
2 recess periods per day in a secure outdoor area
2 Spanish periods per week
2 Physical Education periods per week
1 Library period per week
One trimester each of Music, Art, and STEM Technology
4 Field trips per year
Interactive projectors in every classroom
1:1 Technology integration with school-issued device
Teaching positive social behavior with Conscious Discipline
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
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
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. We build strong readers with Reading Mastery Transformations, a comprehensive English/Language Arts program aligned to the science of reading.
ACADEMIC
Small class sizes with 21 student maximum in each classroom
Daily recess in secure courtyard
2 Spanish sessions per week
2 Physical Education sessions per week
1 Library session per week
One trimester each of Art, Music, and STEM Technology
1:1 technology integration with school-issued laptop
iReady goal-setting
4 field trips per year
Optional hot lunch program
Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program
FAITH
Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance
Grade level service learning projects
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
Extracurricular club offerings
Optional strings instruction starting in 1st grade
Bitty Basketball and Bitty T-Ball
UPPER SCHOOL: INTERMEDIATE
4th & 5th Grades
Savass Envision Math continues in the intermediate grades as students continue to learn the underlying principles and applications of math skills. Students are ready for a 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
Theme-based novel studies
Departmentalized instruction in Science and Social Studies
1:1 technology integration with school-issued laptop/tablet
2 Spanish 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
4 field trips per year
Daily recess in secure courtyard
Teaching positive social behavior with Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support program
FAITH
Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance
Prayer Buddy Partnerships with Lower School students
Service Learning Projects for each grade level
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Before school and after school extended care
Extracurricular Club Offerings
Optional strings instruction
Optional band instruction
Athletic program includes basketball, volleyball, cross country, and track & field
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
UPPER SCHOOL: MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th, 7th, & 8th Grades
Creative Media Center
Global Learning Lab
Electives in fine arts and core curriculum
AGORA: LEARNING BEYOND THE SCHOOL WALLS
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
Communications
Dance
Geometric Explorations
Hands on Science/Forensics
International Studies
Journalism
Popular Literature
Science of Sports
Technology & Computer Science
Theater
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
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.
Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.
Faculty and Staff
55 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
Mission Advancement Team
Director of Operations
Full-time Counselor
Full-time Nurse
Full-time Athletic Director
Full-time IT Director
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.
*Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math STEAM LEARNING LABS
CURRICULAR
3rd grade Wax Museum
Math Club
Parent Education
Workshops
Field Trips
Young Inventors Fair
Student Council
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
Quiz Bowl
*This is just a sample of clubs offered
ATHLETICS
Basketball Baseball
Bitty Basketball
Bitty T-Ball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Softball
Summer Camp
Summer Sports Camp
Track & Field
Volleyball
Student & Family Activities
MUSIC & DANCE
Band Lessons
Children’s Choir
Dance Classes
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
Living Rosary
Living Stations of the Cross
Weekly Mass Attendance
Grades 1-8
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Christmas Musical
Ice Cream Social
Family Sweetheart Dance
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
• 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
• All teachers have their own dedicated classroom
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.
3900 N Leavitt Street Chicago, Il 60618 773-539-0066 www.stbenedict.com
