JCA Parents,

In this season of giving, we are thankful for your support in maintaining our JCA community through your time, talent, and treasure. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have been experienced across all aspects for our school, but the fortitude displayed by our Angels and Hilltoppers has truly been inspiring. I'm personally grateful for the job that our JCA student ambassadors have done throughout this summer and fall admissions cycle, and am proud to report that we have already surpassed last year's entrance exam online registrations for our test tomorrow morning December 5.

We know that this is the result of many light hands doing the heavy lifting. We also know that we ask a lot from the parents and the stakeholders in our community and again I ask you to let your voice be heard in support of Catholic education.

Our JCA families are facing challenging circumstances, this year more than ever. These families are essential workers, service industry employees, and single-parent households, and their children are bearing a disproportionate burden from the economic consequences of COVID-19.

The Invest In Kids Act (Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships) has provided over $480,000 in scholarships over the past three years to JCA students in need of tuition assistance. This is in addition to aid from the JCA endowment and the Diocese of Joliet's Catholic Education Foundation, which has enabled JCA to distribute more than $1.5 million this year through the JCA Leveraged Financial Aid program.

JCA is a proud partner of Empower Illinois and the Future of Illinois coalition. Our collective efforts are continuing to grow the Tax Credit Scholarship program, and help more families realize the dream of a Catholic education in the K-12 system. In doing so, we will reduce the cost for ALL families sacrificing to send their kids to private schools.

Even though the Tax Credit Scholarship Program is a pilot program right now, we know if the program were expanded and improved even more children could find their best fit school and benefit from the program. 

Your local state senator and state representative in Springfield decide whether to protect and expand the program. Let them know how much tax credit scholarships mean to you, your family, and your community.

Please follow the below link and input your information to show your gratitude for Tax Credit Scholarships. The form is a short thank you that will go out to your local representatives based on your address.

As always, please contact the JCA Admissions Office if you have any questions regarding the JCA Leveraged Financial Aid program or Tax Credit Scholarships.
Warm wishes for a healthy and Merry Christmas season,

Ryan Quigley '03
Joliet Catholic Academy - Director of Admissions and Communications
815.741.0500, ext. 214
This year’s annual Joliet Catholic Academy Entrance Exam for current 8th graders will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.

  • Pre-Registration online is mandatory for this year's Entrance Exam to ensure social distancing protocols. Classrooms will be limited to 8-10 test takers based on classroom size, and masks must be worn throughout the exam.
 
  • All incoming freshmen must take the JCA Entrance Exam in order to receive acceptance and appropriate course placement. Eighth grade students should arrive no later than 7:50 a.m. and enter through the main entrance off of Larkin Avenue. The exam will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students will exit the building at approximately 11:30 a.m. through the main entrance.
 
  • Students are asked to bring two #2 pencils. Calculators are not allowed; scratch paper will be provided for the exam.
 
  • Prospective students must take the December 5 Entrance Exam at JCA to be eligible for merit-based scholarships including the Franciscan/Carmelite Top Scorer Scholarships and the JCA Heritage Award. Detailed information on merit-based and financial need scholarships can be found below within this newsletter.

  • Once students are registered, they will receive a confirmation e-mail with check-in instructions for the morning of the exam.

  • A Make-Up Entrance Exam will be offered for students unable to attend December 5 on Saturday, December 12 at 8 a.m.


IMPORTANT:

Schools are currently exempt from the most recent Illinois Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations. Should that change, JCA will notify all families of any adjustment to the testing date. JCA follows the extensive IDPH and ISBE in-person educational instruction guidelines. In October, JCA held a practice High School Placement Test with 132 in-person testers. All IDPH and ISBE protocols, including masks and six feet of social distancing, will be followed at the December 5 Entrance Exam.

Students requesting an online option for the exam must e-mail 
[email protected] before Monday, November 30 to receive online testing instructions. 
 
Please contact the JCA Admissions Office if you have any questions related to the Entrance Exam. We can't wait to see you on campus soon.

Go Angels! Go Hilltoppers!


Ryan Quigley '03
Joliet Catholic Academy – Director of Admissions and Communications
Office: 815.741.0500, ext. 214
*Registering for the Entrance Exam doubles as the Admissions Application for incoming freshmen.
Reflect and Connect

All students are welcome to join us for an evening of socializing, prayer and Gospel reflection. This is a great time to get to know your fellow classmates better and share the faith that unites us in Christ. We will be meeting at 7pm in the Mary our Sister Chapel and the front doors of the school will be open. All health requirements such as masks, social distancing and reservations will be required. Please click on the following link to reserve your spot https://signup.com/go/PGbZVQJ

If you need any more information, please reach out to Mrs. Kris Horn in guidance or Mrs. Missy Ferro in campus ministry.
Semester Exam Schedule

Monday, December 14 (A-L and All Remote Learners)
Period A (1) Classes
7:50 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Announcements
Period B (2) Classes
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Period C (3) Classes
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Period D (4) Classes
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15 (M-Z)
Period A (1) Classes
7:50 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Announcements
Period B (2) Classes
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Period C (3) Classes
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Period D (4) Classes
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Wednesday, December 16 (A-L and All Remote Learners)
Period H (8) Classes
7:50 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Announcements
Period G (7) Classes
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Period F (6) Classes
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Period E (5) Classes
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Thursday, December 17
Period H (8) Classes
7:50 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Announcements
Period G (7) Classes
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Period F (6) Classes
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Period E (5) Classes
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Thursday, December 17
Makeup Exams*
7:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

*Absent students must contact their teacher to schedule a makeup exam prior to Friday, December 18th. 
 

Semester Exam Bus Schedule

Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17
Buses are scheduled to depart JCA at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, December 18
Bus service is not available. Transportation for makeup exams, if applicable, is the student’s responsibility. 
JCA Spirit Shop Ordering Information & Instructions
 
Fill the Order Form out below with any items you may wish to purchase. When it is finished, please email it to me at the Spirit Shop or drop it off.

Picking up Orders - Enter as usual towards the school’s main entrance. You can park and enter through the main office doors. You will need a mask to enter the building. Please tell Mrs. Blackburn you are here for a pick-up and I will run your order out to you in the School Lobby.  
Your student may pick up as well. Anytime during / before or after an in-person school day.
If you owe a check, we will collect it at that time.
 
Spirit Shop - PICK-UPS
Monday , Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 7:15am – 1:00pm
 
** When students are in school, the Spirit Shop will be available for pick-up**
  
Hopefully in a week or 2, we will be able to have IN – Person Shopping in the Spirit Shop. We will be able to have a maximum of 3 people in the Spirit Shop at one time.
 

Paula Gorski
Spirit Shop Coordinator
(815)741-0500 ext. 231
JCA announces November
Students of the Month
Joliet Catholic Academy president/principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz is pleased to announce the November Students of the Month: Gianna Totani (Kiwanis Club), Kate Formhals (Rotary Club), and Bryan Baker (Lions Club). JCA is proud of the success these students have exhibited both in the classroom and out in the community.

Gianna Totani, daughter of Christopher Totani and Victoria Dillon-Totani, currently has a 4.99 GPA in JCA Honors and AP classes. Totani is a member of National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and national Thespian Honor Society. She currently serves as president of the JCA Executive Board of Student Council, president of National Honor Society, and president of the JCA Drama Club. Totani is also participates in the following JCA student clubs; HillZone student cheering section, Habitat for Humanity, Spanish Club, Respect Life Club, KEO Club, JCA Student Ambassadors, and HALO Mentoring. Totani recently served as a leader on JCA’s senior capstone retreat, Kairos, and is also a member of the JCA varsity cheerleading team. In her spare time, she is a published Teen Perspective Writer for the Joliet Herald News, a student ambassador to the Will County Clerk’s Office, and a Little Buddies teen mentor. She also works in the summer and fall at Walt’s Ice Cream shop in Joliet, owned and operated by JCA alumni. Totani is currently undecided on her college choice, but plans to major in English and government with future plans to attend law school.

Kate Formhals, daughter of Joseph and Anna Formhals, currently has a 4.74 GPA in JCA Honors and AP classes. She is a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and International Thespian Society. Formhals has been a four-year member of the JCA girls tennis team and also participates in the JCA Drama Club, student council, Victory View student newspaper, and JCA Student Ambassadors. She plans on majoring in journalism and political science.

Bryan Baker, son of Todd and Kim Baker, currently has a 4.43 GPA in JCA Honors and AP classes. Baker is a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. He is the president of JCA Habitat for Humanity club, a member of the JCA Respect Life club, a JCA Student Council at-large member, and also participates in the JCA Student Ambassador and Mentorship programs. Baker is also a member of the JCA varsity football team. He is employed at Cemeno’s Pizza in Joliet and does volunteer work with Team Make a Difference in Morris. He plans to attend the University of Dayton or the University of Iowa to major in business.
Giving Tuesday Thank You!

Thank you to the 49 donors who raised $10,400 on Giving Tuesday. On #GivingTuesday, the JCA community came together to raise an extraordinary amount of money for Catholic education! Thank you to everyone who gave -- we couldn’t have done it without you.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff at JCA, thank you for supporting dreams and enriching lives. May your holidays and new year be filled with much health, happiness, and joy!

If you’ve not had the opportunity to donate to JCA, don’t worry, there is still time. When you give to Joliet Catholic Academy, you help make a difference today and for future generations of Angels and Hilltoppers to come.

Contribute to the JCA Annual Appeal below.
JCA Leveraged Financial Aid Overview
Merit-Based Scholarships
for Incoming Freshmen


  • Merit-based awards ranging from $1,000-$5,000 off tuition based on leadership, talent, and service. 
  • Requires submission of application, 500-word essay, grade school report card(s), and letter of recommendation by December 5, 2020.
  • Students must take the December 5, 2020 Entrance Exam at JCA and register before the March 1, 2021 spring registration deadline for the Class of 2025.
  • Finalists will be interviewed by the Heritage Award Committee to determine recipients.
Franciscan/Carmelite Entrance Exam
Top Scorer Scholarships

  • This is a merit-based scholarship for incoming freshmen only. This scholarship is awarded based on entrance exam scores; award amounts vary. Students are automatically eligible when they take the December 5, 2020 Entrance Exam. No Aid application is necessary.
  • Scholarships typically range from $500-$2,000 off freshman year tuition depending on the pool of entrance exam testers.

Frank Golf Scholarship in Mathematics

  • Provides 50% tuition assistance to incoming JCA students based on excellence in Math and financial need. Students will be identified based on their FACTS Financial Aid application and HSPT Entrance Exam test scores. Mr. Frank Golf recently retired after the 2016-2017 school year, but not before providing 50 years of service to Joliet Catholic High School and Joliet Catholic Academy as a member of the Math Department.
Financial Need-Based Scholarships
for Incoming Freshmen




  • FACTS will open on October 1, 2020 for parents interested in enrolling their child as a freshman in the fall of 2020.
  • Due by December 31, 2020 for priority Financial aid consideration from the JCA Endowment and the JCA Leveraged Financial Aid program; due by March 1, 2021 for the Kazma Award and Joliet Diocesan Aid.
  • Returning students must re-apply each year. March 1, 2021 is the deadline for applications for returning JCA students.
  • It is the policy of Joliet Catholic Academy no to grant any aid for period longer than one year. Applications must be made annually through FACTS and Empower Illinois.
  • Need Based Tuition Assistance, Scholarships and Grants – Distributed by Joliet Catholic Academy upon the completion of FACTS need-based assessment.
 

 

  • Current and incoming families can receive $6,881.75 - $13,733.50 off tuition in scholarships via the Illinois Department of Revenue’s Tax Credit Scholarship program. JCA partners with Empower Illinois, the state's largest Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) for the Invest in Kids Act.
  • A student qualifies if his or her family earns 300% of the federal poverty level or less (in other words, a family of 4 earning $78,600 or less for the 2020 tax year).
  • Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at www.empowerillinois.org.
  • It is the policy of Joliet Catholic Academy no to grant any aid for period longer than one year. Applications must be made annually through FACTS and Empower Illinois.
Virtual Open House
Thanks to Mrs. Mary Ostrem, and the WJCA student media production team, Open House has a virtual option this year at JCA. Check out our Open House playlist with great videos from the following departments:

  • President's Welcome: Dr. Jeffrey Budz
  • Curriculum, Course Placement, Academic Resource Center
  • Technology: 1:1 program and Microsoft Teams
  • Athletics
  • Alumni Relations Office
  • Counseling Department
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Dean's Office
  • Student Council
  • Virtual Tour of JCA's Campus
Class of 2025 Admissions Timeline

7th and 8th Grade Shadow Days
Fridays, September through April – 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Register online at www.jca-online.org/comevisitjca

*UPDATE: Friday Shadow Visits for area 7th and 8th graders have currently been suspended until further notice. If Shadow Visits resume in the spring, JCA will contact all families.

The JCA Admissions Office is open Monday-Friday when school is in session from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as select We are currently giving socially distanced, private family tours. All indoor masking and IDPH/ISBE guidelines must be followed.

The JCA Admissions Team is also available for online private tours via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Families may e-mail [email protected] or call 815.741.0500, ext. 214 to schedule a private tour.

Applications available October 1-December 5, 2020
Entrance Exam
Saturday, December 5, 2020
8:00 a.m.

Incoming Freshman JCA Leveraged Financial Aid Application Deadline
December 31, 2020
* Financial Aid deadlines will differ for JCA, the Catholic Education Foundation, and Empower Illinois.

Class of 2025 Registration Deadline
Monday, March 1, 2021
$275 - Mail-in, drop-off and Online Registration options available.
All registrations received after March, 1, 2021 are $300.

7th Grade Step Up Day
Thursday, March 4, 2021

Class of 2025 Celebration and Registration Night
TBD

The complete JCA 2020-2021 Events Online Calendar can be found at www.jca-online.org/events

Check back for information regarding extra-curricular camps or clinics announced in the near future.

Questions? Contact the JCA Admissions Staff:

Admissions Office Staff
  • Ryan Quigley, Director of Admissions and Communications 815.741.0500, ext. 214
  • Mary Ragusa, Assistant Director of Admissions 815.741.0500, ext. 274