Bishop McNamara High School exists primarily to serve the Catholic Christian community of the Kankakee area, while welcoming students of all faiths.
A strong sense of community based on Christian love, care, concern, and sacrifice, unites students, parents, alumni, faculty, and administrators.
Through a synthesis of faith, culture and life, students are challenged and empowered to commit themselves to sharing the Good News.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 743 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,000
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
School Resources
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1922
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars
Student Body
Total Students
743 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
School Colors
White, Green
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Endowment Size
$50 million
School Notes
- Bishop McNamara High School exists primarily to serve the Catholic Christian community of the Kankakee area, while welcoming students of all faiths.
- A strong sense of community based on Christian love, care, concern, and sacrifice, unites students, parents, alumni, faculty, and administrators.
- Through a synthesis of faith, culture and life, students are challenged and empowered to commit themselves to sharing the Good News.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Doe, Nobel Laureate, 1990 -
- Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner, 1995 -
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School cost?
Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What schools are Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School often compared to?
Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School is often viewed alongside schools like Grace Christian Academy, Kankakee Trinity Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School?
The acceptance rate of Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School?
Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School famous alumni include: John Doe, Nobel Laureate, 1990 and Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner, 1995.
What is Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School's ranking?
Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School?
The application deadline for Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Bishop Mcnamara Catholic High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.

2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.