The Chicago Tribune has named Marist High School the #1 Private School in the Southland for the 2025-2026 school year.
Marist frequently gets recognition for its academics and athletics, however administrators say it is truly the community that defines the school.
“I think what makes Marist, Marist, is the people that understand why we do what we do at our school. The real, true relationships in the building, that we don’t just say it, we believe in it,” said Principal Meg Dunneback.
President Larry Tucker credits students holding themselves to a higher standard for this award.
“I just think it’s because the school continues to be on an upward trajectory, constantly looking to improve, be new, pay attention to the signs of the times, those types of things. Everybody strives to be the best they can,” said Tucker.
Marist prides itself on being a place where everyone feels welcomed.
“You should feel connected. And if you initially feel that you don’t belong, there is a place for you somewhere, you just haven’t discovered it yet. There’s over 40 clubs and 30 sports, like there’s so many other things besides just coming here to learn,” said Dunneback.
Even those not involved in a club or a sport play a role in the school’s success.
“It’s not just about academics or whether you’re an athlete, everybody contributes to why we are…as good as we are,” said Tucker.
As students walk through the halls, no matter the grade level, students are connected.
“I think there’s just this sense of community here, we’re like a family,” said Dunneback.
At the core, Marist High School strives to be not just a place where students come to learn, but mimics real-world experiences.
“That’s what makes Marist different is that we have a true co-educational experience where it’s understandable what it’s like to sit next to, to learn with, to lean into somebody else’s expertise,” said Dunneback.
Marist serves students ranging from the Marcellin program to Advanced Placement program and beyond.
“We’re growing our dual credit [program]. If you get an A or B in the class, it goes through to transfer to your college,” said Dunneback.
With time spent in and out of classrooms, it is more than just a school to many.
“You kind of enjoy it. And I think the best part is it tells me that we do a good job and affirms it to me when seniors at the end of their year, are like, ‘I don’t want to go.’ That tells me we’ve done a good job,” said Tucker.
Marist is not merely about the enrollment numbers or test scores, but something much deeper – the students, parents, staff, and faculty that makes Marist what it is.
“That’s why this vote doesn’t surprise me because I think we have a great place here, because we have great kids,” said Tucker.
