Business Details
28 Years
experience
Classical Catholic Education for Pre-K to 12th Grade
Our Lady Of The Sacred Heart Academy is a Pre-K-12 classical school rooted in the Catholic tradition, dedicated to educating the whole person through the formation of will, intellect, and character. Founded in 1998, we integrate a classical liberal arts curriculum with Catholic teachings, aiming to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a deep love for God. Our program emphasizes theology as the foundation of learning, fostering an appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty while preparing students to excel academically and lead with moral integrity.Accredited by Cognia and the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, we serve students in Rockford, Illinois, with a commitment to forming saints and leaders who uphold Western heritage and Catholic values.
Services
Classical Curriculum
Catholic Faith Formation
College Preparation
Extracurricular Activities
Latin Studies
Virtues Program
Fine Arts
Physical Education
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer a classical liberal arts curriculum centered on Catholic theology and Western heritage.
- Our program integrates daily prayer, sacramental participation, and liturgical traditions.
- Accredited by Cognia and national Catholic education organizations for academic excellence.
- Graduates consistently achieve top scores and pursue higher education at prestigious institutions.
- We emphasize character development through virtues, service, and leadership training.
Associations and certifications
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Cognia
- National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPC*IS)
- NCAA
- Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
What people say
Deep spiritual foundation
Classical curriculum excellence
Strong college preparation
Virtue-based character development
Active Catholic community
Services
Classical Catholic Curriculum
Our classical curriculum integrates Catholic theology with liberal arts, emphasizing Latin, logic, and literature. Students engage with great works of Western civilization while developing critical thinking skills. The program prepares learners to analyze complex ideas through a faith-based perspective, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth aligned with Catholic teachings.
Faith Formation
Daily prayers, weekly Mass, and sacramental preparation form the spiritual foundation. Students participate in the extraordinary form of the liturgy twice monthly, guided by priests from the Institute of Christ the King. This immersive approach cultivates deep devotion and understanding of Catholic traditions, ensuring graduates maintain strong faith practices in adulthood.
College Preparation
Our rigorous program exceeds college admission standards, with NCAA-approved core courses and AP scholars consistently achieving top scores. Alumni pursue degrees at institutions like Hillsdale College and the University of Illinois, demonstrating our success in developing analytical skills and academic discipline through a classical framework.
Virtues Program
Daily instruction in virtues and works of mercy shapes moral character. Students practice kindness, obedience, and service through structured activities and community outreach. This program reinforces Catholic values, preparing young people to become ethical leaders who uphold dignity and service in their future endeavors.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics, fine arts, and clubs complement academic learning. Students participate in IHSA-sanctioned sports, choir performances, and field trips to cultural institutions. These activities promote teamwork, creativity, and appreciation for the arts while reinforcing the school's mission of holistic development.
People
Mrs. Toni Cermak
Fine Arts & Activities Director
Mrs. Cermak teaches art and drama, bringing expertise from Veritas Christi Hybrid Academy and a degree in interior design. She integrates Catholic faith with artistic instruction, fostering creativity and spiritual growth through visual and performing arts programs.
Mr. Daniel Lyter
Choir Director
With degrees in Music, Spanish, and Philosophy, Mr. Lyter leads vocal programs while teaching Latin and philosophy. His background from the University of Mary enhances our liturgical music tradition and language instruction, connecting arts with classical education.
Mr. Kevin Rilott
Virtues & Works of Mercy Instructor
Mr. Rilott directs the virtues program and pro-life initiatives, drawing on 15 years of teaching experience and leadership in Catholic education. His work connects moral formation with community service, emphasizing practical application of Catholic social teaching.
Mr. Mark Sayers
Humanities Teacher
A faculty member since 2008, Mr. Sayers holds advanced degrees in English and Catholic thought. He teaches literature and history while tutoring standardized test preparation, ensuring students master both content knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Mr. Joseph Heneghan
Mathematics & Science Instructor
Mr. Heneghan brings physics expertise from California Polytechnic University to our STEM program. His instruction combines technical precision with appreciation for God's creation, preparing students for advanced scientific study through a Catholic worldview.
Questions
What makes your curriculum 'classical'?
Our program follows the classical trivium model, emphasizing grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Students study Latin, great works of literature, and historical context while developing critical thinking skills through Socratic dialogue and integrated Catholic theology.
Is your school affiliated with the Catholic Diocese?
We are an independent Catholic school not directly affiliated with the Diocese of Rockford, though we maintain cordial relations and follow Church teachings. Our faculty includes practicing Catholics who sign fidelity oaths to the Magisterium.
What accreditation do you hold?
We are accredited by Cognia and the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools. Recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, our program meets NCAA core course requirements and participates in state honor societies.
How do you integrate faith into academics?
Daily prayers, weekly Mass, and sacramental preparation form our spiritual core. Theology is integrated across subjects, with Latin prayers, liturgical calendar observances, and virtues instruction ensuring all learning connects to Catholic teachings.
What college preparation do you offer?
Our graduates consistently achieve top scores on standardized tests and gain admission to prestigious universities. With AP scholars and rigorous coursework exceeding NCAA standards, we prepare students for academic success through a classical liberal arts foundation.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer IHSA-sanctioned athletics, choir performances, fine arts programs, and field trips to cultural institutions. Activities emphasize teamwork, creativity, and connection to our Catholic heritage while developing well-rounded students.
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