Thank you for your interest in St. Therese Chinese Catholic School in Chinatown, Chicago.
We currently offer enrollment opportunities for students in Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) through 8th grade, serving families in Chinatown, the South Loop, Bridgeport, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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Below is an overview of our Admissions Policies and Application Process for prospective families.
Admissions Resources

• Admission Inquiry Form 
• Application and Registration Checklist 
• Application Process
• Early Childhood Admissions (Pre-K 3, Junior Kindergarten 4, Kindergarten 5)
• Academic Programs

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Our Admissions Philosophy

St. Therese Chinese Catholic School is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive Catholic education in Chicago.
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We serve students and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds, fostering a strong and supportive school community.

Approximately 30% of students receive need-based financial aid, helping make a high-quality Catholic education accessible to more families.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants are considered based on a holistic review, including:

• Catholic identity and family involvement
• Alignment with the school’s mission and values
• Academic readiness and school records
• Social, emotional, and behavioral development
• Admissions assessment and classroom visit
• Ability to contribute positively to the school community
• Family commitment to St. Therese’s culture and philosophy
• Sibling enrollment and alumni connections
• Current class availability and enrollment balance

​As a Catholic elementary and middle school in Chicago, we carefully consider each applicant to ensure a strong fit for both the student and the school community.

Admissions Priority

Order of Admission Preference
​In alignment with our Catholic mission, students are admitted in the following order:

1. Catholic students from St. Therese Parish
   (Priority given to current families)
2. Catholic students from neighboring parishes
3. Non-Catholic students from the local community

Student Support and Fit

Our administration carefully reviews each applicant’s academic, developmental, and individual learning needs to determine how we can best support their success.
In general, St. Therese seeks students who demonstrate average to above-average academic ability and who will benefit from and contribute to our rigorous, faith-based educational program.

Non-Discrimination Statement

As a member of the Archdiocese of Chicago, St. Therese Chinese Catholic School admits students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, or programs.

Our Admissions Process

Step-by-Step Admissions ProcessThe admissions process begins when a family contacts our Admissions Office to request an application.
Step 1: Initial Inquiry

• Contact the school by email or phone
• Receive application instructions

Step 2: Submit Application

• Complete required forms
• School acknowledges receipt and outlines next steps

Step 3: Attend Open House

• Required for all prospective families
• Includes:
  • School tour
  • Classroom visit
  • Meeting with Principal and Registrar

Open House dates are available here or if no Open House dates are available, may be made by appointment.
Step 4: Application Review

• All completed applications are reviewed
• Enrollment is not guaranteed due to high demand

Contact Our Admissions Team

To learn more about Catholic school admissions in Chicago or to begin the application process, please contact our Admissions Office:

• Email: [email protected]
  
• Phone: 312-326-2837

Our office is open year-round, and we welcome the opportunity to connect with your family.