The John Paul II Polish School in Lemont, IL, was founded in 1980, at the initiative of members of the Polish Club and Father Edward Witusik, on the occasion of Karol Wojtyła’s election as pope. From the very beginning, the mission of the school was not only to provide education to children of Polish descent but also to bring the youth living on the border of two cultures closer to the country of their ancestors. The words of John Paul II “Awareness of our own past helps us join a long line of generations” are the foundation of our work, which we carry out every day in our classrooms. Learn more: History of the School and the “Polanie” Club
Curriculum
The teaching at our school is based on active pedagogical methods and educational materials that are adapted to the needs of children living in American culture. Our teachers and administration have extensive pedagogical experience and continuously improve their qualifications through participation in training organized by the Polish Teachers Association in America. Classes are held on Fridays from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM.
The curriculum includes Polish language, history, and geography. We also offer a bilingual program for children who have difficulty learning Polish, especially those who do not have support at home from parents who speak Polish. The bilingual program is offered on Saturdays.
| Elementary School Grades P–8 | Class Hours |
|---|---|
| Fridays | 6:00 PM–8:45 PM |
| Saturdays | 10:00 AM–12:45 PM |
| High School Grades 9–11 | Class Hours |
|---|---|
| Fridays | 5:00 PM–8:45 PM |
| Saturdays | 9:00 AM–12:45 PM |
Additional activities at the John Paul II Polish Language School in Lemont, IL, provide students with opportunities to develop talents and passions.
The “Polanie” Dance Club is a dynamic dance group that introduces children to the world of traditional folk dance. Students learn popular Polish dances and get acquainted with Poland’s rich cultural heritage. Classes are held on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and children aged 4 to 7 have the opportunity to perform at school, local, and international events.
The Art Club is a great opportunity for students to develop their creativity. Classes cover a wide range of artistic techniques such as painting, drawing, and crafts. The Art Club takes place on Saturdays from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM, where children can develop their artistic skills in a friendly and creative atmosphere.
Teaching Philosophy
Through various programs and teaching methods, we shape national awareness, develop language skills, and strengthen a sense of identity. Students at our school learn how to combine Polish heritage with daily life in the United States. The John Paul II Polish School in Lemont, IL, operates under the patronage of The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA). Learn more about the benefits our students gain from being part of the oldest Polish organization in the United States.
Parents’ Council, consisting of active members of our community, plays a key role in managing the school’s finances and organizing numerous events and integration activities. We organize contests, trips, meetings with interesting people, and fun activities that broaden our students’ horizons. In particular, the eighth-grade class travels every year on a trip to northern Poland, and the high school seniors explore the beauty of southern regions of the country. This unforgettable experience allows students to see Poland, which they have studied for many years.
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This post is also available in: Polish
Grzegorz Karkoszka
