Althoff is a diocesan Catholic high school serving students who primarily desire to pursue, in a Catholic environment, a strong academic program that will prepare them for post-secondary education. The school's strength and its future lie in its Catholic heritage, the diverse backgrounds of its students and faculty, and its high academic standards. Through a process of faith formation and challenging educational experiences, faculty and staff strive to empower students not only with academic and technological skills, but also with skills for living. Members of the Althoff Catholic High School community share a deep and abiding respect for the individual and are committed to the spiritual, moral, physical, social and intellectual development of the person.
We foster the crusader spirit that exists in each of us to serve God and neighbor.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Althoff Catholic High School has been established to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of youth in the Catholic community. Persons of other religious backgrounds are also welcomed. We recognize the inherent self-worth and potential of the individual who needs to be nurtured and developed in order to attain his/her God given potential.
ACHS provides an education and faith formation program that fosters a positive self-identity. The school fosters an understanding of the Roman Catholic faith, nurtures an appreciation of our American heritage, places significance on the interdependence of people, and encourages responsible stewardship of the earth. It promotes self-discipline through a school code of conduct that respects the individual. Furthermore, ACHS challenges students to live morally; to extend care and concern to family, parish, and community; to evaluate their personal growth; and to attain the necessary skills to become responsible members of society.
In light of this philosophy, ACHS provides:
* daily instruction in Religion;
* opportunities for living the Catholic faith
* experience leading to the development of a personal prayer life;
* liberal arts curriculum;
* academic, vocation, career and personal counseling;
* required enrollment in physical education and health courses;
* a large selection of elective extracurricular athletic programs;
* a wide variety of co-curricular and social activities;
* a dress code written by a committee representative of the school
community;
* situations which encourage student contact and cooperation with
the business, civic,cultural and scientific communities;
* exposure to an expanding faith community of students, teachers,
parents,administrators and pastors.
HISTORY OF ALTHOFF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
In 1960, Albert R. Zuroweste, the Bishop of Belleville, met with lay leaders of the Belleville area concerning conditions existing at the Cathedral High School for boys and the Academy of Notre Dame for girls. Since both schools were overcrowded, it was decided that new coed facilities must be provided for the influx of students from the Catholic grade schools. Thus, Althoff Catholic High School came into existence.
Situated on a 37.5 acre tract fronting 5401 West Main Street, Belleville, it was dedicated on August 30, 1964, and named in honor of the previous Bishop, Henry Althoff. The new high school opened its doors on September 3, 1964. Since that time Althoff has graduated 7221 students including 915 Illinois State Scholars, 73 National Merit commended Students (top 5% in nation), and 22 National Merit Finalists (top 1% in the nation).Two students have been honored with the National Achievement Scholarship of Negro Students. Althoff continues its tradition of excellence to this day.
Althoff is celebrating 42 years of Catholic Education in the Belleville Diocese - the mission of Althoff is to offer a quality education in a Catholic environment to the young men and women of our area.
98% of Althoff Catholic High School graduates go on to further education. 51% of the class of 2006 received scholarships.
All Althoff students receive scholarship assistance - the true cost per year of education is over $6,500.
There is an additional $70,000 set aside for financial assistance for students.
Althoff participates in the 1-8-1-8 Program sponsored by St. Louis University - students in this program can earn up to 21college credits before graduation. These credits are honored at many colleges.
Edline is an online program available for students and parents for continuous grade checks. Parents can check their child's progress and keep in touch via email with their student's teachers.
The 2005-2006 Althoff freshman class included students from 35 different area grade schools - 95% of Althoff students are involved in one or more extracurricular activity. Studies prove that students who get involved do much better academically.
Althoff Catholic High School was voted #1 Prep Sports Program in the St. Louis Metro area for all small schools (under 1,000 students) in 2003 and voted #2 in 2004.
Althoff offers a variety of fine art opportunities, including a traveling Show Choir, a 60-member Gospel Choir that has performed for many local groups as well as New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago audiences. Several band and choral students have represented Althoff at the Illinois Music Educator's Association.
Service opportunities such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Interact Rotary Club, and Student Ambassadors allow Althoff students to volunteer in many ways. Students assisted the Lion's Club with their Candy Drive, rang bells for the Salvation Army, and organized food and toy drives. They purchase, prepare and deliver food for the Soup Bus twice a month.
Althoff also has a history of athletic accomplishments. This past year, the Althoff Girls Soccer team advanced to the State Tournament, the Girls Volleyball Team placed 3rd at the State Tournament, the Tennis Team advance two players to State, the Wrestling Team had two members who earned 6th place medals at the State Meet, the Pom Team placed 5th at State, the Football Team advanced to the Quarterfinals at State and an Althoff Golfer advanced to the State Tournament.
