About St. Nicks
A Place to Learn, Grow & Believe
St. Nick’s School has served families in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood as the oldest Catholic school in the area since 1909. Rooted in the Gospel and guided by Catholic values, we nurture every child socially, spiritually, and academically.
117
Years of Academic Excellence
15
Top High Schools Enroll our Graduates
22
Certified
Teachers
25+
Clubs, Sports & Fine Arts Programs
23:1
Student Teacher Ratio
100%
Family
Satisfaction
Academic Excellence
Innovative Teaching
Rooted in Catholic Values
At St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, students build a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values within a supportive and collaborative community. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in measurable achievement, 145% annual typical growth in Reading and 112% in Math, along with a 96% student retention rate and 90% teacher retention rate, clear indicators of the trust families place in our educators.
Honored with the Polk Bros. Leadership Award, St. Nick’s forms confident, faith-filled learners prepared to lead and serve.
Early Childhood
Our early childhood program builds a strong foundation through hands-on learning in literacy, math, science, and faith formation. Young learners develop social skills, curiosity, and confidence in a nurturing, structured environment.
Elementary Program
In elementary school, students deepen core academic skills through engaging coursework in reading, writing, mathematics, science, religion, and social studies. Instruction encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a growing sense of responsibility.
Middle School
Middle school students experience rigorous academic coursework that prepares them for high school success. Advanced instruction in math, science, humanities, and religion strengthens analytical thinking, leadership, independence, and real-world readiness.
Enrichment Programs
St. Nicholas of Tolentine School offers extensive enrichment opportunities, including visual and performing arts, athletics, language, and technology. We are proud to be one of the only Catholic elementary schools in Chicago with a strong fine arts focus, allowing creativity to flourish alongside academic excellence.
Why St. Nick's Leads the Way
Fine Arts Excellence
St. Nick’s is proud to be one of the only Catholic elementary schools in Chicago with a comprehensive fine arts focus. Students participate in General Music and Visual Art classes, Beginning and Senior Band, Middle School Choir, Ballet Folkloric Dance, Ballroom Dance, as well as Piano lab and lessons and Violin classes, building confidence, discipline, and creativity throughout their educational journey. Artistic expression is woven into daily school life and embraced as a core academic strength that enriches the whole child.
Language & Global Awareness
Spanish language learning begins early and continues through the grades, strengthening communication skills and fostering cultural awareness. This instruction is especially meaningful within our diverse community, where 95% of our student population is Hispanic, 74% are English Learners, and more than 330 students have an identified language need. Our language program supports cognitive development, honors students’ cultural identity, and equips them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Classrooms at St. Nick’s integrate technology intentionally to enhance instruction and prepare students for today’s academic world. Through a 1:1 technology program, students build essential computer skills from an early age—strengthening literacy, research abilities, and digital responsibility. Interactive whiteboards further transform learning by increasing collaboration, engagement, and classroom interactivity.
Athletics & Team Building
Our athletic programs promote physical wellness, teamwork, and leadership through a variety of sports and activities throughout the year. Students have opportunities to participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and more, building confidence, sportsmanship, and a sense of community both on and off the field or court.
Beyond the School Day
St. Nick’s offers students a wide variety of rotating clubs and enrichment opportunities, with more than 15 active programs throughout the year. These include academic, STEM, arts, leadership, and service-focused clubs, as well as opportunities to participate in student ambassador and campus ministry roles. Before- and after-school care provides families flexibility while offering students a safe, supportive environment, and extended-day programming reinforces structure, creativity, and positive social interaction, giving students more ways to explore interests and develop skills beyond the classroom.
At St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, enrichment is not an add-on, it is an essential part of how students learn, express themselves, and grow. Our robust programming sets St. Nick’s apart from other Catholic elementary schools, offering opportunities rarely found at this level.
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with St. Nick's Today
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