How to Choose the Right High School in Chicago: A Parent’s Guide

By Kelsey Callahan ’12, Director of Admissions at Marist High School

Choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. With so many options in Chicago: Catholic schools, private schools, and public schools; it can feel overwhelming. Families want an environment where their child will be challenged academically, supported socially, and nurtured in faith and values.

At Marist High School, we’ve worked with thousands of families through this process. Here are the key factors parents should consider when choosing a high school in Chicago.

1. Academic Programs That Prepare Students for College

A strong academic foundation is the top priority for most parents. When comparing schools, it’s important to look closely at the level of challenge, the variety of courses, and the support systems in place.

At Marist, students are placed into one of four academic pathways designed to ensure they are both supported and challenged at every level. Our students, along with their counselor, also have the opportunity to customize their course load, reaching their highest potential while preparing for college success.

• Academic Courses focus on developing independent thinkers who take initiative, think critically, and apply what they learn to the world around them. These courses review foundational skills with an emphasis on growth toward conceptual and abstract thinking.

• Honors Courses require students to work at a deeper level of analysis, application, and synthesis. Students are expected to take initiative, problem solve, and think critically.

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses align with College Board curriculum. Upon completion of the AP Exam, a score of 3 or higher may result in college credit.

• Dual Credit Courses allow juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit by taking select courses during the school day. These college-level courses appear on an official transcript and are transferable to many higher education institutions.

Together, these academic pathways ensure that every Marist student is prepared not only for college admission but also for success once they arrive on campus.

2. A Community That Builds Character and Values

High school is about more than grades. Students spend a lot of time at their high school, so it’s incredibly important that the environment should encourage growth, leadership, and values. For families seeking a Catholic education, it’s important to ask:

• How does the school integrate faith and service into daily life?

• Are there opportunities for retreats, liturgies, and service projects?

• What is the overall culture and community feel?

Marist’s mission is rooted in faith, family, and future. Students grow in faith while developing a sense of responsibility to serve others. Marist offers retreats at every grade level, along with service opportunities and faith-based groups such as Marist Youth.

Students at Marist are also part of something bigger — a network of 600+ Marist Brother schools across five continents. This global connection gives our students a true sense of community and opens the door to unique opportunities for travel and cultural exchange, including programs in Italy, Argentina, New York, and Miami.

3. Athletics, Arts, and Extracurricular Opportunities

Look for a school that helps your child explore interests outside the classroom. Questions to ask include:

• What athletic programs are offered, and at what levels?

• Are there opportunities in the arts, such as theater, choir, or visual arts?

• How many clubs and activities are available?

Marist students can choose from 31 athletic programs and 42 clubs and activities, ensuring every student finds a place to belong. We are constantly expanding opportunities to match student interests. In recent years, Girls Flag Football (2024) and Boys Rugby (2025) were added to our athletic offerings. On the activities side, students can get involved in everything from the Investment Club and Green Team Ecology Club to Women Empowerment and E-Sports.

Whether your child’s passion is sports, leadership, the arts, or service, Marist provides countless ways to get involved and thrive.

4. Location and Facilities

Practical considerations matter, too. Parents should evaluate:

• Is the campus accessible from your home or workplace?

• Does the school offer safe transportation options?

• Are facilities — classrooms, labs, athletic fields — modern and well maintained?

Marist’s 55+ acre campus has expanded over our 60 years to meet the needs of students and provide state-of-the-art facilities for learning, competing, and performing. From the classroom to the playing field to the stage, every space is designed to support student growth and success.

In just the last five years, Marist has added the Larry Tucker Marist SportsPlex, installed modern classroom seating, elevated the Art Studio, and completed a new gym floor to enhance the student experience.

Highlights of our campus include:

• Academic Spaces: Modern classrooms, an Art Studio, Broadcasting Studio, and Art & Design Lab

• Science Wing: A 30,000 sq. ft. space featuring an Anatomy & Physiology Lab, Forensics Lab, Environmental Science Lab, and the Queen of the Heavens Planetarium Dome (designed by the same architects as Chicago’s Adler Planetarium)

• Athletics: Three gyms, a fitness center, and the 75,000 sq. ft. Larry Tucker SportsPlex for training and competition

• Arts & Community: The RedHawk Theater and Chapel, spaces that bring our community together through performance, prayer, and tradition

At Marist, we are proud to continually invest in facilities that keep our students challenged, inspired, and prepared for the future.

5. Student and Alumni Outcomes

Finally, consider what happens after graduation. Strong schools demonstrate success through their alumni. Ask schools to share:

• College acceptance and scholarship statistics

• Alumni achievements in academics, careers, and service

• Stories of graduates who remain connected to the school

Marist graduates go on to top universities and succeed across industries, while staying deeply connected to our alumni network. Over our 60+ years, Marist has thrived and now boasts 25,000+ alumni worldwide.

Our alumni remain active and engaged through professional associations such as the Marist Contractors Association, the Marist Law Association, and the Marist Physicians’ Association. These groups not only keep our alumni connected but also provide networking, mentorship, and career opportunities for current students.

Alumni Spotlight

Marist alumni are proof of what is possible with a strong foundation in academics, athletics, leadership, and faith. For example:

• Molly Dignan ’23 — Sports Journalism/Media
  See what Molly has been up to since graduation in this video.

These stories represent just a fraction of the thousands of RedHawks who are making an impact as leaders, innovators, and changemakers across the world.

👉 Want to explore more? Visit our Marist Alumni page to see alumni videos and success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask during a high school tour?
Ask about academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, faith formation, and support services. Meeting teachers, coaches, and current students can provide valuable insight.

When should families start the high school search?
Most families begin exploring options during 6th or 7th grade and attend open houses or shadow days in 8th grade.

Why choose a Catholic high school in Chicago?
Catholic schools provide rigorous academics within a faith-based environment, helping students grow in character and values while preparing for college.

Final Thoughts

The right high school balances academic excellence, faith, extracurricular opportunities, and community. By asking the right questions and visiting schools in person, you’ll find the place where your child will thrive.

Choosing a high school is a big decision for students and their families. We are here to answer any questions you have. At Marist High School, we welcome families to experience our community firsthand through shadow days, campus tours, and open houses.

👉 Interested in learning more? Schedule a visit to Marist High School and see how faith, family, and future come alive on campus.

📌 Author: Kelsey Callahan ’12, Director of Admissions, Marist High School