St. Gregory Episcopal School (Chicago)

St. Gregory Episcopal School was established in 1962 by the Rev. R. L. Whitehouse and Gordon L. Baker. Its founders envisioned a liturgical and educational institution patterned after the all-male English Cathedral choir schools, but situated within the urban context of Chicago. Founded as an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, the school shared space within the church and its parish hall until August 2002. Enrollment was necessarily small (under 30) given the limited amount of space.

In August 2002 St. Gregory’s moved to a shuttered school building in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. With the additional space at our new location, we realized a long term desire to add a kindergarten class. There was also room for a computer lab, a library, a lunchroom and a small parking lot that doubles as a playground. In many ways, we became a brand new school, and we are still evolving. Other improvements and additions to St. Gregory school life include:

• An intensive tutoring program for those students who, despite our best in-class efforts, are not reading at grade level;
• A six-week summer school program that offers both remediation and enrichment courses;
• A reading specialist, who will support teachers, parents, students and tutors in our quest to have 100% of our students reading at or above grade level;
• The introduction of a religious curriculum called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which uses a Montessori approach to religious education;
• The introduction of several successful parent involvement programs.

The vision of its founders, and the leaders who have followed, has made it possible for almost 2,000 inner city boys to attend St. Gregory's. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, small class size (no more than 15 students per classroom), guidance and shepherding through the high school selection and application process; K-8 music and choral instruction; and counseling for students and their families when necessary.