Private High School in Joliet, IL

Joliet Catholic Academy:
Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA) is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory high school, co-sponsored by the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and the Carmelites of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. We are located in Joliet in Will and Kendall Counties, Illinois, approximately 40 miles south-west of Chicago. Academic excellence is one of the hallmarks of Joliet Catholic Academy; students are well prepared to attend the college of their choice after moving through JCA's education program. Our diverse curriculum helps students to achieve their maximum intellectual potential, through three academic programs: College Prep, Upper College Prep and Honors / Accelerated. Each year, we have a 100% graduation rate.

Academic Programs:
At Joliet Catholic Academy, our curriculum enables students to achieve their maximum academic potential, through our 3 academic programs:

- College Prep program
- Upper College Prep program
- Advanced Placement & Honors / Accelerated program

Placement is determined by evidence of the student’s prior academic performance (grades), standardized test scores and teacher recommendations. Students are eligible to enroll in a course outside their designated curriculum based on academic needs, availability of courses needed to meet a graduation requirement, etc. Usually by the completion of the sophomore year, a student’s academic level of aptitude and achievement has been established. Therefore, movement between the curricula, College Prep, Upper College Prep or Honors / Accelerated, will be limited.

- Honors Program:
The intent of the Honors Program is to challenge academically gifted and talented students, provide them with a rigorous program to meet their needs, and encourage them to reach their full academic potential. Honors courses and membership in the Honors Program are not synonymous. Memberships is based on the following: Freshmen will be placed, based on their placement test scores, in an "Accelerated" curriculum for their first year at JCA. At the end of their freshmen year, the student's performance will be evaluated. Upon the recommendation of their teachers, the Administration will "officially" invite the student to join the Honors Program. Students can participate in Honors classes without membership in the Honors program.

- Advanced Placement & Honors / Accelerated Program:
Advanced Placement courses are offered to juniors and seniors in English IV, U.S. Government, Calculus, Biology, European History, U.S. History, and Chemistry. Students in a fourth year of a foreign language may request to take the A.P. Spanish, French, or Latin exam. Honors / Accelerated courses are offered on each level (freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior) in English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Honors courses are also offered for third and fourth year Foreign Language and Studio Art.

- Learning Resource Program:
Students are tutored in small groups by our certified Learning Resource staff. The Learning Resource Program is designed to meet the needs of students who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Students who enter this program receive supplemental instruction one period a day in a small group setting. Instruction is centered around the materials and academic content of their college preparatory classes. Along with daily support for the LD population, the Learning Resource Program also recognizes and provides accommodation to those students diagnosed with ADD / ADHD.

- Fine Arts Program:
Music, Band, and Art instruction are offered as a four-year program. Drama Club offers opportunities for students who are interested in theatrical productions through the Fall Play and Spring Musical.

- Technology Programs:
Our Computer Center will enable you to master the basics and beyond. New programs and courses are added every year to provide our students with what they will need to advance to the next level.

- Athletic Programs:
Athletics plays an important role in developing the discipline and competitive spirit required for career success. Every student at JCA has excellent opportunities to compete at many levels in more than 20 interscholastic and intramural sports programs.

- Extra-Curricular Activities:
Joliet Catholic Academy students participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. We encourage all students to become involved in at least one extra-curricular activity; in fact, most students participate in several. Students meet new people, but also develop leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills. Students are encouraged to get involved by taking risks, exploring their interests and expressing their unique and special talents.