Fenwick High School

Oak Park, IL
Coed Catholic Day
1200 Students
Grades 9-12
President: Fr. DePorres C. Durham, O.P.
Principal Search for July 1, 2010

Located in Oak Park, Illinois, Fenwick High School was founded in 1929, and is the only high school in the United States owned and operated by the Dominican Friars, officially known as the Order of Preachers. The School seeks to instill in its students a sense of personal discipline, ethics, and a strong moral character and actively challenges them to be leaders of tomorrow in the Catholic Tradition. The School prides itself on producing well-rounded young people. Athletics, music, scholastic competition, extracurricular and social activities, as well as faith formation, are an integral part of a Fenwick education. Total enrollment is 1200. The Fenwick community is comprised of students from 60 communities and 120 different grammar schools throughout Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs. Over 75% of faculty members hold either a Master’s or doctoral degree.

Every Fenwick student receives a rigorous grounding in English, mathematics, computer science, foreign languages, laboratory sciences, history and theology including honors and advanced placement courses. The School offers 30 varsity sports and more than 35 clubs and activities. Financial assistance toward tuition is available. 100% of students who apply to college are accepted. Fenwick is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Illinois Board of Education. It is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, Chicago Catholic League, and the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Fenwick was among the original group of 60 high schools honored by the United States Office of Education as the most exemplary in the nation. It was named one of the Top High Schools in the Nation by U.S. News and World Report.  The Chicago Sun-Times recognized Fenwick as one of the Top Ten High Schools in Chicago.  Sports Illustrated Magazine named Fenwick the best athletic program in Illinois.  Average ACT score last year was 26.9.

The Board of Trustees seeks an outstanding educator to lead this excellent school. The new Principal reports to the President and is delegated primary authority and responsibility for the internal, day-to-day administration of the School and relating to students and teachers in their classroom and out-of-class activities. The Principal oversees the daily functions which contribute to the enhancement of the faith dimension of the School, staff development, and academic student concerns. S/he works collaboratively with the President whose primary tasks are with Development and Advancement.  The two leaders work cooperatively to develop policies, the annual operating budget, strategic planning, and communication with the school community.

For further information about the School, please contact Katherine Betz at: (314) 821-8281 or Deirdre Ling at: (508) 696-7708 or visit the School’s website at www.fenwickfriars.org.

Interested candidates should email in MS Word and as one document:

  • Letter of interest to the Search Committee
  • Résumé
  • Personal statement or statement of educational philosophy
  • A list of five references (including email and telephone contact data), and
  • (Optional) a maximum of three letters of reference to:

Katherine A. Betz, Partner
Educators’ Collaborative
15 Westwood Forest
St. Louis, MO 63122
Phone:  (314) 821-8281
kbetz@educatorscollaborative.com

Deirdre A. Ling, Partner
Educators’ Collaborative
P.O. Box 819
West Tisbury, MA 02575
(508) 696-7708
daling@comcast.net