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About 
St. Nicks

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School was established in 1909 and is the oldest Catholic School in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood. Established by the Adrian Dominican Sisters who saw a need for Catholic education in the area preceding the Church and Parish.

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St. Nick, as it is affectionately known to its community, has seen over 11,000 students graduate and move on to the finest high schools in the city of Chicago. We are always proud to acknowledge our 100% graduation rate.

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Our students have further extended their education in amazing Universities or the Military and have become amazing participants in society. Many of our alumni return to St. Nick as administrators, teachers, and as parents sending their children to school here.

St. Nick has robust art & music classes, including the oldest school band on the Southwest Side. Many of our students start their music lessons as early as kindergarten, learning ukulele, violin, piano, and guitar. At St. Nicholas of Tolentine we believe that education is a living breathing adventure and strive to provide every opportunity possible for both our teachers and students.

Our Mission

It is the mission of

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School to. . .

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™  Engage students in a quality Catholic education.

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™  Inspire a community that develops and values each individual’s gifts and talents.

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™  Empower students to make a positive impact on their family, school, and community.

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Root Beliefs

We believe that God is love and everything flows through Him. 

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We believe in Catholic education and that all actions should reflect the teachings of Christ. 

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We believe that all children can succeed to their greatest potential. 

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We believe in the inclusive school setting and that all children possess gifts and talents.

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We believe that all children deserve a peaceful and safe learning environment.

In an era when some Catholic grade schools are changing their makeup, St. Nick enrolls as many as 400 children. St. Nick is an All Are Welcome School, offering an Inclusive Catholic Education to students of all backgrounds, races, and educational learning needs.  We are proud and happy to serve this community.

All Are
Welcome

We are...

Compassionate

Connectors

Creators

Change Makers

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