Admissions

Incoming Freshmen Information

Math Placement Exam

The Optional Math Placement Test for the Class of 2028 will take place on Wednesday, May 8. Students can report to Fenwick between 3:30pm-4:15pm to begin their exam. Please register here no later than Friday, May 5. 

Students will be required to bring their own supplies - pencils (sharpened with eraser) and calculator. The school will provide scratch paper.  Students will have 80 minutes to complete the test, although they may complete the test as quickly as 40 minutes. Test results will be used to determine a student's placement in Geometry Honors, Algebra 1 Honors, or Algebra 1. Content will include, but is not limited to:  
  Simplifying Algebraic and Numeric Expressions
  • Solving/Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Rate of Change, Slope, Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
  • Solving Systems of Equations/Inequalities
  • Simplifying Exponential and Polynomial Expressions
  • Factoring and Solving Quadratic Equations
  • Solving Radical Equations
  • Solving Rational Equations
Please direct any questions to jkribs@fenwickfriars.com 


World Language Placement Exam


Language placement exams for level 2 will take place on Wednesday, April 24th from 3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Fenwick. Placement tests will be offered for French, German, Italian, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish. Students should be registered by Sunday, April 19th. Students taking the test should wait in the atrium, bring their own writing materials and are free to leave when they are finished. 

Please direct all questions to the World Languages Department Chair, Samantha Carraher at scarraher@fenwickfriars.com 

Register here: Registration Form
SUMMER SCHOOL DRESS CODE
A summer school student’s general appearance is to be neat, clean, and well groomed at all times. The specifics of the code are defined as
follows:

RISING SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS AND SENIORS
The dress code is the same as during the school year from the waist down. Students may follow the dress code from the waist up as well or
wear a polo shirt with collar in the following solid colors: black, white, off-white, blue or gray. Please review the dress code in the parent-
student handbook for clarification.

INCOMING FRESHMEN
BOYS: A dress shirt or knit shirt with a collar, dress pants, dress shoes are to be worn (no gym shoes). Blue jeans, shorts, pants of extreme
color/fit/pattern will not be allowed. Earrings, even with a Band-Aid over them, are unacceptable. Boys must be clean shaven.

GIRLS: A knit shirt or a blouse with sleeves is to be worn with dress pants or a dress skirt. Summer dresses (with sleeves) may be worn
provided that the neckline is appropriate for school. Skirt and dress lengths must reach the knee. Dress shoes must be worn (no gym
shoes, flip flop sandals or casual shoes). Blue jeans, shorts, leggings, Lycra, biker, stretch, spandex or any other tight pants are absolutely
forbidden. Only one stud earring per ear is allowed, and makeup and other jewelry must be conservative. Appropriate school dress and
appearance do not necessarily coincide with current fashions. The final determination of appropriate dress and appearance is left to the
discretion of school administration. STUDENTS WHO ARE OUT OF DRESS CODE MAY BE SENT HOME TO CHANGE. TIME
MISSED FROM SCHOOL IS UNEXCUSED.

Admissions FAQ

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Why did I not get the Entrance exam results in the packet? Can I get the results?

    Unless we have parental permission, we will not release scores. If you would like a copy of your student’s exam scores you may contact Fenwick by fax or email, please do not call for this request. In addition, when faxing or emailing a request authorizing Fenwick to release your student’s exam results, please indicate where you would like the results sent. Our fax number is 708-386-4323 or email Mrs. Cathy Kaszuba at ckaszuba@fenwickfriars.com.

  • Q. How do I apply for financial aid?

    An application must be completed online. Fenwick uses FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, an independent, outside provider to collect and analyze family financial data. The FACTS application process begins here. 

  • Q. What if I have questions regarding tuition payments and payment plan options?

    You may contact the Business Office, at tuitionassistance@fenwickfriars.com.

  • Q. When will I know my student’s schedule?

    Your student’s schedule will be published in Blackbaud in July. If you have any questions, you may contact Student Services at (708) 948-0341.

  • Q. Why did my student not get an honors class?

    Fenwick’s curriculum is very unique and designed to challenge all of our students. Every freshman in the college prep sequence will be taking six academic courses. For students who have been offered honors courses in their freshman year, he or she scored in the 90th percentile or higher in the various basic skills on the entrance exam. For example, Honors English and Honors World History are determined by percentile scores in Reading, Language/Grammar, and Verbal scores on the entrance exam. If your student has a 90% average, he or she will automatically be offered the honors course.

  • Q. If my student did not get an honors course, does that mean that he/she will never be eligible for an honors level course?

    No, in fact the curriculum is designed to offer courses that will challenge each student and his or her individual ability as they progress through high school. Typically, to move into an honors level course, the student will need to maintain an A average in that course throughout his/her freshman year and have an instructor recommendation. Check the Course Selection Guide for individual course prerequisites for moving into honors level courses at the sophomore level and beyond. Also, have your student discuss their intent with his or her counselor during their freshman year.

  • Q. If my student did not get AP/Honors Biology, how does that affect his or her science curriculum?

    College Prep Biology, Biology Honors and Advanced Placement Biology classes are offered to a select group of freshmen that qualify. Families should have been notified in the acceptance letter if your child qualified for one of these courses. If a student did not qualify for any of the Biology sections for his/her freshman year, he/she will still complete the three years of science with the remaining three years at Fenwick. However, if he or she desires a fourth year of science, the student may enroll in a summer school science course at Fenwick. Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science are all offered each summer.

  • Q. How do I know which Expressive Arts class to choose?

    Students may choose from the following classes to fulfill their Expressive Arts requirement: Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble 1, String Orchestra, Treble or Bass Choir, Music Appreciation, Survey of Studio Art, or Theatre 1. All instrumental classes require experience playing an instrument. Students who would like to learn to play a band instrument may sign up for Beginning Band, but this class does not fulfill the Expressive Arts requirement and is counted as an elective credit. Please contact the Expressive Arts Department Chair with questions regarding Expressive Arts classes.

  • Q. What is the language requirement and what is the level II placement test about?

    There is a four-year language requirement at Fenwick High School. We offer French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. Many of the languages provide an Honors/AP track at the higher levels. After sophomore year, each student needs to have fulfilled specific requirements during the first two years to continue on in the third and fourth year of the language. Should the specifications not be met, the student will have to switch to an alternate language. If your child has been taking a language course in grammar school, we encourage him/her to sit for the World Languages placement exam, which is offered in April. Please look for a communication sent from our Admissions team for more information regarding the dates and times for the placement test. Please feel free to contact the World Languages department chair, Samantha Carraher, should you have any questions (scarraher@fenwickfriars.com).

  • Q. Why would my student want to take the math placement exam in May?

    If your student did not qualify for Honors Math based on data from the entrance exam and you think he/she may qualify after completing more of their 8th grade math curriculum, students can take a placement test in May. All decisions are made by our Math Department chair. 

  • Q. Do I have to register my students for the conditional summer school course? Do I have to register for the Fenwick-offered enrichment courses?

    If your student has been Provisionally Accepted, you must enroll him or her in the summer school courses indicated on the acceptance letter. Registration is completed online here. Beyond that, Fenwick offers summer enrichment courses in which any student may sign up if he/she chooses to do so. Summer school registration is due by Monday, Apr. 8 to receive an early bird discount and Friday, May 24 for final registration.

  • Q. What do I do about summer sport camps and fall sports tryouts?

    Information on athletics and summer camps can be obtained by contacting the Athletic Department at (708) 948-0343 or (708) 948-0314. We also encourage each family to check out our Athletics section on our website. Tryouts for fall sports will most likely occur before school starts, so watch the calendar and our website for upcoming notices as well as Parent/Student Resource Boards in Blackbaud.

  • Q. Will there be any future mailings?

    There will be future mailings with the school calendar, reminders of upcoming events, and schedules. Typically, there is one per summer month. If you have not received any mailings by July, please contact Student Services to confirm your mailing address.

  • Q. What if I have questions regarding health and medical records?

    You may contact our school nurse, Mrs. Donna Pape at 708-386-0127 ext 170. Up-to-date records are due by the start of the upcoming school year.

  • Q. Will there be summer reading required of my freshman student?

    Yes. The list will be broken down into books for Honors and College Prep courses. Please check our website starting in mid-June for this information. Books will need to be purchased and read by the start of school in August. Assessments on the novels will occur in the first week of school.

  • Q. What transportation will be available for my student during the school year?

    An information sheet on the Northside, Southside and Train Station bus routes will be included in the summer mailing. Fenwick offers school bus transportation from the Burlington Northern line (pick up in Riverside, drop-off in Berwyn) and the Union Pacific West line (pick up and drop off a Lake/Marian station in Oak Park). Our North Side bus route services students on the Northwest Side of Chicago, going as far north as Foster. Our South Side bus route services students on the Southwest Side of Chicago, going as far south as 63rd Street. Please see our Transportation and Parking page for more information.

Technology FAQ

List of 20 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Who is required to get an iPad?

    All students must have their own iPad.

  • Q. Can I bring a device other than an iPad into school?

    Students are required to have an iPad. Our program is tailored to using texts and applications that are most effective on iPads. Students may bring laptops to school, however, laptops and personal smartphones will not be allowed on the Fenwick Wi-Fi network.

  • Q. Which iPad should my student purchase?

    It is recommended that you purchase a 9th Generation iPad or later with a minimum of 256 GB of memory. The minimum iPadOS that is recommended is v16. It is also recommended that your iPad have a hard case to protect it from damage.

  • Q. What accessories come with the iPad? What additional accessories are required? What are recommended?

    All iPads come with a power adapter and a Dock Connector to a USB cable. An Apple Pencil or other stylus and/or keyboard is recommended.

  • Q. Can I share my iPad with a sibling or another?

    No, the iPads will be required throughout the school day and sharing will significantly limit the effectiveness of the program. However, books and apps may be purchased on an iTunes account that shares content across devices.

  • Q. How do I connect my iPad to the Fenwick Wi-Fi?

    The Tech department will need information from the Student iPads for Fenwick WiFi connectivity to be established. An email is sent out in June with directions on how to provide this information.

  • Q. How will the iPad be used in the classroom?

    Classroom use will vary by subject. The iPad replaces many textbooks in the classroom, serving as a simulation platform for science classes and acting as a student's primary interface to email and web activity.

  • Q. How will my student learn how to use the iPad?

    During Freshman Orientation, while the student is setting up their iPads for the Fenwick Wi-Fi, a class will be given about using Fenwick approved apps as well as Schoology.

  • Q. How do I get the needed apps and/or iBooks' on my iPad?

    Apps are available for purchase through the App Store, which comes standard as part of the Apple environment. Students will be given a list of apps that they must load on their iPad. Fenwick will have a list of required apps per subject, which will vary in price. Many of the apps we intend to use are available at no cost, e.g. calculators. For information on electronic books, please see the information sent to you over the summer.

  • Q. Will all books be electronic?

    No. However, Fenwick is working hard to move to electronic books in all areas. This rollout will take several years and is dependent on teachers, availability of e-texts, etc.

  • Q. Will students still have or be able to use hardcover textbooks?

    Students may use hardcover books if they prefer. However, the iPad will be required for other classroom activities (e.g. simulations, web access, etc.).

  • Q. Will my student need to purchase a calculator?

    Yes, calculators are required for math and science. Familiarity with a calculator is paramount to ACT/SAT performance and math and science testing, iPad use for ACT/SAT testing is not allowed.

  • Q. What can I do to prevent loss/theft/damage to my iPad?

    The iPad, like their cell phone, are expensive electronic items are should not be unattended. We recommend that you download the app "Find my iPhone" and install it on the iPad. If the iPad is ever lost or stolen, this application allows messages to be sent to the device, an alarm to sound, and a map to show the location of the device. To prevent damage, students should be mindful of how they carry and store the device. Also, a case of the student's choice is recommended.

  • Q. What should I do if the iPad is damaged, lost or stolen?

    If your iPad is damaged, an Apple Store can fix the iPad for a fee. If the iPad is lost or stolen, we can help track the device if it is in the school and it is on. Once the device leaves the school, we have no way of tracking the device. Find My iPad is a highly recommended app to install and turn on.

  • Q. If my iPad is in for repair or is lost, what can I do until I get a new iPad?

    Fenwick provides loaner iPads at a cost of $35 for a maximum of three weeks for students that lose, damage or have their iPad stolen. If students are in a situation where a loaner iPad should be issued, both parents and the student are to sign the loaner agreement found on the website.

    Due to COVID-19, we have a limited amount of loaner iPads.  Unfortunately, we may not be able to provide you an iPad when you request one.

  • Q. Can I print directly from my iPad to the school printers?

    Printing to school copiers from an iPad is available. Students should check their Fenwick email for instructions on printing from their iPad.

  • Q. What happens if my student forgets to charge their iPad?

    Maintaining the iPad and charging the iPad is the responsibility of the student. Failure to come to school with a charged iPad may result in an inability to participate in classroom activities. Consequences will vary from class to class.

  • Q. Is there a way to charge iPads at school?

    Students should be sure their iPads are fully charged each day when they come to school. However, there are electrical plugs in the entryway and throughout the school if needed.

  • Q. Will students be able to back up information on the network? Is their data protected?

    Students will not be able to back up their files to the Fenwick network from the iPad. There are several cloud storage apps which students may use to back up their documents, e.g. iCloud or Google Drive.

  • Q. To what extent will my student be able to customize his/her device?

    Since iPads are personal property, students can customize their desktop experience and application folder environment. It is suggested that students customize their device to suit both their home and school needs (i.e. folders for subjects, page for personal use, etc.).
505 Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL, 60302
Phone: (708) 386-0127 Fax: (708) 386-3052
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