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Latest News at Marquette Academy

Marquette Academy Named Among America's Best Schools for 2027

November 13, 2026
By Julie Verona

Marquette Academy Named Among America's Best Schools for 2027

OTTAWA, IL – Marquette Academy has earned national recognition as one of the Best Schools in America by Niche, receiving an A- overall grade for 2027 and ranking among the top 20% of schools nationwide.

Marquette Academy is proud to be the only high school in LaSalle County to receive an A- rating from Niche.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff and the positive environment we create for our students to learn, grow, and succeed," said Brooke Rick, Principal at Marquette Academy. "We are incredibly proud of what our Marquette community continues to accomplish."

Niche evaluates schools across multiple areas, including academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and feedback from students, alumni, and parents. Rankings are based on data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and millions of user reviews.

Marquette Academy is grateful to everyone who plays a part in making our school special, including our hardworking staff, supportive families, outstanding students, and the greater community. Their continued dedication and involvement help make achievements like this possible.

Families with students in 7th and 8th grade are invited to Marquette Academy's Freshman Open House on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 PM, at 1000 Paul Street in Ottawa.

Guests can enjoy campus tours, an activity fair, scholarship information, dual college credit opportunities, and exciting prizes, including a FULL and HALF-YEAR TUITION GIVEAWAY!

RSVP by November 17 HERE to be entered into a drawing for $100 off tuition or $100 to spend at the Marquette Spirit Shop!

 

Marquette Academy’s May Merriment XLIV Raises Over $300,000 for Students and School Initiatives

May 19, 2026
By Julie Verona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marquette Academy’s May Merriment XLIV Raises Over $300,000 for Students and School Initiatives


Marquette Academy is proud to announce the overwhelming success of May Merriment XLIV: Wanderlust – A Night Around the World, which raised an incredible $300,500 in support of Marquette Academy students and programs.

The annual event brought together alumni, parents, friends, sponsors, and supporters from across the community for an unforgettable evening celebrating the mission and future of Marquette Academy. The generosity shown throughout the event was truly inspiring and will have a lasting impact on the students and families served by the school.

This year’s celebration came with unexpected challenges after flooding damage to the Marquette Academy gym forced organizers to quickly relocate the event. Marquette Academy is deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus for graciously hosting the event and helping ensure May Merriment could continue successfully despite the circumstances.

“We are incredibly thankful for the patience, flexibility, and support shown by our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests,” said Julie Verona, Advancement Director. “Even with the obstacles we faced, our community came together in an amazing way to make this event not only possible, but extraordinarily successful.”

Funds raised from this year’s Fund-a-Need initiative will support updates and improvements to the exterior of Marquette Academy High School, helping preserve and enhance the campus for current and future students.

Marquette Academy extends sincere gratitude to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, attendee, and committee member whose generosity and dedication made May Merriment XLIV such a tremendous success.

Catholic Schools Week 2026!

January 22, 2026
By Julie Verona

Catholic Schools Week 2026

Monday 1/26

Celebrating Your Community
 

  • GS - Blue & Gold Day
  • All Academy Mass 10:15 am (Parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of Marquette are welcome to attend.)
  • CSW - Kick Off in the gym following lunches with 1:15 pm start
  • Dance off in blow-ups
  • Rock-Paper Scissors Tournament Kick-off (best out of three). Done in classrooms first.
  • HS - Junior/Senior Appreciation Lunch 
     
 
Tuesday 1/27

 

  • GS - Disney Day (clothes with Disney characters)
  • School-Wide Spelling Bee in the gym @ 10:15 am - parents are welcome to attend
  • Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament Continues

 

Wednesday 1/28

Day of Thanks
 

  • All Academy - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon - both campuses
     
  • Day of Thanks (Students will write thank you letters to community supporters, family members and staff)
     
  • Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament Continued
     
  • Dance with Fr. Patrick (Forrest Frank song)
     
  • Pie-a-Priest
     
Thursday 1/29

 

  • GS - Pajama Day
  • Teacher Swap at the grade school
  • Ice Cream Treats (9:00- 9:30)
  • Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament Continues
  • Freshman & Sophomore Appreciation Lunch
  • Run an All Academy Mass schedule. During Mass time, have Adoration and Confession in St. Columba.
     
 
Friday 1/30

Student Appreciation Day

  • GS - Sports Day
  • Super Bowl Snack followed by school-wide Zoom BINGO
  • 8th Grade Staff v. Student Vball game
  • Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament Concludes with the final round


     

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