The History of Chicago Loretto High School

Chicago (population: 2.8 million) is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois. From its early days as a Potawatomie settlement, then as the site of Fort Dearborn in 1803, which led up to the formation of the city and its incorporation in 1833 and 1837, respectively, the "City of Big Shoulders" became a major location in the US for various reasons.

Railroads and water transportation were two reasons why Chicago was one of the fastest growing cities in the country during the 19th Century. Today, numerous railroads and highways of interstate, US, state, and local designations bring people together in the city on a daily basis, as does air traffic at O'Hare and Midway Airports. Chicago is a melting pot of people from many nationalities, making it ethnically diverse, and thus is referred to as "the financial, economic, and cultural capital of the Midwest (according to Wikipedia)." 

Loretto High School was opened on Chicago’s South Side in the Englewood neighborhood in 1893 as Loretto Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, founded by the Ladies of Loretto of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The sisters began with seven students in the former St. Bernard’s Parish school which had been opened the year before and went from there. Despite much opposition from non-Catholic residents in the neighborhood, the order went ahead with plans to purchase property on Stewart Avenue near 65th Street in 1896.

As a result, a new school building was erected, along with a convent and music conservatory on the site which opened sometime after. The first class graduated in 1899 and an alumni association was formed in 1906. The school grew to the point that a new facility had to be built in 1927 next to the convent in a Renaissance style.

Loretto changed its name from Academy to High School in 1941, apparently so it would not be confused with Loretto Academy on 65th Street at St. Cyril Parish (near Mount Carmel High School) in the Woodlawn neighborhood. What is ironic about both schools was that the same order was in charge; they were on 65th Street; and they both educated girls. 

The school continued to remain open until 1962 when it was decided to close it due to declining enrollment. Remaining students were transferred to Loretto Academy and other schools that were closer to their homes. The fate of the buildings is unknown at this time.