In the December 2011 edition of “Christ is our Hope” magazine, Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Diocese of Joliet wrote an article about the value of a Catholic education.
“There may be alternatives to Catholic schools,” Conlon said. “There is no substitute.”
Conlon’s words ring true for Kris Horn, Joliet Catholic Academy’s Director of Financial Aid and a graduate of the Class of 1993.
“The value of a Catholic education is that it’s an investment in the character of a child – an investment in your son or daughter,” Horn said. “It’s to help build the spirituality and foundation of their life.
“When I look back on my time at JCA, it’s not just about the academics or athletics. It’s about learning and developing those friendships and values in a nonviolent, nonthreatening environment.”
The first step to a co-educational high school education at JCA begins in earnest after the holidays.
For the 15th straight year, JCA will host a free placement exam workshop for prospective parents and students on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 6:30-8 p.m. The first placement exam at JCA is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8:30 a.m.
A makeup test is scheduled for the following Saturday, Jan. 21, also at 8:30 a.m. Parents should begin the financial aid process by Feb. 1 and freshmen registration will be on Feb. 23.
For financial aid reasons, the most important test date is the first one. JCA awards Franciscan/Carmelite Scholarships to incoming freshmen based on the first entrance exam scores. Annual scholarship amounts are determined by percentile score.
Debbie Dispenza and Mary Ragusa (’93), JCA’s Admission and Financial Aid Coordinators, stressed the importance of filling out the FACTs form. It is the beginning of the financial aid process for all high schools in the Joliet Diocese. The FACTs application is the grant-and-assessment aid used by the diocese.
A flier explaining the FACTs information will be handed out at the entrance exam. This will provide instructions on how to complete the FACTs form. Families are urged to complete the form online.
The FACTs form is used by the Diocese of Joliet to allocate funds. JCA uses that information – which is confidential – to determine eligibility for financial aid to attend JCA.
“Our commitment is to our families, to work with them to bridge the gap of affordability,” Ragusa said. “Our willingness is to help our working-class families who believe in the real value of a Catholic education for their sons and daughters.”
“Our goal is to make Catholic education affordable if that is their priority,” Horn said.
In that way, Dispenza and Ragusa pointed out, JCA will attempt to build a financial package based on circumstances, particularly for working-class families and families with multiple children attending Catholic schools. Dispenza understands the process well, having put three sons through JCA.
Ragusa emphasized the importance of following the timeline. Incoming students should attend the first entrance exam and families should fill out the FACTs application and submit by March 1.
Families may also want to apply for the Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship through the Diocese of Joliet. This requires a separate application and the FACTS application to be submitted by Feb. 17. Kazma recipients are awarded a $5,000 scholarship for each year, with additional incentive based on “A” honor roll status during sophomore and junior years.
“All families are strongly encouraged to mark down the dates of the timeline so they don’t miss out on any opportunities,” Dispenza said.
From there, JCA will use the FACTs form to determine eligibility for scholarships and grants. Combined with Diocesan monies, JCA awarded over $600,000 in scholarships last year. In the first semester alone, JCA awarded over $100,000 in endowed scholarships and $40,000 based on financial need from donations.
“We’re able to assist students because of alumni and friends of our school who consistently want to help our families,” Horn said. “It shows the strength of the JCA community.”
Do you want to be a part of the JCA community? Contact Debbie Dispenza (ext. 274) or Mary Ragusa (ext. 214) in the Admissions Office at 815-741-0500 or email admissions@jca-online.org.
