St. Mary Nativity prepares students for a lifetime of achievement.
Together we work toward building an outstanding faith-based
curriculum where each student can reach their full potential.

Strategic Planning for Catholic Schools UPDATE

Update on Strategic Planning for Catholic Schools
in the Diocese of Joliet

1/27/10

 In the fall of 2008, the Diocese contracted with an out-of-state firm to undertake a strategic planning study for Catholic schools entitled, “Carrying the Light Forward.”  Over the past fifteen months, there have been several meetings, including opportunities for input and discussion concerning Catholic education throughout our Diocese.

Preliminary recommendations were presented in October 2009 in meetings conducted in several regions of the Diocese.  Several possible scenarios were proposed for Catholic schools in DuPage, Will, Kendall and Kankakee Counties.  Schools in each of these regions are experiencing financial challenges along with declining enrollment in both elementary and high schools.

Strategies to address these issues include recommendations for shared financial responsibility among parishes without Catholic schools, seeking ways to attract new students in existing schools and initiating planning for new schools in communities experiencing rapid growth.

One of the early recommendations from the consultants was that St. Mary Nativity work with a professional marketing company to “spread the good news” about our school.  Over the past year, these efforts have been highly successful.  This school year, 65 new students were enrolled in St. Mary Nativity School.

In 2008, St. Mary Nativity School underwent an extensive evaluation conducted by the Diocese of Joliet and the State of Illinois.  After a lengthy, “self-study” and on-site visitation by a team of professional educators and school administrators, St. Mary Nativity again received renewed accreditation from the Diocese and the State Board of Education.  The “School Visitation Report” included numerous commendations and affirmations for St. Mary Nativity School and Early Learning Center.

Maintaining the highest of academic standards is an ongoing priority for St. Mary Nativity.  Through the support of our parishioners and school families, in addition to traditional academic studies, we offer a fine arts program that provides students with opportunities to utilize their artistic and musical talents, a state-of-the-art computer lab with a new network server and wireless technology, a fully equipped science lab, Smart Board^© Technology, a nationally recognized physical education program, air conditioned classrooms and the only daily “home cooked” lunch program in the city. Extracurricular activities include student council, altar servers, choir, band, environmental club, scouting, intramural sports, cheerleading and a full range of athletic opportunities, including competitive football, basketball and volleyball teams.  Our innovative Early Learning Center and extended daycare program provides a full spectrum of opportunities for children of all ages.

The Diocesan strategic planning study, “Carrying the Light Forward,” has recognized the high quality of our academic, religious and athletic offerings, as well as the excellent condition of our  physical plant.  In each of the proposed scenarios offered in the strategic planning study, St. Mary Nativity School will continue to have an integral role in Catholic Education in the Joliet area.  We look forward with confidence to the future as we build the foundation for each student’s lifelong success.

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School

A LEGACY OF COMMITMENT TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION

“WHERE EVERY CHILD ACHIEVES MORE”

Welcome to St. Mary Nativity School

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School offers classes for preschool through grade eight. St. Mary Nativity School has  received numerous rewards for its mathematics and science curriculum and nationally acclaimed physical education program. St. Mary Nativity community provides a safe environment where each individual is respected as a child of God. Each student is encouraged to develop a life-long desire for learning, academic excellence, and respect for the uniqueness of self and others.

• 3 and 4 year-old preschool, prekindergarten, all-day kindergarten, grade 1 - 8
• Extended Daycare available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
• Register today by visiting St. Mary Nativity School or by calling 815-722-8518
• Enroll today and discover St. Mary Nativity School - Where Every Child Achieves More

School Registration for Fall, 2010