Testing Numbers
- Thread starter nwfb99
- Start date
I couldn’t agree more with your stated reasons as to why the Catholic schools have seen growth.
I remember when Loyola went coed back in the early 90s, they said their approach was going to be to let the market decide. I don't know if that has changed or not since then.
That rash you speak of has been present for many years. Catholic schools on the north side and in the northern suburbs have been closing and merging and experiencing enrollment declines for decades.
Loyola is the largest private high school in the state, and NDCP is the largest all-boys private school in the state. I'd say both are doing well despite those closures and declines.
Saint Francis had their entrance exam Saturday December 6, 2025 at 8:00am.
Joliet Diocese usually has it the first Sat in December.
Thanks for the clarification. Not too long ago, the Chicago Archdiocesan schools had theirs on the second Saturday of January and recently switched to the first Saturday of December. Apparently, both Joliet and Chicago do theirs on the same day now.
Perhaps. Intentional or not, the result is it keeps kids in the near west/southwest burbs from testing/applying at two different schools and comparing financial aid offers.
I don't. They usually keep it close to the vest. Its usually a good class if they hit 300 on test day. I think they only take 200-220.
I think 200 would be upper limit. 180-200 would be more the range.
In the end, Rita had around 150, I believe. I think 12 - 15 more are expected to take the test Dec. 13th.
Interestingly, I think admin wants around that 150 - 160 number each year--they're comfortable with that. News to me.
Interestingly, I think admin wants around that 150 - 160 number each year--they're comfortable with that. News to me.
From what I know, the Admin at Rita is comfortable with that 150 - 160 number because in the end, they get about 140 - 45 to actually enroll.
Not to mention, they produce people knowledgeable and invested in their faith, to go out and impact an increasingly godless world.
This is not snark, but a genuine question. I have seen a lot of people say this or something to the same effect over the years. This seems contrary to recent news we've seen of a few different programs in the CCL investing big money into athletic facilities. Are these facilities being built on private donations specifically for the purpose of building? Or where is this money coming from if the schools are barely scraping by?
In general these types of investments are done because of large capital improvement campaigns, some large estate trust or large individual donation. I do not understand this "Are these facilities being built on private donations specifically for the purpose of building?" Improving athletics facilities is not just a help to athletics, it benefits the school overall. More space for all different activities. A new gym/fieldhouse/etc can ease space constraints considerably for a multitude of activities. And for years their facilities have been lagging behind public schools (for the most part), obviously that has changed in the last decade.
MC Football Field was funded from donors, one of them with construction hook ups. @Topiarydan1 could tell you more about this but Br. Rice fundraised for MANY years to get the new baseball field. I saw signs there for years about th upcoming field and it took awhile. Looks great, but it took awhile. If I go into MC and say here is 1 million dollars get a turf infield for baseball, MC will oblige. If I came in and said here is 1 million for the school and the betterment of it and it's updates and upkeep an MC spent it on a turf infield and word got out all hell would break loose.
I think this is a bit of a selection bias going on here. The examples are the ones who have overcome or at least mitigated the challenge, but that doesn't erase that it's there. You don't see ones who lose the struggle (they've lost individual programs they can't support or close down altogether)
Sorry meant to say for the purpose of building athletic facilities. For example a donor says here is 1 million but it can only go to X project. Similar to what McCaravan said.
These facilities provide far more than benefits to the school itself—they serve as valuable resources for the surrounding communities and neighborhoods. Programs such as long-standing day camps (LA has hosted one for over 50 years), sports camps, swimming lessons, summer school for elementary students, theatre programs, and facility rentals—often offered at little or no cost—create meaningful opportunities for local families.
During the summer months, many Catholic high schools are bustling with activity, hosting a wide range of programs and events. Throughout the academic year, these schools also welcome grade school students for activities ranging from athletic competitions and science fairs to orchestra performances.
By opening their doors in this way, schools strengthen community ties, provide enriching experiences for local residents, and inspire younger students to consider enrollment in the future.
I know you said that - I was highlighting the community benefits
Saw this in a correspondence from the school today. This was after the make up exams.