Wow. Look at Immaculata High School. This magnificent building stands proudly before us. A testament to a rich history. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where countless young women received an education. Immaculata High School opened its doors in 1921. It was an all-girls Catholic school. The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ran the school. They guided generations of students for sixty years.
Did you know this wasn’t the school’s first name? Before becoming Immaculata it was known as St Vincent de Paul Academy. It opened in 1891. Later it changed its name to DePaul High School. When Immaculata opened in 1921 the seniors from DePaul were able to finish their studies there. The school started with 235 students and twelve teachers. They were housed in the Greenlee Mansion.
Immaculata wasn’t just a school it was a hub of activity. In 1923 the first graduating class consisted of 93 students. Many of them focused on commercial courses. The school expanded in 1928 and 1939 with the construction of Carmel and St Joseph Halls. Its unique design is credited to Barry Byrne. Byrne was an apprentice of the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. A stunning Madonna sculpture once adorned the school’s hall. It was created by Alfonso Iannelli. The sculpture is featured in a video titled “The Life and Times of the Madonna”.
Immaculata’s legacy extends far beyond its walls. It boasts over 8000 alumnae. The school closed in 1981. The building however remains a landmark. It even received Chicago Landmark status in 1983. Since 1995 the building has housed Lycee Francais. It’s a French Ministry of Education school for children from kindergarten to 12th grade.
So as you stand here today. Reflect on the stories woven into the very stones of Immaculata High School. It’s a place of learning. A place of community and a place that continues to shape the landscape of Chicago. Its legacy lives on through its alumnae and the building itself. It stands as a beacon of history and education.