What started as St. Mary Academy for Girls in 1880 eventually transformed into Providence Catholic High School. Providence Catholic stands as a testament to faith education and community spirit. It is located in New Lenox Illinois. The school’s story began in Joliet. The Sisters of Loretto established St. Mary Academy. It was initially a commercial school. The original building opened in 1883. Academic classes were later added.
In 1918, the Archdiocese of Chicago invited the Sisters of Providence to take over. The school’s name officially changed to Providence High School on October 22. The Great Depression forced the school to halt academic classes in 1931. It temporarily reverted to a two-year commercial school. A four-year secretarial program began in 1938. Academic courses returned after the Depression.
However, the building was condemned as a fire hazard in 1959. Students sifted through the wreckage seeking uncrushed bricks. They sold these bricks as souvenirs. The funds helped build the new Providence Catholic. The school met at St. Mary Nativity Elementary School during this time.
The modern Providence Catholic High School opened in 1962. It moved to New Lenox. It also became a coed school. The community was not heavily populated. Enrollment decreased. The school suffered financially. Father Roger Kaffer became principal in 1970. He improved academics and transportation. He visited every family with a child enrolled. Enrollment grew from 490 in 1971 to 785 in 1975. Additions to the school became necessary.
The Order of Saint Augustine took control after the 1984-85 school year. A college preparatory curriculum was added. The school refocused on its spiritual mission. The name changed to Providence Catholic High School in 1985. The school limited enrollment to retain a personal atmosphere in 1998. The school added a science and fine arts wing in 2002. A Student Commons Addition was added in 2018.
Providence Catholic now sits on 75 acres. It consists of three campuses. In 2018, the school celebrated its 100th anniversary as Providence Catholic High School. The school is located at 1800 West Lincoln Highway. It is at the crossroads of Lincoln Highway and Interstate 80.
Providence Catholic is a college preparatory school. It uses a weighted grading system. The school offers eighteen Advanced Placement courses. These include English Literature Calculus Biology and U.S. History.
Providence Catholic High School has a legacy of excellence. In November 2024, 51 seniors were honored as Illinois State Scholars. This represented 29% of the graduating class. The school boasts a remarkable record of 32 state championships. This is the most among private high schools in Illinois. The baseball team won three straight Class 4A state championships from 2014 to 2016.
The marching band began its competitive season in 2006. It has since received awards in local regional state and national competitions. The marching band performed at the 2010 Outback Bowl halftime show. In 2019, it placed in states competition for the first time. The Dancing Celtics took first place in the 1A State Championship. This was contested virtually on March 6.
Notable alumni include NFL linebacker Pete Bercich and MLB pitcher Bryan Rekar. Professional soccer player Brad Guzan also attended Providence Catholic High School. Choosing Providence Catholic means joining a community. It values academic rigor spiritual growth and personal development. The school’s tradition of excellence makes it an ideal environment.