Joliet Catholic Academy announces Return to School Plan

On July 15, Joliet Catholic Academy announced the JCA Return to School Plan, a hybrid learning model where four days of learning will occur in person on campus and one day will occur at home through “LIVE” E-Learning. JCA students will return for on-campus learning on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, while E-Learning from home will take place on Wednesday. To minimize large groups and exposure for students, faculty and staff, there will be no lunch periods offered during the regular school day. Lunch will be offered for students who must remain on campus during the After-School Program. Students will also not be utilizing lockers and will be allowed to carry backpacks.

JCA is also providing a full-time E-Learning option (five days per week). JCA encourages students who may be high risk for COVID-19, or who have family members at home deemed high risk, to consult with your physician regarding the utilization of full-time E-Learning. Students choosing a full-time E-Learning option will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities occurring in person.

It is important to note that Joliet Catholic Academy’s school enrollment, building size and structure allow for four days of in-person instruction. With a student body of 630 students in a school building with 50 classrooms, eight large common areas, and 240,000 square feet, a hybrid model geared more towards in-person instruction is possible. JCA is following all Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and CDC guidelines on the importance of reopening America’s schools this fall. The JCA Return to school plan has also been certified by superintendent Dr. Michael J. Boyle and the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office reopening review committee. The JCA administration will adjust the Return to School Plan if needed in the future based on the guidance of the above public health officials and educational experts.

JCA president/principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz said, "we are truly excited to be going back to school in August and have a plan that will give our students the most in-person instruction, while maintaining the least amount of exposure to their peers. No plan is perfect and it seems that there are new guidelines each day, but we feel that besides the home, no other setting has more influence on a child's health and well-being than their school."

The Return to School Plan will be in effect for the first quarter of the 2020-2021 School Year (August 19-October 16). The JCA Administration will re-evaluate this plan in hopes to return to more in-person instruction at some point during the school year. The live E-Learning Wednesday schedule for the first quarter provides experience for students and staff should schools be mandated to close based on guidance from state or local health officials at any time during the 2020-2021 school year.

Freshman Orientation takes place on Thursday, August 20. Friday, August 21, JCA will hold a Return to School Orientation for sophomores, junior, and seniors. The first full-day of school for all students will be held on Monday, August 24.

Families interested in enrolling their son or daughter at Joliet Catholic Academy should contact JCA Director of Admissions Mr. Ryan Quigley at admissions@jca-online.org or 815.741.0500, ext. 214. You can also request Admissions Information via the link below.

Click Here to view the full JCA Return to School Plan >> https://www.jca-online.org/wp-...

Click Here to request JCA Admissions information >> https://www.jca-online.org/adm...