Re-Imagining Catholic Education: An Innovative Initiative of St. Barbara, St. Louise De Marillac and Divine Infant Parish Schools

Re-Imagining Catholic Education is a collaborative action plan to prepare students for our ever-changing world while holding dear the traditions and values of a Catholic education.  The Chicago Archdiocese has worked with Catholic school principals from St. Barbara Parish School (Brookfield), St. Louise De Marillac School (LaGrange Park) and Divine Infant School (Westchester) to offer an extended curriculum beginning November 28, 2011.  

St. Barbara, St. Louise De Marillac, and Divine Infant are the only schools in the Chicago Archdiocese to offer these programs, making them and the Archdiocese pioneers in the future of Catholic education.

Phase I

The new program includes foreign language options for 5th and 6th grades.  Courses will be conducted both online and in the classroom within the context of the regular school day.  Students and teachers from all three schools will collaborate with each other via modern technology.

This phase also includes the implementation of an All-School Greek and Latin Root Word Course and Super Kids Reading Program for Pre-K through 2nd Grade. More information on Super Kids reading can be found at www.superkidsreading.org.

Phase II

Plans include expanding the introductory program, offering foreign language to all grade levels by the 2012-2013 school year.

Phase III

To further enhance our student’s academic experience, Phase III will introduce elective courses to the curriculum.  Course options that are being considered include theology, history, advanced science…and much more. 

Each phase of the new curriculum will be evaluated for effectiveness.  Modifications will be made accordingly, ensuring the highest quality of instruction for our students and training for our teachers.