Sacred Heart Schools - Viewbook 2017-18 Sacred Heart Viewbook | Page 4

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CATHOLIC, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL? Sacred Heart is rooted in the Catholic tradition and warmly welcomes children of all faiths. We draw from the best in Catholic schooling by providing an education that is based in values, service and spiritual development. We also offer an expansive and challenging curriculum—a hallmark of the finest independent schools. Sacred Heart is a member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). We meet rigorous accrediting stand- ards through an intensive peer review process. Our commitment is to uphold academic excellence within the context of a Christian community and to welcome students of all races, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds. NOURISHING THE SPIRIT Sacred Heart is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Chicago, although we are not a parish school. Students at all grade levels explore their 30% Sacred Heart is enhanced by a religiously diverse community. More than thirty percent of Sacred Heart’s families represent varied faith traditions. relationship to God, to self, to others and to all creation. They are encouraged to live their faith tradition with authenticity, compas- sion and integrity. Religion classes focus on the liturgical seasons and practices, Scripture, the Catholic identity, ethics and world religions in age-appropriate ways. We offer strong sacramental preparation—First Holy Communion and Confirmation are spiritual rites of passage that are held annually. A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR ALL FAITHS As a Catholic school for families of all faiths, more than 30 percent of our students represent a variety of Protestant and Orthodox Christian denominations and the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faith traditions. Religious diversity enriches our community intellectually and spiritually. In fact, Sacred Heart’s guiding principles, the Goals and Criteria, call us to foster interreligious acceptance and dialogue, educating always to an understanding of and deep respect for the religions of the world. 4