our history

The history of Providence High School is interesting. From its beginning in Joliet, through its temporary closing during the Depression, the condemnation of the building in 1959, the new foundation in New Lenox in 1962, the crisis in 1971, the turnaround under Fr. Kaffer, the building period, the transition to the Augustinians, the expansion in academic programs and in student enrollment, the growth of its reputation, and its athletic success, all these things have contributed to that spirit which makes Providence great.

The 1800's
On September 8th, 1880, a religious order of sisters known as The Ladies of Loretto opened a commercial and finishing school for girls called St. Mary Academy. The school was located in Joliet. St. Mary Academy was completed and dedicated on August 16, 1883.

1900-1958
In 1918 Sisters of Providence were asked by the Diocese to run the school of 59 students.

On October 22, 1918, the name of the high school was officially changed to Providence High School. The first graduating class consisted of six members, while eight received certificates from the commercial class.

The academic department of the high school was closed in 1931 at the height of the Great Depression, although there were 120 graduates that year. Because of the economic problems, those directing the school decided in 1932 to change the school from a four year general high school to a two year commercial school. A four year secretarial course was initiated in 1938.

1959-1968
By 1959, the old high school building had to be abandoned because it was condemned as unsafe by the Joliet Fire Department.

From 1959 to 1962 the school was temporarily located at St. Mary Nativity Parish. Providence High School shared the building with St. Mary Nativity elementary school. When the old building was demolished, it is said that students sifted through the wreckage looking for bricks that were not crushed. They wrapped the bricks and sold them as souvenirs to help build the new Providence.

In 1962, the new Providence High School was built in New Lenox as a co-institutional school. It was built with a capacity for 800. In 1966, the first co-institutional class graduated from Providence.

1969-1984
By 1969, however, financial problems threatened to close Providence. The number of students was shrinking while the costs of education were rising. The Save Our School struggle appeared in the Chicago Daily News, Thursday, November 21, 1968, when students raised the first $30,000 selling 25 cent chances. In that year, 557 students at Providence had helped save a six year old school from extinction.

Fr. Roger Kaffer was appointed in 1970. Fr. Kaffer immediately began to improve the academic programs and initiated a bussing plan to increase enrollment.

In 1971, the total school enrollment was 490. In the year 1975-76, there was a total school population of 785. There is ample evidence of that in its history. Between 1974 and 1985 several building additions were constructed due to the increased enrollment.

1985-1991
The Order of Saint Augustine was asked to take over the operation of Providence by the Joliet Diocese. In June, 1985, Fr. Richard McGrath was named Principal. The Catholic nature of the school has been enhanced through religious studies, retreat programs, school wide Masses and other religious opportunities.

A college preparatory academic program was introduced and graduation requirements were increased. Providence is now accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

There have been many improvements made to the buildings and grounds, to upgrade, replace and improve the facilities on the beautiful thirty acre campus in New Lenox.

In 1985, with the approval of Bishop Imesch, the school name was changed to Providence Catholic High School.

Athletically, Providence teams have been very successful, winning a total of sixteen State Championships since its opening in New Lenox. An important technology update was made in 1998 when all of the computers in the Christopher Cooper Computer Center and library were replaced. Providence students access Internet and Illinet in order to do research, word processing and better prepare themselves for college.

1992-Present
Enrollment in 1985 was 926 students. By 1998, it had grown to 1,177. Administration, faculty and parents all agreed to limit enrollment so that Providence would not lose its personal atmosphere. In 1992, Providence celebrated its 30th Anniversary in New Lenox, and in 1993, its 75th Anniversary in the Diocese of Joliet.  Also in 1993 Fr. John Merkelis was appointed Principal. Fr. McGrath was named President.  In 1999 Fr. Merkelis was named vocations director of the Augustinians.  In 1999 Providence started the "Building a Vision...Forming a Future" Capital Campaign, a project that resulted in the school's new 37,000 sq. ft. Science and Fine Arts wing, which opened in the spring of 2002.   In 2001 Mr. Don Sebestyen was named Principal.  With God's blessing, Providence will celebrate for many more years and continue to be a leader in teaching life skills to the leaders of tomorrow.

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