St. Joseph School

Established in 1910, St. Joseph School provides excellence in education founded on the Catholic faith to Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For the eighth year in a row, St. Joseph School was voted the Finest Grade School and Preschool in Suburban Life’s 2025 Reader’s Choice contest.

Over the years, the school has grown from a few classrooms in the back of the church to over 420 students. Today, two classrooms are offered per grade level, bringing the average class size to 20. An award-winning preschool program offers full and half-day options.

As an extension of St. Joseph Parish, the school shares the mission of the Catholic church. They provide opportunities to pursue academic excellence by offering an advanced curriculum in core subjects. Students also have opportunities to discover their talents through classes such as STEM, Technology, Art, Music, P.E., and Spanish.

St. Joseph School’s sports program is all-inclusive to encourage participation for fifth through eighth-grade students. The sports offered include volleyball, football, basketball, track and field, and cross country. St. Joseph students in Kindergarten through fourth grade have the opportunity to compete together in sports programs through the YMCA and Downers Grove Park District.

There are many opportunities for parent involvement, including the Parent Forum, School Advisory Board, Athletic Board, Parish Council, athletic and enrichment program coaches, and more. Special events for families include the Christmas and Spring Music Concerts, Green & White Gala, and Friday Night Lights.

A variety of after-school enrichment clubs and activities are also offered, including Art, Violin, Band, Chess, Scouts, Drama, LEGO, and Cooking, to name a few.

St. Joseph School is a welcoming, nurturing community where faculty and staff work in partnership with school parents to benefit students spiritually and academically. Students are well-prepared; over 80% of graduates make the honor roll their freshman year. Grounded in faith and guided by a team of experienced administrators, teachers, and staff committed to the academic, spiritual, and social growth of their students, St. Joseph School is looking forward to continued excellence in Catholic education in the years to come.