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Holy Family Catholic Academy

United States, Inverness

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Holy Family Catholic Academy in Inverness, Illinois serves children aged 2 to 14 in preschool through eighth grade. It is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme through fifth grade and the Middle Years Programme through eighth grade. The standards-based, child-centered curriculum is guided by IB Coordinators, with a technology fee supporting hardware, software, and training. The campus includes eight preschool classrooms and two K–8 classrooms, plus an art room, a cafeteria, a gym, and a 450-seat multi-torium. Two NGSS-aligned science labs enable hands-on learning, and safety is prioritized with visitor screening, secured access, camera surveillance, and regular drills. Extracurriculars emphasize service, arts, and language learning; Faith in Action and service-learning reflect Catholic Social Teaching. Shadow days for applicants in grades 1–8 inform placement. The school promotes global-minded citizenship, with students from more than 40 countries and families speaking about 30 home languages through inquiry and service.

2515 Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL 60067

The Essentials

Holy Family Catholic Academy has typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
2515 Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL 60067. The Academy Office: (847) 907-3452. Parish Office: (847) 359-0042.

Stages
Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School

Type
Catholic

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Inverness, Illinois, and is parish-affiliated with Holy Family Parish as part of the Holy Family Catholic Community.
Fees
Application and Registration Fees
- Non-refundable registration fee (preschool): USD 225 per child.
- Non-refundable registration fee (academy K–8): USD 225 per child.
- Before-and-After Care program registration fee: non-refundable USD 25 per child (required before participation).

Tuition fees by program and year group
- Specific published tuition amounts per grade or per term are not listed publicly; tuition rates are determined by program (preschool, kindergarten–grade 5, middle school) and are provided through the school's tuition management/FACTS system. Families receive a tuition agreement that specifies the exact tuition for their child's program.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing period: Tuition payment plans are structured on an annual cycle with installment options that begin in June and conclude in May. All tuition for the current school year must be paid in full by May 31.
- Tuition deposits: A non-refundable tuition deposit is required to secure placement for the following school year; the deposit amount and due date are communicated in the enrollment/re-enrollment materials. All tuition deposits are non-refundable.
- Delinquency: An account is considered delinquent if a scheduled payment is more than 30 days late. Late fees are assessed for payments made after the due date; returned checks incur a charge; delinquent accounts may result in exclusion from class, extracurricular activities, or withholding of student records.

Boarding / Residential provision
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and provides before- and after-school CARE services for enrolled students rather than residential boarding.

Other costs and fees
- Technology fee: An annual technology fee is charged to support hardware, software, and training; the handbook identifies a technology fee but does not list a fixed public amount.
- Field trips and grade-specific fees: Separate fees are charged for field trips and an Outdoor Education fee is charged for students in grades 5, 6, and 7.
- Extracurricular and optional program costs: Costs for hot lunches, uniforms, after-school enrichment programs, athletics, and other optional services are not included in base tuition and vary by program and year. Uniform items (certain plaid/solid skirts, jumpers, gym uniforms, monogrammed shirts and fleece jackets) must be ordered from the designated uniform vendor or may be purchased elsewhere if compliant with the dress code.
- Graduation fee: A graduation fee is charged for each student graduating from eighth grade.
- CARE (Before-and-After School) monthly fees and structure:
- Full-time (4–5 days/week): Before Care — USD 210 per month; After Care — USD 335 per month.
- Part-time (1–3 days/week): Before Care — USD 125 per month; After Care — USD 210 per month.
- CARE monthly billing is averaged over the school year and invoiced through the FACTS account.

Refund information and withdrawal terms
- Registration fees and tuition deposits are stated as non-refundable.
- Probationary acceptance: New and transfer students are accepted on a 90-calendar-day probationary period; if during that probation the school determines it cannot meet the student's needs, any prepaid tuition will be prorated and refunded.

Payment methods and administration
- Tuition collection and payment plans are administered through FACTS Tuition Management. FACTS supports multiple payment options, including automatic deduction from checking or savings accounts and payment by credit card, and provides online account access.

Notes for parents (concise)
- Registration and tuition deposit requirements secure placement and are non-refundable. FACTS is used for enrollment, tuition agreements, billing, and payment processing. Technology, field trips, Outdoor Education, CARE, uniforms, lunches, and optional activities generate additional charges that vary by grade and participation. The 90-day enrollment probation includes a provision for prorated refund of prepaid tuition only in the limited probationary circumstance described above.
Academics

Holy Family Catholic Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 2 to 14.

Curriculum
The school uses a standards-based curriculum with child-centered instruction across Preschool, Kindergarten, and Middle School (grades 6-8). Shadow Days for prospective students in grades 1-8 include reading and math assessments to inform placement. The curriculum is guided by International Baccalaureate Coordinators supporting the IB framework. A technology fee supports curriculum delivery by providing access to hardware, software, and training.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
HFCA supports social and emotional development through a values‑driven framework. The school's commitments describe a community of Thinkers, Servant Leaders, Grounded in Faith, Principled, Knowledgeable, Inquirers, Courageous, Reflective, Balanced, Caring, Communicators, Open‑Minded, and Role Models. These commitments guide daily interactions, learning, and service, with a focus on balancing intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional well‑being for self and others. Communication, empathy, and respect are emphasized as core habits of mind in classrooms and school life. Together, these elements foster students' leadership, collaboration, and responsible citizenship within a Catholic, global context.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
HFCA embraces diversity and may admit students with diverse learning needs if the school has staff and the ability to provide the necessary accommodations.

Mental Wellbeing
HFCA takes mental health seriously and has a Mental Health Protocol for students who show signs of emotional distress. When concerns about a student's well‑being arise, the school will require a crisis mental health assessment by a licensed professional before continuing academics and cocurricular activities. Parents/guardians are guided to pursue the clinician's recommendations, sign consent for information release, and coordinate treatment with the school for reentry. The school coordinates with clinicians and services to plan a safe and confidential return and to establish a student support plan as needed.

Safeguarding
HFCA adheres to Archdiocesan policies and Illinois law regarding safeguarding. Staff are required by law to report any allegations or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Parent Experience

Community
Holy Family Community spreads kindness across 48 states, nearly 40 countries, and six continents. HFCA hosts annual grade-specific Parent Information Sessions to introduce Principal Kate O'Brien, Assistant Principal Laura Clark, and members of the faculty, and to provide an overview of the standards-based curriculum and child-centered instruction. Preschool and kindergarten sessions are held virtually via Zoom and recorded, while other sessions take place on campus as informal coffees with HFCA administration. Tours and Shadow Days invite prospective families to learn about HFCA, meet teachers, and experience the curriculum, with shadow days including reading and math assessments.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
HFCA's modern campus supports preschool through eighth grade learning. It includes eight preschool classrooms for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds, and two classrooms per grade from kindergarten through eighth grade. The campus features a dedicated art room, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and a multi-torium that seats 450 people. The school houses two fully-equipped science labs with NGSS-aligned instruction for hands-on learning across grade levels. Safety is a priority with visitor and guest screening, mandatory volunteer training, secured access, camera surveillance, and regular safety drills.

Sports Facilities
HFCA has a gymnasium for indoor athletics and physical education. A 450-seat multi-torium provides space for large gatherings and events that can support athletic activities and school programs. The campus layout supports physical education and team activities for students from preschool through eighth grade. The facilities emphasize safety through measures such as visitor screening, secured access, and camera surveillance on campus.

Academic Facilities
Two fully-equipped science labs aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) enable hands-on science learning for students from preschool through eighth grade. An art room supports visual arts instruction. There are eight preschool classrooms for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds and two classrooms per grade for kindergarten through eighth grade, enabling age-appropriate learning spaces and progression.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Faith in Action — students regularly participate in meaningful outreach and service-learning projects. HFCA promotes global-minded citizenship through the IB framework, with students representing more than 40 countries and speaking nearly 30 languages at home. Families of all faith backgrounds are welcomed, and faith formation is integrated within student life. Service-learning and outreach activities are a hallmark of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
HFCA is the Northwest Suburbs' only authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme, serving preschool through fifth grade. The PYP uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach that focuses on the development of the whole child—academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. The program emphasizes Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, including thinking, social, communication, research, and self-management, integrated across the curriculum. Student progress is assessed through portfolios, projects, observations, and teacher feedback in line with IB standards.

Arts & Creative
HFCA offers a robust arts program including music, art, and performing arts. The music program has a sequential, spiraling curriculum and teaches through singing, movement, listening, and rhythm instruments; music classes meet twice a week starting in kindergarten. Art classes meet weekly from kindergarten, teaching basic concepts, art history, and various media, with student work showcased on campus and on Artsonia. Performing arts are a major component, with two annual middle school productions and an annual musical production directed by the music instructor, plus opportunities for improvisation and creative movement.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is taught with a focus on conversational Spanish and basic vocabulary, with classes twice weekly for 30 minutes starting in our full-day pre-kindergarten. In middle school (grades 6–8), Spanish is 45 minutes, three days a week, using District 211 High School Spanish I curriculum with the goal of placing in Spanish II in high school, and students also learn about the history and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples.

Social & Hobbies
HFCA offers after-school enrichment for kindergarten through eighth grade, typically from 3:40 to 4:40 pm. Enrichment classes include chess, STEAM, piano, art, and drama, run by third-party providers and offered three times a year to broaden interests and develop skills beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
HFCA blends faith with International Baccalaureate learning and service guided by Catholic Social Teaching. The IB PYP and MYP emphasize service and leadership, with PYP units addressing global issues and CST, and the MYP Service Project requiring student-led action and reflection to serve the community.

Leadership & Professional
HFCA is a member of Griffin MSI's Science Leadership Initiative, selected to participate in MSI's Leadership Initiative to strengthen science education from preschool through eighth grade. MSI supports implementing Next Generation Science Standards and a school-wide emphasis on science leadership, preparing students for high school and beyond.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
HFCA offers year-round athletics for grades 4–8, including fall cross country, golf, soccer, girls' volleyball, and cheer; winter basketball and cheer; spring track and field and boys' volleyball. Physical education for kindergarten through 8th grade occurs twice weekly, and students also engage in outdoor education and field trips to promote wellness and physical activity, all within an IB-informed learning framework (courage, balance, caring, and other learner attributes).
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as a special class integrated into IB units.
Reputation

Awards
Blue Ribbon School; IB; Nature Explore; Niche Schools; Science Leadership

Accreditations
Blue Ribbon School
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Nature Explore
Niche Schools
Science Leadership
Admissions

Admissions
1. HFCA admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to students. The Academy does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. New family applications for the 2026-2027 academic year open on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Applications are date- and time-stamped and processed in the order received. 2. To start the admissions process, use the online application form provided for new families to begin. The form is linked on the New Family Application 2026-2027 page. The application window opens January 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM and submissions are timestamped and processed in order. 3. Deb Atkins, Director of School Development, can answer questions or schedule a tour. Tours can be arranged by contacting Deb Atkins. The New Family Application page includes the link to begin the application and related resources. 4. HFCA offers tours and meetings as part of the admissions process; a meeting with the Principal or Assistant Principal occurs after tours and before enrollment is finalized. 5. HFCA hosts Learn More opportunities including grade-level Parent Information Sessions; Preschool and Kindergarten sessions are virtual via Zoom and recorded, while other sessions are in person as informal coffees with HFCA administration. 6. Shadow Days are available for prospective students in grades 1-8, with reading and math assessments incorporated into the shadow day experience. 7. Tours and meetings with the Principal/Assistant Principal help families learn about HFCA and its program before enrollment is finalized. 8. Tuition is cost-based; a non-refundable registration fee and an annual technology fee apply; there are no additional fees such as book fees, language fees, fundraising fees, or parish contributions. 9. Tuition assistance is available; 52% of families receive some form of reduced tuition (sibling discounts or needs-based awards) and the evaluation process uses the FACTS tuition management system; applications are due by April 1 and families are notified before May 15; all information is confidential. 10. HFCA understands family financial situations can change; if special circumstances arise, a confidential meeting with the principal can be requested.
School Events
The school has not added events
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