Marist High School

I had a daughter who graduated in 2007 from Marist and she cannot stop talking about what a wonderful school and experience it was for her. She is part Mexican and did experience some derogatory name calling but she still enjoyed her time there. My son onthe other had doesn't not look as white as my daughter and was never accepted. I had to pull him out. Where I thought it was lacking was in religious Ed, the man running the program at the time was a very liberal cafeteria Catholic and has since been replaced, thank God. I know that there is a problem with students that are not Catholic that have expectations of public school ideals, sorry then this is not the school for you, remember, above all Marist is a CATHOLIC school, run by Catholics, shocking. So, if you want a public education this is not the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Marist provides an excellent co-ed college-prep education for students. It's a well-rounded curriculum including both liberal arts and sciences, including an excellent computer science program.

2 sons 5 nephews and 1 niece of mine have graduated from here between 2001-2011. Every single one of them say how they wish they could go back whenever the topic comes up. All of them excelled or are excelling in college. Great place for kids to prepare. When my sons graduated 100% of both their graduating classes were accepted to universities and there were 420+ kids in both.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated in 2011 and is now in college and my daughter is currently a sophomore. I believe that this school prepares these kids well for college. I think last year 99% went on to college. As for the athletic issue, my son was not an athlete and my daughter is, both love(d) Marist and I don't think that is a social issue at all. As for the below comments regarding diversity, Marist is in an predominiately white area. What do you expect? In 2011, 83% percent of the school was white in a City neighborhood that is 96% white. Education, faith and discipline are all in well balance at this school. It is worth the money that I am spend(ing).
—Submitted by a parent

Marist H.S. truly is a marvelous place for children to learn and grow.This school believes in the teaching of self growth and to be proud of who and what you are and help them to take that belife with thru out life. All thoughts are always towards better educaton at all times.Any parent would be proud of a graduate from Marist H.S.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. 5 stars isn't enough. For private education in the Chicago Metro area probably 2nd only to St Ignatius. Sports strong but not the emphasis placed that gets academics/sports out of balance. Our family will have an enriched life-long relationship with the school. As far as the negative comments concerning diversity/unfair intolerance are concerned, we personally didn't see it. Academic bar set high and so is the behavioral bar. It's tough to meet the requirements and stay above the bar. Those who do not are given due process and dealt with fairly and consistently. Zero tolerance for violent acting out and lack of focus/accomplishment in the class room. If you're looking for a laissez faire , 'anything goes' approach Marist is not for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school!! I have had 2 kids graduate from there and they are excelling in college. I have 2 more kids there now. Expensive but worth every penny.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Larry Tucker, and his staff make the students and their parents feel like a family.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Marist is a very good school. The curriculum is just right and the athletics are wonderful. I went there for 4 years and loved it. The school spirit is amazing and I think it is a wonderful school. I am proud to say I went to Marist! GO REDHAWKS!
—Submitted by a student

I thought I was the only one who thought racism was a huge issue here. When I talked to the administration about it, they said they never heard such a thing. I'm glad to see others felt the same way I did and my daughter is white. Thank goodness she graduated from a very diverse public school , which was a wonderful experience especially as far as diversity goes. It was a great shock to her to see how awful the other students treated the African American students. How sad to see that there were only a quarter of the African Americans that started freshman year, graduated with this same class. Athletics and politics were also a huge issue. I would never recommend this school to anyone. Notice that almost all of the parent reviews are below average. The above average reviews come from former students who don't know any better.
—Submitted by a parent

What a horrible school Marist High School is. I am ashamed that my kid has to say he graduated from there! Horrible administration who dont care about the average student, only the athletes and student council
—Submitted by a parent

Marist is an absolutely excellent school. I graduated in 2007, making my class the second co-ed class. I feel that Marist prepared me wonderfully for the university level. I am thankful for the discipline provided from teachers, deans, and even our wonderful Marist Brothers. I feel that Marist is a family I will always belong to. I can not say enough about this wonderful institution. My only advice to those skeptical about Marist is to get involved. It is a very student run school, getting involved will make the whole experience only that much better. Our teachers are young, well qualified, and ready for the commitment of high school teaching. They are available at practically all hours and truly care. My brothers and I do not have a negative thing to say. Our Athletics really kept the Redhawk pride alive through the halls.
—Submitted by a student

I am very sorry I sent my child to Marist. The school has too much emphasis on sports and not enough on academics. Furthermore, the teachers at the honors level are not carefully monitored and as a result, they get away with sub-par teaching. Terribly disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Marist is a place where effort is rewarded. I am far from a genius, but I worked hard at Marist and, as a result, achieved great success there. The academics/faculty are outstanding. Academic support is widely available, putting the path to successes into the students hands. Multiple athletic, social, and academic extra-curricular programs exist, offering something for all. Participation is the key; by taking advantage of these programs, an unconfident/awkward freshman quickly transforms into a mature/focused upperclassman. At Marquette University, I noticed that I was better prepared than many of my peers. Additionally, I noticed that I was much prepared than my peers from other Chicagoland schools. Since graduating, and working for an international accounting firm, I have reflected on my academic experiences. I give Marist the primary credit for my professional and personal development. I look back on my days at Marist with great fondness.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a freshman. The environment is academically challenging. The teachers are committed. There is a learning specialist to help meet the needs of the students with learning disabilities. Edline allows parents to track student grades (all teachers should be required to use it regularly.) Unfortunately the student body is not very diverse.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with a focus on academics as well as respect for your elders and fellow students. I was surprised when the dean of discipline contacted my parents when I was disrepectful towards my teacher - thus allowing my parents to add to the detention already administered at school. Frankly I was a lazy adolescent, however the Marist Brothers were quick to note this and were able to extract more from me. I have no doubt that my successes later in life have a great deal to do with the tutelage I received while attending Marist.
—Submitted by a former student

Marist's band is horrible. To the post below, the band can't even march. They look good and sound good becuase they can't do anything than stand and play. Also if you call a band good who performs at the football championships think again.
—Submitted by Steve Pitts, a parent

A great school with wonderful and caring instructors-my son has made terrific friends here also!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two graduates, 2000 and 2004, and one daugther, the first coed class of 2006, we have been very pleased with the educational environment/curriculum at Marist H.S. It is a wonderful learning community which seeks to bring out the best in their students. As their motto states, they 'educate young men and women in mind, body and spirit.' It is a Catholic high school but has students of other faiths who come to Marist for a strong college prep program particularly in math and science. Marist does a fine job in preparing students for a successful rigorous college experience. It has an excellent band program which has been recognized by their participation in the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Gator Bowl in recent years. Their Jazz Band has also received high ratings. They have added equal sports activities for the girls with great success. Two thumbs up for Marist!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! The Marist Brothers are TRUE educators. I wish we could have a Brother for the principal, as I feel he would give the necessary religious presence we currently lack.
—Submitted by a parent