Begin Your Story
The Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago welcome a diverse community of students from Pre-K through 8th Grade – each writing their own story as they grow both as learners and as humans. We offer a unique model of education that blends single-gender classrooms with co-ed activities, proven over nearly 150 years as Chicago’s oldest independent school. We’re a Catholic school, but families from all faith backgrounds feel welcome here as we work toward a shared goal to develop active, informed, and responsible citizens with a conviction to serve others.
Our students at The Academy and Hardey Prep are top scholars, athletes, artists, and good people who are equipped to shape a changing world. We’d love to welcome your family into our school community.
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Take the Next Step
We’d love to welcome you on campus for a tour and show you what makes Sacred Heart special. Use this form to request information and we'll be in touch to schedule a time that works best for you.
WHY SACRED HEART?
Educating the Head and the Heart
Sacred Heart is a Catholic independent school where children of all faiths are welcome and celebrated. We are dedicated to educating the whole child – and we do this by focusing on our five goals of faith, learning, service, community, and growth.
“Sacred Heart students are passionate about learning. They are enthusiastic seekers of knowledge who engage fully in our challenging and well-rounded course of study. Students are learning to think critically and creatively, work collaboratively, and apply knowledge and skills from varied disciplines toward a thoughtful understanding of the world.”
– adapted from “Portrait of a Graduate”
PROGRAMS
Inside Sacred Heart
We are uniquely positioned to offer the best that both single-gender and co-ed environments provide. Our single-gender classrooms allow each student to feel empowered to express themselves, explore their identity, strive, grow, fail, and learn in a safe atmosphere that fosters confidence. Many co-educational opportunities – including arts, athletics, STEM, languages, service, and more – help students continue to grow in building relationships, collaboration, and skills to help them thrive in the world.
THE SHS EXPERIENCE
By the Numbers
70
Specialty Activities and Clubs
30%
Students Receiving Tuition Assistance
97%
3
STEAM Labs
44/56
2
Full-size
Gymnasiums
4
Acceptance Rate into First Choice Catholic/
Independent High Schools
Catholic / Other Faith Backgrounds
Playgrounds and Green Space
(FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your family’s next school community. We’ve pulled together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that our Admissions team hears throughout a family’s journey. If you have more questions, we encourage you to visit us on campus to ask them in person.
Sacred Heart offers single-gender classes on a co-ed campus (and we’re the only school in Chicago that is organized this way). We believe this is truly “the best of both worlds,” where each child is empowered to express themselves, explore, and thrive in a supportive atmosphere.
Our students appreciate our unique format, as they’re able to fully engage in their classrooms, express themselves wholly, and develop meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. They also get to interact with students across the school, make deep friendships, and develop their leadership skills with a solid foundation of confidence.
"Single-gender did not hold me back, but was an asset to my being ready for high school."
-SHS Alumni
Yes! At our core, we teach children to be valued citizens of the world who love and celebrate everyone for who they are. This is reflected back by the fact that 50% of our students are not Catholic and we are a fully independent school.
"This community is a true extension of my family. It's a safe place where I know I am known, loved and supported for who I am."
- 8th grade student
The exceptional academic program at Sacred Heart is challenging and well-rounded, meets each child where they are, and helps them to excel. Our student-to-teacher ratio is one of the best in the city, and our students go on to attend top high schools and universities. We also provide a holistic experience for our students which includes built-in community service, a full-staffed counseling department, learning support and enrichment professionals, a student life division, and much more. Our talented faculty are lifelong learners as well and are dedicated to their own professional development. Maintaining this standard of quality and excellence is fundamentally important to us – and we believe it’s a powerful investment in our students.
We also invest in our faculty. We have a dedicated team that helps our teachers with ongoing professional development – so they stay on top of the latest trends and provide a stellar classroom experience.
Curious about financial aid opportunities? Visit our Tuition & Affordability page to learn more.
"My daughter's teachers challenged her and that work ethic has served her well in high school. But beyond the books, she developed an awareness and empathy that will guide her in the future."
-Parent of SHS Alumni
Yes! Our history of academic excellence matched with a forward-thinking and innovative curriculum, resonates with the contemporary world while upholding timeless values (our Goals). SHS is rated as one of the best private elementary schools in Chicago.
97% of Sacred Heart graduates are accepted into their top choice Catholic and/or Independent high schools, and many attend the city’s top selective enrollment high schools. Our graduates test into AP or advanced level courses, and continue on to attend top universities around the country. We are part of a large and active Network of Sacred Heart schools and alumni across the world.
“Sacred Heart built a solid educational foundation that ensured I would be successful in high school, college, graduate school, and beyond. Students at Sacred Heart are challenged to think critically and push themselves, while still being nurtured.”
-SHS Alum and Current Parent
Sacred Heart is not as far away as you think! We are easily accessible in an ideal location – with access to the lake, expansive grounds featuring several outdoor environments, and a convenient transportation program via our bus or van service.
“I love the bus. It is a chance to hang out with my friends, do work, and get to know all the kids who live in my community.”
-SHS Student
Yes! Sacred Heart values and puts an emphasis on physical activity throughout life by integrating comprehensive physical education programs, encouraging participation in a variety of sports, and fostering a culture that prioritizes health and fitness as essential components of personal development and well-being. Multilevel athletic programs ensure that students are engaged and challenged.
SHS also offers opportunities for students to put their artistic talents on display through our fine arts programs—from music to theater to visual arts programs, students can participate in clubs, after school activities, and in their academic day to let their creativity shine.
“Beyond the books, the knowledge our daughter received through service projects and the buddy program and of course the middle school trips have equipped her with life skills, an awareness and empathy that will guide her in the future and we couldn’t ask for a greater gift.”
-Parent of SHS Alum
Testimonials
Learn more about Sacred Heart from some of our current and former parents.
“There is something very special about Sacred Heart. Children are not just taught, they are celebrated, encouraged, respected and challenged to reach their potential. It is a happy, kind environment where being a good community member and giving back are part of the fabric of the school. On top of all of that, the academics are top notch and Sacred Heart graduates attend the best high schools in the city.”
“My 3rd grade daughter comes home happy every day! She LOVES school and being a part of the Sacred Heart community… It's a safe and welcoming environment that fosters future leaders and teaches children to lead with honesty, purpose, integrity and a passion for education.“
“I invested countless hours of research about Chicago schools, and I looked at both private and public options. Sacred Heart is in a league by itself. I have not found another school in Chicago that comes close to what this school delivers.”
“Sacred Heart is an incredible place and we are grateful for this opportunity. The trip to Space Camp in 7th grade and Washington DC in 8th grade are experiences these kids look forward to the minute they enter Sacred Heart. We are so lucky to be here!”
“Our experience here has been phenomenal. I have both an anxiety-ridden perfectionist and a reluctant reader. Both "issues" were addressed in a positive, loving and creative manner within six weeks of them entering SHS, instilling a love of learning in my kiddos. I can't thank the school enough!”
Discover the Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago:
The Academy & Hardey Prep. We educate the minds and hearts of children from Pre-K through 8th Grade.
