A Unique Approach

Evidence of Impact

A Unique Approach

The Story of CJA

The story of CJA is the story of great students taking advantage of the opportunities that all children deserve, but too few are given a chance to access - especially on the West Side of Chicago.

Building a Strong Academic Foundation

We provide rigorous academics for students from 3rd grade through 8th grade in a loving and supportive environment that is enriched by:

Low Student-Teacher Ratios

Our co-teaching model, with two trusted adults in most classrooms throughout the day, ensures low student-teacher ratios and personalized student learning.

Responsive Classrooms

Safe, joyful and engaging classrooms enable students to develop strong social and academic skills.

Extended School Day and Year

A 9-hour school day and an 11-month school year provide additional academic time and give all students access to co-curricular activities.

Tailored Learning Support

Learning Interventionists and a Speech Pathologist tailor academic plans to meet unique student needs and address gaps in learning.

I have an almost 5-year-old who is a sensory seeker, and it is my dream that teachers at his school are as thoughtful, compassionate and dedicated to meeting their students’ needs as the teachers at CJA.

Jesse Ilhardt

CJA Donor

Caring for the Whole Student

We embrace the Jesuit principle of cura peronalis - care for the whole person - and in doing so we support our students physically, emotionally, spiritually and academically. All students have access to the following resources:

Social Work Team

Our team of social workers build on the strengths and support the needs of our students and their families.

Dedicated School Nurse

Our full-time nurse cares for each child's unique health needs.

2.5 Nutritious Meals per Day

All students receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack each day.

Co-Curriculars

Students choose from 8-10 co-curricular activities each quarter including sports as well as non-athletic options like music, culinary arts and robotics.

I have become stronger mentally and physically during my time here. I have grown from the opportunities CJA has given me and also persevered through some challenges that have helped me improve myself as a student and a person.

CJA Student

Class of 2023

Supporting Alumni Through the Age of 25

After students graduate from CJA in 8th grade, they receive support from their College & Career Persistence (CP) counselor until they are 25 years old.

High School Transition

Our College & Career Persistence (CP) counselors help students find and succeed at their best-fit high school.

Post-High School Transition

Our CP counselors support alumni as they choose among 4-year and 2-year colleges as well as professional pathway programs.

Career Transition

Alumni work with their CP counselors on internship and job placement, interview preparation and networking.

Summer Programming

CP counselors cultivate opportunities for students and alumni to participate in sleep-away camps as well as summer enrichment and employment opportunities.

Trauma-Informed Care

CP counselors provide trauma-informed responses to emergent and non-emergent crises in order to work with alumni to mitigate real-life obstacles that may hinder their ability to succeed in their transition to high school, post-secondary education, or career.

CJA is the only grammar school in the city that I know of that still follows up, supports, helps, and just checks in randomly. I know that I can rely on Mr. Kemper [Director of College & Career Persistence] versus others whose advice or intentions I might not be sure about.

CJA Alum

Class of 2020