Frances Xavier Warde School

The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an academically excellent, values-oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a child-centered urban environment.
As a keystone of its diverse community, The School provides need-based scholarships to 30 percent of its students, partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all students to learn about and respect other faith traditions.
FXW follows a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, and develop decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 914 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,510
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / Feb. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Frances Xavier Warde School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
914 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
41%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Frances Xavier Warde School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
120 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
22 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Grades K-8 wear uniforms

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 1 / Feb. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Preschool rates are dependent upon the number of days child attends & full or part time - details on school web site
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,800
Admissions Director
Sue Smeaton
Admissions Associate
Vinkeia O'Neill

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Boy's Choir, Extended Day Program

Club or Organization:
Chess, Coding Club, Girl Scouts, Robotics, Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:
Beginning Band, Drama Troupe, Girls Choir

School Notes

In 1989, the late First Lady of Chicago Maggie Daley approached Father Jack Wall, pastor of Old St. Patrick`s church, with a bold vision. She wanted to create a school where children would receive an academically excellent education along with a foundation to guide them to become hardworking individuals equipped with a strong moral compass. A place where families would accept and embrace all faiths, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and everything that makes us unique. The boldest part of this mission would be that 30 percent of this School`s students would receive financial assistance and tuition would be kept as affordable as possible.

Father Wall gladly accepted the challenge and the two began a private search for a principal. Sister Mary Ellen Caron was FXW`s first principal and came to the table with fresh ideas and an immediate passion for building such a school. So, with just a few families behind them, they opened the doors to their first classrooms, which were located inside Presidential Towers in the West Loop.

Thirty-two years later, FXW has grown to become one of the most sought after schools in the city with two campuses:
  • Old St. Patrick`s Campus, commonly referred to as"OSP," is located in the West Loop. More than 500 students, in Preschool through grade 3 begin their FXW journey here.
  • Holy Name Cathedral Campus, commonly referred to as"HNC," is located in the heart of downtown. More than 400 students, in 4th-8thgrade, continue on to graduation.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Frances Xavier Warde School cost?
Frances Xavier Warde School's tuition is approximately $16,510 for private students.
What sports does Frances Xavier Warde School offer?
Frances Xavier Warde School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Frances Xavier Warde School's ranking?
Frances Xavier Warde School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Frances Xavier Warde School?
The application deadline for Frances Xavier Warde School is Dec. 1 / Feb. 15.
What neighborhood is Frances Xavier Warde School located?
Frances Xavier Warde School is located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, IL.

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 914 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,510
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / Feb. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chicago, IL is $10,546 for elementary schools and $18,028 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Chicago, IL is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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