Administration and staff of Hales Franciscan, the predominantly African American, all-male Catholic college prep high school at 4930 South Cottage Grove Avenue are hoping for a large turnout for the entrance exam being given January 8, beginning at 8:00 AM. Acceptance letters will be sent out by February 15 and freshman registration is scheduled to take place March 15.
The school is receiving increased expressions of interest from parents of potential students throughout the year at open houses, personal visits, and admissions outreach, says Principal Arthur Reliford.
Hales Franciscan is one of Illinois’ only historically African American, all-male Catholic college preparatory high schools. The 48-year-old institution is experiencing a renaissance of sorts based upon its recently installed academically elite International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, making it one of fewer than 800 high schools in the nation offering this advanced course of study. Top universities provide added consideration to applicants successfully completing this rigorous college preparatory training.
“We are poised to make a step up in enrollment over the next few years because of the change in programming and our strong tradition of excellence,” Reliford declares. “We have a lot of involvement from alums, parents, and students as we move forward.”
The IB Programme is instrumental in assisting Hales Franciscan raise its academic offerings and increase enrollment as it addresses a national concern for overhauling education and improving academic performance. The achievement gap between Black and White students continues to expand, especially among males. As a result, President Barack Obama is working to reform the education system that he claims his predecessors failed to improve.
Over the years, enrollments at private schools geared toward African American males across the nation have been hammered by the sagging economy, changing demographics, and poverty. Now, administrators and trustees at Hales Franciscan are working to bolster the scholastic reputation of the school, nationally renowned for its athletic performance.
For information on admissions, course offerings, and financial assistance at Hales Franciscan College Prep High School, call 773/285-8400.
Hales Franciscan has long enjoyed a national reputation for its athletic accomplishments.
Hales Franciscan provides unique course offerings, such as robotics.
As a 1978 graduate of hales Franciscan, I am honored to see so much progress from when I attended hales. Hats off my Spartan brothers!
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