Portal:Chicago/Selected article/107

Benet Academy (/ˈbɛnɛt/ or BEN-et), often shortened to Benet, is a co-educational, college-preparatory, Benedictine high school in Lisle, Illinois, overseen by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois. Founded in 1887, the school was initially established as the all-boys St. Procopius College and Academy by Benedictine monks in Chicago, who also operated the St. Joseph Bohemian Orphanage. The orphanage moved in 1898 to Lisle, approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of Chicago, and in 1901 St. Procopius followed. Benedictine nuns constructed the all-girls Sacred Heart Academy nearby in 1926. The orphanage closed in 1956 to make room for St. Procopius, which then separated from the college in 1957. Sacred Heart merged with St. Procopius Academy in 1967 to establish Benet Academy on the St. Procopius campus. Since then, numerous building projects have been undertaken to expand Benet's programs. Admission is competitive and relies primarily on test scores. All students complete a college-preparatory curriculum and may earn college credit through programs including Advanced Placement. The school's academic program has been featured in reports such as US News and World Report. Benet's average ACT test score has exceeded statewide and national averages, and more than 99 percent of students have gone on to college after graduation. The athletic program fields 23 teams, several of which have placed in their respective state tournaments. The boys basketball team has broken two state records, including a 102 home-game winning streak. Other activities include the annual Christmas Drive. Benet's performing arts program has staged annual musicals since 1997, and the Benet bands have been invited before to perform in state events.