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Aerial view of Nazareth Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Nazareth Academy

  • LocationLa Grange Park, IL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 800 students
Official website

Nazareth Academy is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory high school in La Grange Park, Illinois, inspired by the Congregation of St. Joseph. Liturgies are celebrated in the Alexine Chapel on campus, and all-school Masses are held for Holy Days and school events. Every student completes 4.0 theology credits and 40 service hours. Juniors attend an overnight retreat, and seniors may attend an optional Kairos retreat.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Nazareth Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Francis Xavier Church: 0.5 mi1Saint Cletus Church: 2.1 mi2Divine Infant Church: 2.5 mi3Saint Isaac Jogues Roman Catholic Church: 2.9 mi4Alexine Chapel and Campus Ministry: 0.1 miNazareth Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Francis Xavier Church — 0.5 mi · 124 North Spring Avenue, La Grange
  2. Saint Cletus Church — 2.1 mi · 600 West 55th Avenue, La Grange
  3. Divine Infant Church — 2.5 mi
  4. Saint Isaac Jogues Roman Catholic Church — 2.9 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (All-school Masses are held for Holy Days of Obligation and several school events each year (for example Opening, Ash Wednesday and the Closing School Mass).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Holy Days of Obligation are celebrated with all-school Masses.”
      Holy Days of Obligation are celebrated with all-school Masses; other all-school Masses mark events during the year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (All-school Masses are celebrated; recorded as a visiting or shared priest.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Holy Days of Obligation are celebrated with all-school Masses.”
      Holy Days of Obligation are celebrated with all-school Masses; other all-school Masses mark events during the year.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Theology is 4.0 credits. English is also 4.0 credits over four years; a full-year course is 1.0 credit and theology equals four full-year equivalents.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Graduation & Credit Requirements | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/academics/curriculum-overview/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4.0”
      Theology is a graduation requirement of 4.0 credits.
      “English | 4.0”
      English is a graduation requirement of 4.0 credits, the same as theology.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (An Ethics course appears in the junior-year course progression.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics & Curriculum Overview | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/academics/curriculum-overview · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Juniors Ethics American Literature or AP English Language”
      Juniors take an Ethics course.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

87 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Freshman and sophomore retreat days, a required junior overnight retreat, and an optional senior Kairos retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat days are planned and conducted by the Campus Ministry team during a regularly scheduled school day on the school campus.”
      Freshmen have a retreat day on campus.
      “Sophomore retreat days are planned and conducted by the Campus Ministry team and take the place during a regularly scheduled school day on the school campus.”
      Sophomores have a retreat day on campus.
      “Juniors are required to attend an overnight retreat at the Christian Brothers LaSalle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, IL.”
      Juniors are required to attend an overnight retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano, Illinois.
      “Seniors are given the opportunity to attend a Kairos Retreat.”
      Seniors are offered an optional Kairos retreat.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is listed (Janet Rausch).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Janet Rausch Campus Minister School: 708-387-8520”
      Janet Rausch is the Campus Minister; the published school line is 708-387-8520.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Student-led faith groups include Eucharistic Ministers, the Liturgy Prep Team, worship musicians and the Service Team.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, a dedicated cohort of 20–30 seniors is called to serve as Eucharistic Ministers.”
      A cohort of 20 to 30 seniors serves as Eucharistic Ministers each year.
      “Open to students across all grade levels, the Liturgy Prep Team is the creative heart of our worship.”
      The Liturgy Prep Team is a student group open to all grades.
      “Our Worship Musicians, both vocalists and instrumentalists, enhance the beauty of our liturgical celebrations.”
      Student worship musicians serve liturgies.
      “The Nazareth Academy Service Team empowers students to become leaders in our community and advocates for the marginalized.”
      The Service Team is a student group that advocates for the marginalized.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Students must complete 40 hours of service through the Gospel Service Program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Graduation & Credit Requirements | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/academics/curriculum-overview/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are required to complete 40 hours of community service through our Sr. Pat Bergen Gospel Service Program”
      Students must complete 40 hours of community service.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The Service Team and the Gospel Service Program include service to the marginalized and local service sites.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Nazareth Academy Service Team empowers students to become leaders in our community and advocates for the marginalized.”
      The Service Team is a student group that advocates for the marginalized.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students must earn 4.0 theology credits and complete 40 hours of service to graduate.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Graduation & Credit Requirements | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/academics/curriculum-overview/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4.0”
      Theology is a graduation requirement of 4.0 credits.
      “Students are required to complete 40 hours of community service through our Sr. Pat Bergen Gospel Service Program”
      Students must complete 40 hours of community service.
  • Retreats are offered in every grade, including a required junior overnight retreat.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat days are planned and conducted by the Campus Ministry team during a regularly scheduled school day on the school campus.”
      Freshmen have a retreat day on campus.
      “Juniors are required to attend an overnight retreat at the Christian Brothers LaSalle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, IL.”
      Juniors are required to attend an overnight retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano, Illinois.
  • Several student-led liturgy and service groups are listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, a dedicated cohort of 20–30 seniors is called to serve as Eucharistic Ministers.”
      A cohort of 20 to 30 seniors serves as Eucharistic Ministers each year.
      “Open to students across all grade levels, the Liturgy Prep Team is the creative heart of our worship.”
      The Liturgy Prep Team is a student group open to all grades.
      “The Nazareth Academy Service Team empowers students to become leaders in our community and advocates for the marginalized.”
      The Service Team is a student group that advocates for the marginalized.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Alexine Chapel and Campus Ministry

  • Address: 1209 W. Ogden Avenue, La Grange Park, IL 60526
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: nazarethacademy.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, nazarethacademy.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 4

  • Junior retreat at LaSalle ManorOff campus
    Overnight, junior year
    Required overnight retreat at the Christian Brothers LaSalle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, Illinois.
    nazarethacademy.com
  • Freshman retreat dayOn campus
    Campus Ministry retreat day held during a regular school day.
    nazarethacademy.com
  • Sophomore retreat dayOn campus
    Campus Ministry retreat day held during a regular school day.
    nazarethacademy.com
  • Kairos Retreat (senior)
    Optional four-day, three-night retreat rooted in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
    nazarethacademy.com

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Eucharistic Ministers (student cohort)On campus
    A cohort of 20 to 30 seniors who help distribute Communion at all school-wide Masses.
    nazarethacademy.com
  • Liturgy Preparation Team
    Students plan Masses and prayer services and serve as lectors.
    nazarethacademy.com
  • Worship Music Ministry
    Vocalists and instrumentalists who lead music at liturgies.
    nazarethacademy.com

Service 1

  • Nazareth Academy Service Team
    Student committees on CSJ mission, service drives, liturgy preparation and local service sites.
    nazarethacademy.com

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Faith, Service & Retreats | Nazareth Academynazarethacademy.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “School liturgies are celebrated in the Alexine Chapel.”
    School liturgies take place in the Alexine Chapel on campus.
    “Janet Rausch Campus Minister School: 708-387-8520”
    Janet Rausch is the Campus Minister; the published school line is 708-387-8520.
    “School liturgies are celebrated in the Alexine Chapel.”
    School liturgies take place in the Alexine Chapel on campus.
  2. Nazareth Academy | Catholic College Prep School | La Grange Parknazarethacademy.com · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park IL 60526”
    The school is at 1209 W. Ogden Avenue, La Grange Park, Illinois 60526.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
81 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.99%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.16.0 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Chicago, IL
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)800
Students in grades 9–12800
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio16.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges99%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Chicago

His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Nazareth Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Nazareth Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

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