About Us

A Legacy of Faith and Empowerment Since 1890

Founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Christian Charity, Josephinum Academy is an all-girls college preparatory school rooted in the Catholic faith and dedicated to empowering young women to use their creativity, unique perspectives and voice to bring about change in the ever evolving world.

In 2011, Josephinum Academy became a full member of the Network of the Sacred Heart Schools thus becoming Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Our Mission

Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic high school that ensures access to a college preparatory education for young women of all races, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds in the Chicagoland area. Josephinum empowers students to use their creativity, unique perspective and voices as confident, courageous and compassionate leaders to bring about change in the ever-evolving world.

Our Vision

Josephinum Academy seeks to build a community of learning and development for high school girls through rigorous academic programs inclusive of empowering social/emotional support from highly qualified faculty and staff.  This culture is intended to create an environment where students can explore and develop an understanding of their own identity, ignite an interest in learning, and appreciate with compassion their role in the world. This vision is not limited to the academic process in the classroom. It is the desire of Josephinum Academy that every student is known and appreciated which is behind our commitment to remain an all-girls school offering a low student-to-teacher ratio. We strongly focus on forming students who understand they are ultimately girls without limits.

Our Values

A personal and active faith in God;
A deep respect for intellectual values;
A social awareness which impels to action;
The building of community as a Christian value;
Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Portrait of a Graduate at Graduation (Click to learn more):

The best way to understand Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart’s mission is to understand the qualities and characteristics that the school hopes each student will develop because of a Josephinum education. The portrait of a graduate guides the school’s academic, social emotional and co-curricular programming, ensuring that students are given ample opportunity to grow and develop as young people of faith, intellect, and purpose.

Upon Graduation, a Josephinum Student Will Be:

Reflective is one who is spiritually minded, introspective, and self-aware. They have the ability to reason, judge and make sense of what is happening in the present and look at patterns of the past.
Critical Thinker who is thoughtful, open-minded, and analytical. They problem solve and use higher order thinking skills to evaluate multiple perspectives and make rational and reasoned decisions.
Risk-Taker who has a deep commitment to lifelong learning. Is curious and challenges oneself to think creatively questioning assumptions that have been. Is courageously vulnerable and leads with creativity. Collaborates as both leader and student.
Culturally Conscious who is open minded to different social values, norms, beliefs, and ways of living. They are aware of ones own privilege and their contributions. Informed, respectful and celebrates different cultural practices.
Justice Oriented who is moral, ethical, equitable and just. They are active in the community and invested in the wellbeing of others. They directly serve and advocate for the marginalized and oppressed.
Globally Minded who is proactive and authentic. Aware of their surroundings and understand the larger world and their place in it. Conscientious about how the decisions they make affect the climate and impact the community and the globe in which we are active participants.