St. John Brebeuf is not only a school, but a hub of activities for families and children. Throughout the school year, the parking lot is filled with parents bringing their children to school, then later for basketball and volleyball games, Scout meetings, religious education and other endeavors.
It is the only Catholic school in Niles, since St. Isaac Jogues and Our Lady of Ransom parishes closed their schools. St. John Brebeuf, or SJB as locals affectionately call it, accepts children from those parishes and St. Martha in Morton Grove at parishioner rates for tuition.
St. John Brebeuf accepts students from preschool through eighth grade, and the school figures prominently in the life of the parish. Parents actively volunteer in the school, organizing everything from athletics to holiday parties to fundraisers, including the annual fundraising gala.
"Our school is a place where learning occurs in an atmosphere of faith, care and challenge," says principal Margaret Whitman, who invites interested parents to call to schedule a visit.