Our History

The School Sisters of Notre Dame have a long history as educators with an interest in immigrants. The SSND’s came to the United States in 1847 at the request of Bishops to serve the children of German immigrants and soon taught all who came to them looking for quality faith-based education. Notre Dame Sisters served many parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Several of them, along with the Academy of Our Lady (Longwood) served students of every race for over one hundred years in the south part of the Archdiocese. In the late 90s when AOL closed and the SSNDs no longer staffed those parish schools, the Sisters sought a way to maintain a presence and service in this part of the Chicagoland area and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Corazon a Corazon, “heart to heart” came to life in response to perceived needs in the area. Much joy, amid struggle, brought us to where we are today: a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame providing one on one ESL to adults and After School and summer programs for elementary school students. With dedicated staff and volunteers, we continue to share SSND values and vision as we move into a future full of hope.