The History of Madonna High School
The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago founded Madonna High School in Chicago in 1949. Over the years, thousands of young women were embraced by both Sisters and lay teachers who dedicated their lives to the education and empowerment of women. The idea of creating and ministering at an all-girls Catholic High School in Chicago was conceived by Mother M. Jerome Dadej and through her vision and leadership, Madonna High School opened in 1949. Enrollment soon skyrocketed and with the help of so many educators and administrators, it became known for its scholastic and academic excellence. The high school functioned for 50 years, but was sadly closed in 2001 due to economic hardships and declining enrollment. On the following pages, the history of Madonna High School has been provided in a timeline format with photo galleries highlighting the Sisters who taught there over the years. Thank you to all the Sisters, teachers, and administrators who made Madonna High School so impactful on so many young women's lives! Thank you to Sr. Anne Marie Knawa, whose book, As God Shall Ordain (A history of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago), provided the research information for this article.
1945 The seeds of Madonna High School were first planted in 1945. During a general council meeting, Mother M. Jerome Dadej, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, suggested that the Sisters expand their ministry into secondary school education. They had long ministered as teachers in elementary education in many schools in the Chicagoland area and several US states. She thought that a Catholic high school for girls would be a wonderful way to attract potential vocations and entice women to enter religious life. Mother M. Jerome met with Samuel Cardinal Stritch, the Archbishop of Chicago, to discuss the idea. He agreed with Mother Jerome on the need for an all-girls high school and encouraged her to pursue it.
Mother M. Jerome Dadej
The original St. Vincent Orphan Asylum served as the first location for Madonna High School.
1948 In 1948, the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, who ran the Ephpheta School for the Deaf (on the corner of Belmont and Pulaski Avenues in Chicago), decided to sell some of the land around the school's property. After gaining permission from Samuel Cardinal Stritch, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago decided to buy the land in 1948. The idea of building a school was still out of reach though, as the Sisters were more focused on the construction of St. John Hospital and School of Nursing in South Dakota. They decided to locate the new high school at a temporary site, the former St. Vincent Orphan Asylum, which was next door to their Motherhouse in Chicago. Mother M. Jerome selected the name Madonna High School for the new school and it was her determination and vision that bore Madonna High School to fruition.
1949 On September 8, 1949, Madonna High School opened on the first floor of the former St. Vincent Orphan Asylum with four students. Sr. M. Crescencia Chmiel was named the school’s first principal. Much of the future success of Madonna High School can be attributed to her school leadership. Sr. M. Crescencia, with her vast experience in teaching and as an administrator at previous schools, was essential in getting the school up and running and ready for the students. A special Mass was held at St. Joseph Home in Chicago to mark the historic occasion.
Sr. M. Crescencia Chmiel
1950 In 1950, the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary decided to sell the Ephpheta School for the Deaf. After surveying the school, Mother M. Jerome and the Sisters decided it would be a great place to relocate Madonna High School temporarily to serve as a convent and day school. While they still hoped to eventually build a brand-new school on the grounds, the Sisters acquired the building. It was needed to accommodate the increasing number of young women who enrolled at the school.
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​1951 In the summer of 1951, the Sisters officially took possession of the Ephpheta School for the Deaf and began renovations and cleaning. They worked tirelessly to have the building ready for the first day of school. Thus, on September 6, 1951, Madonna High School officially opened in the Ephpheta building with 102 students.
The Ephpheta School for the Deaf eventually became the second location of Madonna High School.
The faculty at Madonna High School, 1952:
(Seated) Srs. Alvernia, Seraphinia, Maxentia, and Therese. (Row 2) Srs. Roseanne, Marinella, Sponsa, Tarcisia, Leontia. (Standing) Srs. Kingnetta, Maristella, Alberta and Dorothy.
1952 In 1952, Madonna High School received full accreditation by the State of Illinois. The school would continue to receive accreditation every seven years during the state’s evaluation period throughout its entire existence. Soon applications skyrocketed and the Sisters were forced to accept only a certain number of students due to lack of space. Some parents even sent applications for their elementary school-aged daughters early, hoping to hold a space for when their daughters were older. In the meantime, the Sisters continued to raise and save money for the new high school building project and they also pressed the Archdiocese of Chicago for funding. Sr. M. Alvernia Groszek and Sr. M. Hilary Dadej ran a fundraising carnival on the grounds of Belmont and Karlov Avenues and the Sisters also held bingos and other fundraisers for the building fund. Later in the school year, the Madonna High School Mothers Club and Auxiliary was founded. This group would be incredibly supportive throughout Madonna High School’s existence. A similar support group was founded in 1956 called the Madonna High School Fathers Club and Auxiliary. In her book, As God Shall Ordain, Sr. Anne Marie Knawa wrote: “The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago were consistently aided by the loyalty and support of their families, friends, and benefactors who watched the school’s progress with fondness and concern. Without this aid and encouragement, it would have been exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for the Congregation to finance the erection of the new school.”
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1953 Madonna High School held its first graduation commencement ceremony at St. Joseph Home in 1953. Later that summer, Sr. M. Crescencia was transferred to Johnstown Central Catholic High School in Pennsylvania to run that school. Sr. M. Alberta Bialas, assistant principal at Madonna High School, was promoted to principal. During her time as principal, Sr M. Alberta helped expand the curriculum at Madonna and assisted in managing the enormous increase in enrollment.
1955 Cardinal Stritch officially approved the building of Madonna High School after reviewing the budget and architectural plans for the school.
Sr. M. Alvernia Groszek with children at a fundraising fair.
Sr. M. Alberta Bialas
Sr. M. Alberta and Mother M. Jerome receive official permission from Cardinal Stritch to begin construction of Madonna High School.
“For the past few years you have been splendidly responding to my plea for organizing a building fund for the new Madonna High School, and no doubt, you are still eagerly looking forward to its realization. It is, therefore, my great joy and pleasure to announce to you, dear Sisters, that we have obtained His Eminence’s approval to build.” - Mother M. Jerome Dadej's announcement to the Sisters that a new Madonna High School was approved to be built.
(Left) Mother M. Jerome at the new Madonna High School groundbreaking
ceremony in 1956
Sr. M. Hugoline Czaplinski
1956 In 1956, Sister M. Hugoline Czaplinski was named Madonna High School’s new principal. Sr. M. Alberta returned as assistant principal and remained on the faculty until 1970. Later that year, the official groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Madonna High School and work began on the new school. The cornerstone was inscribed with the school’s motto, “For Sanctity and Wisdom.”
1958 Construction workers worked tirelessly to complete the new facility and finished just in time for Madonna High School to hold its first graduation ceremony in the new school on June 1, 1958. On September 2, 1958, the new Madonna High School opened its doors for the new school year. Enrollment increased to over 650 students with 26 Sisters on the faculty. The Very Reverend Msgr. William McManus who visited the school remarked: “It is a magnificent building, well-planned and expertly constructed. All who had a hand its development deserve to be congratulated most highly. It is true to say that inside and outside of Madonna High School is in the best tradition of Catholic secondary education in our great Archdiocese.”
The official blessing of Madonna High School in 1958.
1959 – 1962 Enrollment at Madonna High School skyrocketed during this period and grew exponentially every year. In 1959, the school enrollment rose to 892. By 1962, the school held a record 1,165 students (340 freshmen alone) and 45 teachers (Sisters and lay teachers). The Sisters made great adjustments in managing the large number of students every year. Mother Jerome’s hope that the school might serve as an inspiration for young women to enter religious life was coming to fruition as many aspirants and postulants entered the congregation during this time.
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A May Crowning at Madonna High School in the 1950s.
Late 1960s By the late 1960s, times were changing. The Sisters had to rely more and more on lay teachers to work at Madonna High School. Because of religious and societal changes, fewer women were entering religious life.
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1970 In 1970, Sr. M. Hugoline was chosen to be Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and thus had to leave her position as principal of Madonna High School. In her 14 years as principal of Madonna High School, Sr. M. Hugoline oversaw enormous change and growth in the school. It was through her leadership that Madonna High School established its outstanding academic reputation in the Chicago area. During her tenure, the curriculum expanded with advanced classes in art and biology as well as a newly-built science research laboratory. The students were also encouraged to participate in state science fairs and did very well over the years. The business and journalism departments were also expanded. Sr. Joseph Marie Zenda, assistant principal was named principal of Madonna High School.
Sr. Joseph Marie Zenda
1973 During the 1970s, Madonna High School enjoyed a high enrollment. Thus, sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended classes in the newer school building, while freshmen attended classes in the old Ephpheta School building (otherwise known as the “Old Building” or “Freshmen Building”). Maintenance costs on this old building were exorbitant, so the Sisters decided it was time to raze the building and sell the land to Jewel Food Company. Freshmen classrooms were then moved to newly-installed mobile units on the high school’s campus. A new religious faculty residence was constructed on the grounds to house the Sisters who previously had resided in the Old Building.
1980 Through Sr. Joseph Marie’s leadership, a College Acceleration Program (CAP) was developed, enabling Madonna students to earn college credit while still in high school. Advanced Placement Courses and more classes were also added to the curriculum.
1983 In 1983, Madonna High School went through several building renovations and many necessary improvements were added. Computers were becoming a new and accessible technology in the world so the Sisters created a student computer lab. The school also began computerizing student records, report cards, and other administrative functions. The Sisters were at the forefront of the computer age Sr. Joseph Marie approved renovations that included more front office space and conference rooms with upgraded colorful redesign. The gymnasium also welcomed a new electronically-operated scoreboard (for basketball) and a new exercise room.
Later that year, Sr. Joseph Marie was elected Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Sr. M. Alvernia Groszek was appointed as the new principal of Madonna High School. Sr. M. Alvernia had long been associated with Madonna High School. She had served as the head of the science department from 1951 to 1970. As principal, she continued the academic excellence that Madonna High School had become known for by expanding the curriculum and offering more courses and electives.
Sr. Joseph Marie looks at the architectural
plans during the renovations at Madonna
High School
Students at Madonna High School work on
a computer in the computer lab.
Sr. M. Alvernia Groszek
​1986 Sr. M. Alvernia was elected General Councilor during the General Chapter of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Because of hernew role in leadership, she had to step down as principal. Sr. Carol Marie Schommer was appointed Madonna High School’s principal. A former graduate of Madonna, Sr. Carol Marie served as teacher at the school since 1970, teaching a wide range of math and science courses and later served as assistant principal.
Late 1980s Enrollment at Madonna High School began to decline in the 1980's. Many factors included changes in economics in parochial schools as well as other external factors. Parents, faculty, former Madonna alumnae, and Sisters, as well as the Madonna board of directors launched an aggressive campaign to reverse the enrollment decline.
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Sr. Carol Marie Schommer
Sr. Carol Marie Schommer with
students at the Recognized School of Excellence ceremony in
Washington DC.
1994 Madonna High School received an award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. This award honors schools that encourage young people to succeed in America’s free enterprise system.
1999 Madonna High School celebrated its 50th anniversary with an event honoring Sisters, lay teachers, administrators, and all who helped make it such a wonderful high school over the years.
2000 - 2001 Enrollment at Madonna High School continued to decline throughout the 1990s. The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago continued to subsidize the school and formed an exploratory committee to look at ways to keep it open. This was a difficult time for the Sisters who spent countless hours and explored so many options to keep Madonna High School open. Some of these options included merging with other schools and possibly transforming the school into co-ed. Sadly, it became too difficult financially to keep the school open and Madonna High School was officially closed in 2001. With the school closing, the Sisters wanted to continue their ministry in Catholic education for young women so they started the Madonna Foundation that year. The Madonna Foundation provides scholarships to young women in the Chicago area to receive a Catholic secondary education. The Foundation continues to strive for the academic excellence that the Sisters began at Madonna High School in 1949. The Foundation has provided more than 1600 awards totaling $4.1 million in scholarship funding, along with a dynamic college readiness program. It continues to be a successful ministry to this day and carries on the Madonna tradition.