Principal Kate O’Brien surprised students, faculty and parents on Thursday announcing that HFCA (Inverness) was one of 50 private schools in the nation receiving a 2017 National Blue Ribbon.

The celebration included students working in multi-grade teams to create posters on why they felt their beloved school is a Blue Ribbon School. Students identified their teachers as the singular best part of their school.

“Our test scores earned us recognition as a High Performing Exemplary School for teaching and learning, but scores are but one part of preparing our students to be effective global thinkers and leaders grounded in faith,” states Principal O’Brien. She attributes the school’s success to its dedicated faculty and staff who challenge and support their students while continually looking for innovative ways to teach critical thinking and problem solving skills that prepare students for high school and beyond. It is this culture of continuous improvement that has been a hallmark of the Academy which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

States HFCA’s founding principal, Jean Noble, “From its beginnings in 2002, Holy Family Catholic Academy has committed to a culture of continuous improvement, and it continues today with the Principal Kate O’Brien's leadership and her wonderful staff.” That culture led to Blue Ribbon recognition and also prompted HFCA to pursue authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School (IB), the first school in the Archdiocese of Chicago to apply for candidacy* in the IB Primary Years Programme. “This is truly the most dedicated and talented faculty with whom I have had the pleasure of working,” states Mrs. O’Brien. “I am thrilled that their talent and dedication has been recognized by our students, parents, and now formally by the US Department of Education.” *Candidacy is not a guarantee of authorization.

For more information, hfcacademy.org