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. Joan of Arc was established in 1926 as a Benedictine Parish School. Since its foundation, SJA has focused on education, community and faith. They were awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award in 1986, 2011, and now again in 2023. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of the students, educators, families, and community in creating a safe and welcoming environment where students master challenging and engaging content, preparing them for the next steps in their education journeys.

At SJA, education is more than just academics; they focus on enriching the whole person, from preschool to eighth grade. They blend learning with faith to provide for the total development of each student in their spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. The community is tight-knit; SJA teachers and staff know every one of their 370 students. This provides a personal approach to education and ensures that each student’s individual needs are met.

A grandparent once said, “[St. Joan of Arc School] is the best kept secret in the western suburbs.” But the secret is out. Their enrollment has increased year after year, and talented and devoted teachers in the area join the growing family. These dedicated teachers and administrators have over 15 years of experience on average, and more than 50% have one or more master’s degrees.

Students who graduate from SJA will go on to be very successful in the high schools of their choice; many choose to continue with Catholic education in the area high schools. These students leave the doors of SJA with a lifelong commitment to Catholic values and an awareness of their social and moral responsibility to respond to the needs of parish, local, and global communities.

For more information about St. Joan of Arc, its programs, and extracurricular activities, visit their website at school.sjalisle.org.