Saint Patrick High School

Saint Patrick High School is Chicago's oldest Catholic high school for boys, and for over 160+ years it has remained at the forefront of education, administering to the needs of young men in the Chicagoland area. Saint Patrick High School was founded by the Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools) in 1861. In its original location at Des Plaines & Adams Streets, Saint Patrick served young men from the surrounding area. By the 1940's, the student population had begun to diminish as the area became more industrial. Consequently, in 1953, Saint Patrick was moved to its present location at Belmont & Austin Avenues in order to serve the growing population of the northwest side. Over the next three years, demand for entrance into the school was great enough to warrant the construction of the "round" building, which was completed in September, 1956. As the school continued to grow, so did the need for curriculum & facility expansion. The construction of the swimming pool, a handball court, & additional classrooms was completed in September, 1967. In 1991, due to the ever-increasing demand for technological advances, the top floor of the "round" building was reconfigured to accommodate a high-tech Computer Learning Center. The lab presently houses 120 computers & facilitates a network of over three hundred Internet-accessible computer stations that are used to integrate all areas of the curriculum. The administrative structure changed in 1987 when the position of President was created. The existenceof a President/Principal style of leadership effectively addressed the needs of both students and the larger community. In 1990, a Board of Trustees model was incorporated & adopted by the Christian Brothers. Currently, the twenty-five member board is comprised of men & women who represent various career backgrounds, and includes among its members representatives of the Christian Brothers & Saint Patrick alumni.