Student Experience

Explore what makes our school so special.

Group of friends enjoying a boat ride on a lake surrounded by autumn trees.

A Home for Students

San Miguel School Chicago is more than just a school; it's a Lasallian, Catholic middle school that serves as a second home for students in grades six through eight. We offer a safe and nurturing environment where students of all academic abilities from the Back of the Yards and surrounding areas can feel supported and empowered. Our community is small but has a big presence, and we believe in empowering every student to achieve their full potential.

Personalized Learning & Support

We believe that every student learns differently. Our approach is designed to meet each child where they are.

In the Classroom

  • Small Class Sizes: Our 1:9 teacher-to-student ratio allows for personalized attention and strong relationships.
  • Comprehensive Subjects: Our curriculum includes English language arts, math, science, social studies, and religion, all with an extended school day to provide ample learning time.
  • Targeted Assistance: We provide one-on-one support for struggling readers and group tutoring for English language learners. We also use diagnostic testing to tailor our instruction to each child's specific needs.
  • Modern Technology: We are a 1:1 computing environment, providing every student with their own Chromebook and access to other modern learning technologies.
Two soccer players in green jerseys during a daytime game.

Enrichment and Growth

We encourage students to explore new interests and develop their talents through a wide range of activities both during and after school.

During the School Day

  • Clubs: Our students can join the Chess Club to sharpen their logic skills and the Student Ambassadors Club to build leadership abilities.
  • Classes: We offer art, health, and physical education classes to foster well-rounded development.

After-School Activities

  • Arts & Academics: We offer an Art Club, Competitive Chess League, and Math Circles for those who love a challenge.
  • Sports: Students can participate in Boys and Girls Basketball and Volleyball, Coed Soccer, and Softball. We also offer intramural sports for more casual play.
Youth soccer players celebrating on a field during a game.

Beyond Our Campus

Learning extends far beyond our four walls through field trips and special programs.

Trips and Retreats

  • Local Field Trips: Students get to explore Chicago by visiting cultural, business, educational, and recreational landmarks.
  • Eighth-Grade Journeys: Our eighth-graders take meaningful multi-day trips to the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to learn about civics and civil rights.
  • Nature Retreats: Students connect with nature and each other on summer and fall retreats in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where they engage in outdoor adventures, team-building exercises, and spiritual reflection.

A Support System for Life

We are committed to helping our students succeed during and after their time at San Miguel.

Counseling and Social-Emotional Health

Our school is a safe place where students can receive the social-emotional support they need to navigate their middle school years. We offer individual and group counseling to help them regulate emotions, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships.

High School and Alumni Support

  • High School Bridge Program: We guide our eighth-graders through every step of the high school search, application, and enrollment process. We even offer an entrance exam test-prep course for those applying to selective schools.
  • Graduate Support Program: Our support continues after graduation. Alumni receive tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and college application assistance during their high school years. This support helps them earn diplomas at nearly twice the rate of their peers.
  • Alumni Success: Our graduates attend universities across the nation, including Concordia College, DePaul University, Lewis University, St. Xavier University, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Our Family Community

We are dedicated to supporting the entire family, not just the student.

Family Programs and Resources

  • Education: We offer free ESL and financial literacy classes and workshops on topics like parenting and family health.
  • Health and Wellness: In partnership with community organizations, we provide food distribution, free vaccinations, health screenings, and family counseling.
  • Community Events: We host a variety of events to foster a sense of belonging, including a welcome event, school masses, family dances, a Cinco de Mayo festival, a neighborhood Kermes festival, and a Christmas celebration.

Our Student Experiences

Through retreats, hands-on learning, and diverse activities, we help students grow as leaders—explore our family programs for more opportunities.

Explore Family Programs