About Holy Angels Catholic School
Holy Angels Catholic School is a Catholic elementary school serving Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and the surrounding communities. With Christian faith we strive to enrich the lives of our students with an appreciation for the wealth and gifts of Jesus Christ. We work with parents to challenge our students to excel in school and to value and treasure community and family, as proclaimed by the Gospel message of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Angels Catholic School formally opened on August 29, 1887 under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy. The school has served thousands of students and families, providing an excellent faith-based education that has lifted the future of its alumni and the surrounding community.
Vision Statement
All Holy Angels students will develop into young men and women of faith, who are critical thinkers, academic scholars, and future leaders.
Mission Statement
The mission of Holy Angels Catholic School is to provide an affordable, safe and nurturing learning environment that challenges every student through a rigorous curriculum, high adult expectations, and strong character development. Graduates of Holy Angels are prepared intellectually, socially, and emotionally in order to succeed in high school, college and beyond as productive citizens.

NEWS:
Welcome to Our New Principal
May 31, 2022
Dear Holy Angels School Families,
As previously announced, our current principal Nicole Merz is moving on to a new role at the end of the school year. We are grateful for her leadership at Holy Angels and for the dedication she demonstrated during her time here.
After learning of Ms. Merz’s decision, we took the opportunity to reflect on the needs of the school community and our future goals. A principal search committee comprised of staff members, parents, community members, Big Shoulders Fund representatives, Fr. Tom and the Office of Catholic Schools was formed to interview candidates and offer recommendations on hiring. We are thankful to that group for their time and support. After interviewing candidates, we were able to extend an offer and we are pleased to announce that Maria Brown will be the new leader of Holy Angels School.
Ms. Brown currently serves as the Assistant Principal at St. Barnabas School. The principal search committee was particularly impressed with Ms. Brown’s extensive experience in a variety of administrative roles in both Catholic and public schools and her emphasis on curriculum development and her ability to cultivate a strong school culture.
Previously, Ms. Brown worked as an Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Assessments, and Professional Development at Thornwood High School in South Holland, IL (from 2018-2021). A proud Catholic, Ms. Brown grew up in the Wrightwood and Aurburn-Gresham neighborhoods in Chicago. She graduated high school from St. Ignatius College Prep and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Secondary Education from Saint Xavier University, a Master of Arts in English from DePaul University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Saint Xavier University.
The search committee was particularly impressed not only by Ms. Brown’s extraordinary résumé, but also by her commitment to faith formation and academic excellence.. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion were evident throughout the interview process and her leadership will build on the excellent legacy that exists at Holy Angels School.
We know you will all join us in welcoming Ms. Brown into her new position as principal, and we are all looking forward to a wonderful 2022-23 school year and beyond. Please see below for a longer bio about Ms. Brown and stay tuned for a meet and greet after her official start date on July 1st.
Blessings,
Dr. Bridget de la Peña, Regional Director, OCS
Danielle Robinson, Big Shoulders Fund
Eliza Bryant, Big Shoulders Fund
Maria Brown Profile
Ms. Brown has been involved in education for over 17 years, and most recently served as Assistant Principal of St. Barnabas School in Beverly (2021-2022), and as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Assessments, and Professional Development at Thornwood High School in South Holland, IL (from 2018-2021).
A proud Catholic, Ms. Brown hails from the Wrightwood and Aurburn-Gresham neighborhoods on Chicago’s Southwest side. She graduated high school from St. Ignatius College Prep and student taught at Mother McAuley. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Secondary Education from Saint Xavier University, a Master of Arts in English from DePaul University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Saint Xavier University.
Ms. Brown taught English at all grade levels at Thornwood High School in South Holland, IL for 10 years. While at Thornwood, she was involved in various Thornwood, District 205, and teacher and teacher leader positions, including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, AVID, MTSS, and curriculum and assessment writing and development. Maria Brown was also involved in District 205 community, having served as part of Thornwood’s Parent Advisory Committee, Thornwood High School’s Safety Committee, District SAT Professional Development co-chair, and Coordinator, before moving into administration and becoming the Division Leader for English, Reading, Speech, and Library, and moving into serving in her most recent administrative role as Assistant Principal.
Prior to her tenure at Thornwood High School, Ms. Brown served as English teacher (at all grade levels), Prom Sponsor, Cheer Coach, and Senior Class Sponsor at St. Francis DeSales, located on Chicago’s Southeast Side, and as a teacher for Zion Benton Township High School in Zion Illinois. Ms. Brown is excited and honored to begin her new journey as the proud Principal of Holy Angels and is eager to serve the school and parish community that spiritually and academically supported generations of Chicago families.
Upcoming Events
11:15am Dismissal: PTC (No After Care)
No School
1:30pm Dismissal (With After Care)
Professional Development - No School
Thankgiving Break - No Schoo
Christmas Break Begins - No After Care
Christmas Break - No School
SCHOOL RESUMES - Welcome Back!
MLK Day - No School
Half Day
Presidents Day - No School
Professional Development - No School
11:15am Dismissal: PTC (No After Care)
Spring Break Begins - No After Care
Spring Break - No School
Professional Development - No School
Labor Day - No School
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
First Day of School for Students
Professional Development - No School
Testimonials
What our Students/Parents say about us
The teachers at Holy Angels have set high, yet achievable expectations for our 8th grade class and they hold us accountable for reaching the goals we set for ourselves. When I graduate this year, I believe I will be well equipped to succeed in high school. Fall of 2022, I plan to attend Leo Catholic High School.
Tyler Watson
It is because we have access to technology in class daily, that students like myself can explore, research new subjects and deepen our understanding of difficult concepts. This Technology provides us with easy
to access information, accelerated learning and fun opportunities to practice what we learn.
Journee Banks
I STRONGLY recommend Holy
Angels for anyone seeking a great education for their child.
I value Holy Angels faith teachings, rigorous classes and I love watching my daughter excel in sports. This school is a perfect fit for my child.
Veronica McGee