ABOUT US
Who We Are

Who We Serve

Faculty and Staff

Work at CJA

Our Way of Proceeding

Gies Campus and History

Board of Directors

Menu
ABOUT US

CJA is a loving and supportive life-long community for our students and alumni. We are a tuition-free, Catholic lower and middle school for students and families impacted by historic disinvestment. We also accompany alumni as they transition to high school, post-high school options and on to the start of their careers, and we engage with the larger community to support creating access to better educational resources.
ADMISSIONS
You belong at CJA

Visit CJA

Admissions Process

Apply to CJA

Menu
ADMISSIONS
CJA accepts 3rd-5th grade students first come, first served and we are not academically selective. For 6th-8th grade applicants, academics and willingness to partner with the school are taken into account. We accept students in all grades without regard to race, ethnicity or religion. Learn more about our school and see why your child belongs at CJA!
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Third & Fourth Grades

Fifth & Sixth Grades

Seventh & Eighth Grades

Student Support Services

Nurse

Specials

Meal Program

Co-Curriculars

Menu
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
At CJA, we believe in caring for the whole person. We provide rigorous academics in a loving and supportive environment but we also support our students physically, mentally and spiritually through a dedicated school nurse, a team of social workers, a faith-based education, enriching co-curriculars and a nutritious meal program.
ALUMNI SUPPORT
College & Career Persistence Program

High School Transition

Post-High School Transition

Career Transition

Menu
ALUMNI SUPPORT
After students graduate from CJA, they work consistently with their College & Career Persistence (CP) counselor until age 25 and they and their families are considered part of our community forever. Our dedicated team of CP counselors accompany students and alumni through the transition to high school, post-high school and ultimately careers.
IMPACT
A Unique Approach

Evidence of Impact

Menu
IMPACT

When children are given the resources they deserve in order to thrive in and outside of the classroom, they can reach their full, incredible potential. We see the impact each day in working with our students, alumni and partner schools. Their hard work, dedication and resilience demonstrates what can be achieved when obstacles to educational equity begin to be removed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
High School Bridge

Notre Dame Partnership

HSB Partner Schools

Community Partnerships

Menu
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We’re expanding our services to students across Chicagoland! By 2027, we’ll be supporting students in nineteen elementary schools as they identify and choose their best-fit high schools.

And, now that our expanded school building is open, we are working to deepen relationships with neighbors and local organizations as we seek to provide a community gathering space.
SUPPORT US
Donate Now

Ways to Give

Scholarship Pledge

Planned Giving

Goods & Services

Wish List

Volunteer

Hire an Alum

Menu
SUPPORT US
As a tuition-free school, the success of our mission depends entirely on the generosity of people who believe in the great promise of our students and alumni. All gifts are critical investments in ensuring access to the academic resources and holistic care for the community we serve.

Parent-School Partnership

We’re In This Together!

Parent support helps students be more engaged in their learning and makes our school community stronger. Our Parent Partnership team organizes events throughout the school year that offer parents the opportunity to learn more about CJA and build community with other families.

For more details, please contact Charlotte Curtis, Director of Parent Partnership, at [email protected] or (773) 638-6103.

Parent Focused Initiatives at CJA

Grade-Level Meetings

In-person grade level meetings are concentrated in the first half of the school year to enable parents to learn more about CJA and better understand what to expect throughout the school year. Meetings are often held in the evening and are announced in the Wednesday Weekly newsletter.

Coffee and Conversation

Coffee and Conversation meetings are focused on specific topics and give parents the chance to ask questions and share perspectives. These meetings are held in-person at CJA.

Social Events

CJA hosts a variety of social events for families throughout the school year. Events are listed on the school calendar and include Saturday Socials, Bingo Nights, and a Parent Appreciation Breakfast.

Parent Volunteer Days

Parents across all grades are welcome to volunteer in the classroom or for projects around the school. Volunteer days/events are announced in the Wednesday Weekly or via the "Remind" parent notification emails.