Chicago

Thirty parish schools to receive major funding and curriculum overhauls The archdiocesan superintendent of schools T he Archdiocese of Chicago has announced a comprehensive renewal program for thirty of its urban parish schools, backed by a combination of archdiocesan funds and private philanthropy. The program includes facility upgrades, new STEM and classical humanities curricula, and expanded scholarship opportunities for families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education . The initiative targets schools in historically underserved neighborhoods on the city’s south and west sides, many of which have struggled to maintain enrollment and accreditation in recent years. Several were facing closure before the renewal program was announced. Cardinal Blase Cupich called the initiative a reaffirmation of the Church’s historic commitment to educating underserved communities, noting that many of the schools in the program have served the same neighborhoods for over a century. He announced the program at a press conference joined by the mayor of Chicago and several state legislators who have pledged additional public funding support. Catholic schools have always been the Church’s greatest investment in the future. This program ensures that investment continues. The renewal is expected to benefit more than twelve thousand students across the targeted schools. Officials say the first phase of facility renovations will begin this summer, with new curriculum pilots launching in September. A mentorship component will pair each school with a Catholic professional network. Educators working in the program describe it as the most significant investment in urban Catholic education in Chicago in a generation. Parent groups in several of the affected parishes have formed volunteer committees to support the transition and assist with community outreach to families who may be eligible for the new scholarship slots.