About St. Agnes of Bohemia
Welcome to St. Agnes of Bohemia School, a place where learning and friendship blossom hand in hand. Our school community is dedicated to nurturing the minds and hearts of young learners, providing them with a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Our Mission
St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School is a preparatory school in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village. For over 100 years, St. Agnes has dedicated itself to educating immigrant families for lives of faith, service, and leadership. We encourage spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth in the Catholic tradition. We maintain high expectations for all community members to develop a sense of personal responsibility and self-motivation. This is accomplished within a Gospel-centered framework of Justice and Love. We do this so our students can be successful Christians and achieve high school, college, and life excellence.
A Rich History
St. Agnes officially opened its doors in 1904 as the Blessed Agnes of Bohemia School. It began with 100 students, two educators, Miss Svitak and Miss Churan and two classrooms. The journey began with 100 students, two dedicated educators, Miss Svitak and Miss Churan, and a pair of classrooms. The School Sisters of St. Francis joined in 1907 to support teaching and responsibilities within the Parish. As the Parish population grew, a second floor was added in 1914 to accommodate more students. Initially, parts of the school were rented to local public schools, but as enrollment increased, the school reclaimed the space and ultimately built a new gym in 1953.
The Future
Blessed Agnes officially became St. Agnes of Bohemia in 1989. Today, St. Agnes is the largest Hispanic Parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The community surrounding St. Agnes thrives with a vibrant cultural tapestry, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and rich traditions of its parishioners. Although the school structure has undergone many changes, the wonderful students and dedication of the teachers and staff have prevailed since the beginning. Our community hosts numerous events and activities to celebrate our diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. We are proud to see our graduates go on to the top high schools and universities including St. Ignatius, Whitney Young College Prep and Harvard University.
Philosophy of Education
Our aim is to equip students with critical thinking skills, creativity, and resilience, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and empathy. We prioritize collaborative learning experiences that promote teamwork and communication, recognizing that these skills are essential in today's interconnected society.
How Students Learn
The ability of students to learn is significantly influenced by a supportive environment and thoughtfully designed instruction. Our classrooms foster inspiration helping students reach their maximum potential, particularly through collaborative learning projects. Instruction at St. Agnes of Bohemia caters to the diverse learning styles of all students, aiming for maximum individualization. Learning here is hands-on, enhancing critical thinking abilities, and nurturing a lifelong passion for knowledge in each student.
Community-School Connection
St. Agnes of Bohemia serves as a positive influence in Little Village. It offers a faith-centered educational choice for local families. Our school emphasizes principles of social justice through service learning projects that highlight the socioeconomic diversity of both the community and the world. Families are encouraged to foster and engage in partnerships between the school and the community.
Catholic Identity
At St. Agnes of Bohemia, our Catholic Identity is expressed through school-wide participation in the tradition of the Latin American Catholic Church. Our education programming is Faith-based and Gospel-centered. St. Agnes of Bohemia has a strong connection with the Parish, maintained by the religious instruction provided by the classroom teachers, Parish Priests and Sisters.
Home-School Connection
A student's foremost educators are their families, making effective communication and mutual respect between home and school essential. Parents of St. Agnes of Bohemia significantly influence their child's development by fostering good habits such as attending Sunday Mass, completing homework, and ensuring consistent and timely school attendance. Moreover, we encourage our parents to participate in the diverse co-curricular activities offered within both the School and the Parish.
Challenging Curriculum
The realm of education is constantly rejuvenated by new research and theories, resulting in a dynamic curriculum designed to prepare students for high school and their future pursuits. At St. Agnes of Bohemia, our main educational goal is to foster passionate and proficient lifelong learners. We are anchored in rigorous standards while emphasizing a multicultural perspective. Technology is integrated consistently and is employed with a clear, purposeful intent.
High Expectations
Enrollment at St. Agnes of Bohemia represents both a choice and a commitment. All of our graduates successfully gain admission to prestigious high schools and colleges. We ensure that individual student needs are addressed and support is provided. Nevertheless, students must be self-motivated and take responsibility for their academic progress. Our teachers and staff hold themselves to the same high standards expected of the students.