9311 South Francisco Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 Phone: 708.422.6429
Email: stbernadette.school@comcast.net
History of Saint Bernadette School
The Springfield Dominican Sisters were appointed to open St. Bernadette Parish School in August of 1949. Sister Benedict was the first principal and Father O'Brien was the founding pastor. Seven sisters served the educational needs of 365 pupils in the newly constructed twelve-room school building.
The first graduating class in 1950 consisted of 13 students. By 1952 the three classrooms formerly used as convent hou sing were needed, so a new convent was built for the sisters. In 1954 a second school building, "The Primary Building", was made ready for use. The total enrollment at that time was 774. The second floor of the primary building was needed for classes by 1959. An additional four classrooms were added to the main building in 1961. Enrollment grew to 1,257 children by 1965. In 1975, St. Bernadette School was one of the first Catholic schools to open a Preschool.
In 1994, an Extended Day Program was opened to provide for the needs of working parents. Today, approximately 100 students are registered for this before and after school program.
The Essential Learning Solutions Lab (ELS), a computerized therapy program that strengthens students' learning patterns and permanently improves academic performance, was established at St. Bernadette School in 1996. Sister Mary Ventura, Dominican Sister, was appointed Director of this program. The ELS enrollment has grown rapidly and has made a lasting difference in the lives of many children.
St. Bernadette School continues to flourish with vitality, academic excellence, improved technology and updated texts. Some things are new but much has not changed: devoted parents, dedicated teachers and hard working students.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9311 South Francisco Avenue
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
Phone: 708.422.6429
Email: stbernadette.school@comcast.net
| |
