History

Picture of an old classroom at St. Agnes in what is currently the school office.

St. Agnes first opened its doors in 1904 as Blessed Agnes of Bohemia.  It started with one hundred students in two classrooms and the first two teachers were Miss Svitak and Miss Churan.  The School Sisters of St. Francis joined the school in 1907 to help teach the students and do other work around the parish.  As the population of the parish increased, more room was needed in the school.  As a result, the second floor was added to the old building in 1914.  Initially, parts of the school were rented out to the local public schools.  However, as the enrollment of the school continued to increase, the school took over that space and eventually had to build the new addition with the gym in 1953.  Blessed Agnes officially became St. Agnes of Bohemia in 1989. Today, St. Agnes is the largest Hispanic  parish in the Archdiocese. Although the school structure has undergone many changes, the wonderful students and dedication of the teachers and staff have prevailed since the beginning. After graduation, our students go on to some of the top high schools and universities including St. Ignatius, Whitney Young College Prep, and Harvard University.  - Adapted from "History of Blessed Agnes Parish"

Philosophy

HOW STUDENTS LEARN: The student’s ability to learn is strongly dependent upon a positive atmosphere and well-planned instruction. The classroom should inspire students to achieve their fullest potential, especially through cooperative learning projects. Instruction needs to address the learning styles of all students and be as individualized as possible. Learning should be experiential, improve critical thinking skills and instill a life-long desire to learn in each student.

HOME-SCHOOL CONNECTION: The student’s first teachers are in the home, therefore, good communication and mutual respect between the school and the home is essential. Parents are responsible for a child’s behavior. Their responsibilities include ensuring participation at Sunday mass, completion of homework assignments, and that the student attends school regularly and on-time. Parents are encouraged to be involved with the many co-curricular opportunities offered in the school and parish.

 COMMUNITY-SCHOOL CONNECTION: St. Agnes is a positive presence in Little Village. It is a neighborhood school providing a faith-centered educational option for families in the area. Principles of social justice are taught through service learning projects which focus on the socioeconomic diversity of our neighborhood and world. It is important to continue to establish and utilize community-school partnerships.

 CHALLENGING CURRICULUM: The field of education is constantly being reinvigorated by new research and theory, and the curriculum should evolve with those discoveries to prepare students for their future in high school and beyond. The goal of the curriculum is to create passionate and able life-long learners. The curriculum should be based on standards and emphasize a multicultural perspective. Technology should be used frequently, but with a clear purpose.  

 CATHOLIC IDENTITY: The school’s Catholic identity is expressed through school-wide participation, especially in the traditions of the Latin American Catholic Church. Education is faith-based and gospel-centered. St. Agnes School has a strong connection with the parish maintained by the religious instruction provided by the priests and sisters. 

HIGH EXPECTATIONS:  Enrollment at St. Agnes School is a choice and a commitment. Graduates are expected to gain admittance to a well-reputed high school and college. Individual student needs will be met and help given, but students must be motivated and responsible for their education. Teachers and staff will hold themselves to the same high expectations that are placed on the students.