Frances Xavier Warde School

In 1989, the late First Lady of Chicago Maggie Daley approached Father Jack Wall, pastor of Old St. Patrick`s church, with a bold vision. She wanted to create a school where children would receive an academically excellent education along with a foundation to guide them to become hardworking individuals equipped with a strong moral compass. A place where families would accept and embrace all faiths, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and everything that makes us unique. The boldest part of this mission would be that 30 percent of this School`s students would receive financial assistance and tuition would be kept as affordable as possible.

Father Wall gladly accepted the challenge and the two began a private search for a principal. Sister Mary Ellen Caron was FXW`s first principal and came to the table with fresh ideas and an immediate passion for building such a school. So, with just a few families behind them, they opened the doors to their first classrooms, which were located inside Presidential Towers in the West Loop.

Thirty-two years later, FXW has grown to become one of the most sought after schools in the city with two campuses:

• Old St. Patrick`s Campus, commonly referred to as"OSP," is located in the West Loop. More than 500 students, in Preschool through grade 3 begin their FXW journey here.
• Holy Name Cathedral Campus, commonly referred to as"HNC," is located in the heart of downtown. More than 400 students, in 4th-8thgrade, continue on to graduation.