Driscoll Catholic High School

History

Named for Elizabeth F. Driscoll, a generous supporter of Diocesan education, Driscoll Catholic High School opened in 1966. The school had 134 students and a faculty of three Christian Brothers, five School Sisters of St. Francis, and three lay teachers. In 1969, the school became a full four-year secondary institution, and the Christian Brothers took over sole operations in 1986

The school offered three academic programs: Advanced Placement (AP), College Prep I, and College Prep II. Its Scholastic Bowl program won a regional championship in 2003. 

Service to the community was a powerful aspect of a Driscoll education. As a graduation requirement, every student performed 12 hours of community service, yet many exceeded that number. The annual Help-a-Thon was one of the school’s major community service activities.

Driscoll’s athletic program, consisting of 18 sports, was a dominant power in the highly competitive Suburban Catholic Conference. The football team won eight state championships in total. The Highlanders dominated the state from 2001 through 2007, winning a state record seven consecutive titles under head coaches Tim Racki and Mike Burzawa. In addition, the baseball team won three state titles, and the women’s basketball team won a state title. The school also tallied 26 regional and 15 sectional championships, as well as 31 IHSA individual medalists.

Bishop Martin McNamara saw a need for Catholic education in DuPage County, and to fill that need, the Diocese of Joliet opened Driscoll Catholic High School. Since 1966, Driscoll’s students, alums, faculty, and staff have created memories and shared the joy and laughter that make up the history and tradition that is Driscoll Catholic High School. Their legacy of academic and athletic prowess and their commitment to community service remain hallmarks of the school’s legacy to this day.