St. John the Baptist Catholic Academy has been a vibrant part of the community since 1843.
Established as the first Catholic school in McHenry County, St. John is a school rich in history.
At St. John we uphold and teach in the Catholic tradition focusing on Gospel values, building community and rendering service.
At St. John the Baptist Academy our focus is offering a quality Catholic classical education with a strong emphasis on core subjects: Religion, Reading, English, Phonics, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
The child's circle of education is completed with stimulating physical education, art appreciation and music programs.
Children must be encouraged and nurtured to fully realize their potential as valued young members of our society.
Our curriculum is designed to offer challenging material presented in a variety of individualized and creative ways.
With average class sizes below those found in larger schools, closer attention to your child's needs can be achieved. The use of small and large group settings combine to give your child the opportuity to be challenged, grow and accomplish goals.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 118 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1843
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
118 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 11:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: Rooted in the past and focused on the future; we dedicate ourselves to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical growth of each student.
- St. John the Baptist Catholic School has been a vibrant part of the community since 1843. Established as the first Catholic school in McHenry County, St. John is a school rich in history. At St. John we uphold and teach in the Catholic tradition focusing on Gospel values, building community and rendering service. At St. John the Baptist School our focus is offering a quality Catholic education with a strong emphasis on core subjects: Religion, Reading, English, Phonics, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The child's circle of education is completed with stimulating physical education, art appreciation and music programs. Children must be encouraged and nurtured to fully realize their potential as valued young members of our society. Our curriculum is designed to offer challenging material presented in a variety of individualized and creative ways. With average class sizes below those found in larger schools, closer attention to your child's needs can be achieved. The use of small and large group settings combine to give your child the opportuity to be challenged, grow and accomplish goals.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy often compared to?
St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Montini Catholic School by visitors of our site.
What is St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy's ranking?
St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy?
The application deadline for St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 12/30/2022
St. John the Baptist Elementary School is an incredible gem in the heart of Johnsburg. If you are looking for a community, value-based, high-academic learning environment for your children come and check us out. From our fabulous pre-school all the way to 8th grade, students are guided in developing life-long learning skills based on the Catholic tradition.
Endorse St. John The Baptist Catholic Academy. 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
How to Ask About Staff Screening Without Apologizing
Parents should feel comfortable asking how private schools screen employees. Learn which questions matter, what answers to expect, and why transparency about hiring and student safety is a hallmark of a well-managed school.
What Facility Safety Tells You About School Oversight
A school's facilities reveal far more than appearance. Learn how building maintenance, emergency preparedness, and campus safety practices can help parents evaluate school leadership, oversight, and long-term commitment to student well-being.
Is the School Legally a School? A Parent Verification Checklist
Before enrolling your child in a private school, learn how to verify that it is legally operating, properly accredited, and authorized to issue recognized diplomas with this practical parent checklist for making a confident school choice.





