History of Joliet Catholic Academy

Joliet Catholic Academy is an institution proud of its heritage and tradition. In 1869, the Joliet Franciscans opened St. Francis Academy to young women in the Joliet area. Nearly 50 years later, DeLaSalle High School for boys was founded by the Christian Brothers. In 1933, the Carmelites assumed leadership of DeLaSalle changing the name to Joliet Catholic High School. These three schools are the cornerstones for Joliet Catholic Academy, established as such on July 1, 1990.

In 1869 a Franciscan sister, Mother Alfred Moes, well known for her efforts in laying the foundation for the famous Mayo Brothers Clinic in Minnesota, founded St. Francis Academy, St. Francis Academy opened with only a few girls who were schooled in a small stone convent near Joliet’s Illinois and Michigan Canal (on Broadway and Division Streets). SFA resided there until 1882, when it moved to a newly erected building on Plainfield Avenue. A new wing at 603 Taylor Street was completed in 1915. Prior to this date, most ST. Francis Academy students were boarders. Joliet parents were overjoyed with this addition to SFA because the increased space allowed for their daughters to attend SFA along with the boarders. The curriculum offered six courses of study: classical, scientific, domestic science, arts and crafts, commercial, and a special two-year commercial course. English, mathematics, Latin and religion courses were required, of course.

In 1923, the Wilcox and Taylor Building (currently the University of St. Francis’ Tower Hall) opened, with Sister Thomasine, O.S.F. serving as the first principal there. Memorable developments during the 1923-1943 era were the organization of the first varsity basketball team, the opening of the tennis court, the introduction of weekly assemblies, a dramatics club, a biology course and a home economics department. It was during this time, too, that SFA ceased to have boarders. More on the History of Joliet Catholic Academy...