Dear Prospective Families,

We are thrilled you want to learn more about St. John Berchmans School. Our administrative team is happy to have the opportunity to share with you an overview of our approach to providing the Logan Square community with an academically challenging environment, a diverse learning atmosphere, and faith-focused teaching. We achieve this through our four pillars of academic success: Learn, Grow, Share, and Believe.

  • Learn. In an environment that values excellence in scholarship, St. John Berchmans students learn in independent, meaningful and challenging ways.
  • Grow. With a solid foundation in the core curriculum, through unique opportunities designed to develop and discover individual gifts and talents, St. John Berchmans students engage in fine arts, athletics, technology and S.T.E.M. in expressive and innovative ways.
  • Share. As members of a community dedicated to fostering a diverse campus where teachers, staff and parents lead by example, SJB students embrace Chicago’s diversity by celebrating their own culture and sharing their gifts with others.
  • Believe. With a deep understanding of their faith, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and inspired by faculty and staff, St. John Berchmans students pray, study and act generously, respectfully and thoughtfully.

Additionally, one of the most amazing parts of St. John Berchmans School is our commitment to community. The admissions process is more than an application – it’s about getting to know our prospective students and their families. It’s about discovering each student’s ability to excel academically, socially and emotionally, whether they are 3 years old or 13 years old. It’s about helping our parents cultivate their “village” at all stages of childhood parenting.

Finding a school that is the best fit for your child and family is an important decision. SJB’s admissions department is here for you. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process, please feel free to contact us.

Learn More

Admissions FAQ

When are applications for admission accepted?
Applications to St. John Berchmans School are accepted beginning December 1st - early February for first round admissions. Chances of admission to preschool and kindergarten are greatly reduced for applications not received by February 1st. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Learn more about our Application Process.
What are the requirements for applying to preschool?
Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st in order to be considered for enrollment. Parents should submit an admission application between December —July. All incoming preschoolers must be toilet trained before the first day of school. Learn more about our Application Process.
How are applications prioritized?
It is the policy of the School not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, ancestry or disability that is unrelated to the ability to enjoy the benefits of the School’s programs, facilities or services. All persons are encouraged to apply.

St. John Berchmans School applies the following priority for new admissions:
  1. Students who are siblings of currently enrolled students
  2. Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families are active parishioners for at least one year prior to application and are regular contributors (recommended contribution of $800/year to church collection)
  3. Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families have been registered, contributing parishioners for less than one year prior to application
  4. Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families are not parishioners
  5. Students from non-Catholic families

Learn more about our Application Process.
Where can I apply for financial aid?
Families interested in applying can do so while completing the enrollment process. The financial aid application is included in the process of setting up a FACTS account, which is the program that we use to track tuition throughout the year. Families in K - 8th are also eligible to apply for an Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship.  Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.
How long is the school day?
A full St. John Berchmans School day is from 8:00am-3:00pm. A half St. John Berchmans School day is from 8:00am-11:00am.
Is there a program available for childcare supervisions before and after school?
Yes, before school, care is available starting at 7:15am. After school care is available from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. Families are charged on an “as needed” basis at the end of each month. Additionally, families can register for a variety of fee-based enrichment programs at the beginning of each semester. Programs include but are not limited to art, band, chess, computer programming, cooking, dance, digital exploration, drama, LEGO engineering, foreign language, martial arts, crochet, robotics, sports, and yoga. 
Do the students wear uniforms to school?
Children in Kindergarten through 8th grade are required to wear uniforms, which can be purchased through the Dennis Uniform Company. Children in the preschool program are only required to wear SJB gym shirts on the days that they attend gym class.
What special classes do students attend in addition to the core curriculum?
Art, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology.
How is the religious education curriculum implemented?
St. John Berchmans is a faith-based community. Belief in God is part of the everyday environment, and not just in religion classes. All students are given frequent reminders of the message of Jesus through Christian prayers, attendance at Mass, and a developed religious education program.

The Religion Curriculum engages students in hearing and understanding the proclamation of the faith and invites the student to respond through deeper openness to a relationship with God. This relationship is expressed in active participation in the life of the Church as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Even though the Catholic message plays an important role in our School, nearly 20% of our students are from non-Catholic families. The parents of these children value the academic excellence of a Catholic school education and the respect shown for beliefs, values, and a higher sense of purpose. St. John Berchmans School unofficial motto is "All are Welcome." We embrace students as they are, and our school is LGBTQ+ friendly.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
In the preschool program, the student to teacher ratio is 10:1. In kindergarten through 8th grade, the ratio is approximately 20:1.
What type of lunch program does the school have?
All full day students at St. John Berchmans School have the option of bringing their own lunch to school or purchasing lunch on a monthly basis for a nominal fee.
Do students in the preschool nap?
Yes, students in the full day preschool enjoy a one hour nap each day after lunch.