Private College Prep School for Girls in Chicago

Josephinum Academy, Chicago:
An associate of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Josephinum Academy is an academically rigorous, private, Catholic, single-sex, college-preparatory school for promising young women of Chicago. Girls from throughout Irving Park, North Center, Ravenswood and surrounding communities enjoy a first class education taught by skilled and experienced teachers. Founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Christian Charity Josephinum Academy has a long and demonstrated tradition of responding to the educational needs of the local community. We are a multicultural, values-based community that strives to empower young women to become leaders by nurturing their talents and instilling within them a social awareness that motivates them to make a difference. We provide a faith-based, single-sex environment which encourages the study of math, science and technology, in addition to the humanities. We are recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education and accredited by the North Central Association.

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Josephinum’s academic program for grades six through twelve is designed to fully prepare students for college with an emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills. We have a talented and committed faculty, of whom more than two-thirds hold advanced degrees. Small average class sizes of 13-16 students enable our teachers to pay careful attention to students’ individual interests and learning styles.

Students benefit from a single-sex environment that is safe for intellectual exploration and offers greater opportunities for leadership. Josephinum offers advanced classes in English and Math, as well as AP English, AP Spanish, and AP Biology. Our partnership with the Illinois Virtual High School enables us to offer enrichment courses that include Business, Astronomy, and AP Calculus. Our curriculum is relevant and incorporates issues of gender, race, and social justice.

We strive to educate the whole person with special attention to the challenges girls face as they begin their transition from adolescence to adulthood during the formative middle-school years. The benefits of a single-sex environment at this age are tremendous. Girls feel safe and supported in their personal growth and have higher levels of self-esteem. With fewer social pressures and distractions, they are more focused on academics, set high personal and educational goals, and develop confidence in their learning abilities and perspectives.

We foster students’ intellectual growth by establishing a strong foundation in math, science, technology, and the humanities. We incorporate into our curriculum issues of gender, race and social justice and provide our students with ample opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to the real world through class projects and community service. Our small class sizes and experienced and supportive faculty mean that students benefit from individual attention and instruction tailored to their needs and learning styles. Students are well-prepared to meet the demands of our high school curriculum upon graduation from eighth grade.

Physical Education:
Physical activity and participation in sports build confidence, provide opportunities for leadership, and lead to good health. We encourage students to strive for their personal best and teach values of sportsmanship, discipline, and cooperation through teamwork. We have teams in volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer.