Independent and private schools continue to prosper

There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to each school are crucial to making an informed decision, but understanding each school’s unique character – from the perspective of the school – is key to illustrating what each school offers. In this exclusive feature for Hinsdale Magazine Group, we highlight our partners to provide our readers with relevant information and help them discover each school’s unique characteristics.

St. Isaac Jogues Parish School, a member of the Joliet Diocese, has been nurturing students’ minds and souls since 1932. The school is accredited through the Illinois Board of Education and most recently received the National Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence from the Department of Education.

The mission of SIJ is to prepare students academically, spiritually, as well as socially and emotionally, for their future in an ever-changing world. Faith is incorporated within the classroom, and teachers balance a rigorous curriculum with a caring and nurturing learning environment.

The journey at SIJ begins with their preschool class of 3-year-olds who remain classmates until their eighth-grade graduation. Our graduates value the bond of forming relationships and growing together for 11 years. SIJ encourages the involvement of parents in their children’s education; parents take the lead with St. Isaac’s school-wide service program, ”We Invite, We Include, We Inspire, We Ignite,” connecting students and their families to the St. Isaac’s community and surrounding areas.

The challenging academic program, which also includes Art, Music, and STEM instruction, is supported by co-curricular offerings. The Fine Arts program offers choir from kindergarten through eighth grade and performs an annual musical. Intramural and interscholastic competition is offered for all boys and girls in basketball, cross country, track and field, and girls volleyball.

In 2018, the Exceptional Learner Center (ELC) was opened. The center’s vision was to support the learning of students performing above and below grade level to allow each child to reach their individual potential. A highly skilled team of educators works with each student to ensure their academic needs are met.

A graduate will leave St. Isaac’s with the essential verbal and written communication skills, the ability to collaborate, critically think, and create and design. The SIJ graduate will encourage acceptance, tolerance, and understanding of all cultures as a global citizen and practicing Catholic within a culturally diverse world. ■