All Saints implements a rigorous curriculum aligned to Diocesan standards. Our Catholic faith is woven into all that we do and all that we teach, as we follow in the example of Jesus Christ in our words and actions. Our highly qualified faculty implement best instructional practices to meet students’ varied needs. Learning is collaborative and engaging. When you visit a classroom at All Saints, you’ll see a combination of whole class instruction, small group work, and independent practice. You’ll see students working creatively with manipulatives, having thought-provoking discussions, and using technology. All Saints has a SMART Board in each classroom and a 1:1 device program beginning in Kindergarten (iPads are used in K-2 and Chromebooks are used in 3-8).
At All Saints, we educate the whole child. The core curriculum includes daily instruction in math, English/language arts (reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar), religion, science, and social studies. We offer accelerated programs in math beginning in 4th grade and offer Honors track English/Language Arts classes in 6th-8th grade. We also have a Resource team that works with students who may need extra academic assistance, providing support to individuals and small groups. In addition to strong core curriculum, we provide weekly enrichment opportunities for all ages through our Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish, Library, and STEAM classes.
All Saints is very pleased to offer a robust STEAM program for Kindergarten-8th grade students. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The STEAM program is centered on 21st century learning skills such as exploration, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. The curriculum includes instructional learning launchers in eight disciplines (mechanics and structure, computer graphics, science and data acquisition, publishing and multimedia, alternative and renewable energy, robotics and control technology, circuitry, and computer simulation). STEAM instruction focuses on the process rather than the final product, teaching students that failure is a valuable learning experience.
Accreditation and Recognition
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Earn National Accreditation
Families choosing Catholic education in the Diocese of Joliet can be even more confident in their decision, as all diocesan elementary schools and two high schools are accredited through the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).
WCEA is a nationally recognized accrediting body that evaluates Catholic schools based on academic quality, Catholic identity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The achievement affirms the Diocese of Joliet’s continued commitment to excellence in both education and faith formation and formalizes a process for continuous school improvement.
“Accreditation gives families confidence that our schools are not only meeting high standards, but continuously working to improve,” said Dr. James Quaid, Diocese of Joliet Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
The accreditation process strengthens schools by enhancing student learning, deepening Catholic identity, and ensuring long-term vitality across the system.
A Trusted Mark of Quality
WCEA accreditation aligns with the four domains of National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence and Operational Vitality) and Illinois State Board of Education recognition. The accreditation process affirms that schools:
- Deliver strong academic programs
- Actively form students in the Catholic faith
- Operate with sound leadership and financial stability
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement
A Comprehensive Evaluation Process
The rigorous two-year accreditation process that happens every six years includes:
- Conducting a comprehensive self-evaluation and objective external review of all school programs
- Gathering feedback from teachers, parents, and students
- Developing a strategic educational improvement plan for ongoing school improvement
- Hosting an on-site visit by a team of trained educators A Distinctively Catholic Approach Unlike other accreditation models, WCEA evaluates both academic excellence and Catholic mission.
“Our goal is to operate exceptional Catholic schools,” said Quaid. “This process ensures our students are growing intellectually and spiritually.”
About the Western Catholic Educational Association
Founded in 1962, the Western Catholic Educational Association accredits more than 1,000 Catholic schools across 15 states in 36 arch/dioceses. WCEA is dedicated to supporting high standards of excellence in Catholic education nationwide.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Nonpublic School Recognition
All Saints Catholic Academy has received 'Recognition' status from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and been a state recognized school since its inception. A "recognized school" means that an ISBE appointed team has visited the school to confirm it is following all required laws. The ISBE team looks at school policies, student and staff files, safety records, and other things; a team revisits the school every five years. If the school passes inspection, they are granted recognition status by ISBE.
- Recognition is voluntary for nonpublic schools.
- Recognition is not focused on academic standards or the educational quality of the school although that plays a small role.
- Many, but not all, employers and colleges prefer a diploma/transcript from a school that has been recognized.
Note that ISBE does not 'accredit' non-public schools.
What is recognition and what are the benefits?
Recognition is a voluntary process that is available to nonpublic schools that were registered in the prior year. By applying for recognition, a school agrees to follow applicable state and federal laws and agrees to be visited by the Illinois State Board of Education to confirm the school is in compliance. If the school passes the examination process, then it is considered recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The benefits of recognition include the following:
- Required for student entrance in many colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions and training programs.
- Requirement for school membership in the Illinois High School Association and for student participation in Illinois Elementary School Association sanctioned sports, contests, tournaments, etc.
- Required for student acceptance/assignment to most military training programs.
- Required for students taking licensing examinations in fields covered under the Illinois Nursing Act.
- Required for partial cancellation of National Defense Education Act student loans.
- Often required for placement on a salary schedule when nonpublic teachers transfer to other schools.
- Student transfers and credits may be expedited when transferring to another school.