Originally called St. Mary Training School for Boys, Maryville Academy was established in 1883 on 880 acres north of Des Plaines, Illinois. The first Archbishop of Chicago, Patrick Feehan, created the school as a home for boys - mostly orphaned and roaming the streets of Chicago. The idea was to give these youth an education and the opportunity to learn a trade that would serve later in life.
As times changed, so did St. Mary's. The orphanage became co-educational in 1911 and eventually included a grade school and a four year high school, both of which operated through the late sixties. Through epidemics, world wars and economically difficult times, Maryville Academy was always there for children in need.
In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s under the direction of Rev. John P. Smyth, Maryville Academy became home to hundreds of children who were wards of the State of Illinois. With the influx of so many children, Father Smyth introduced the Family Teaching Model at Maryville Academy, replacing old dorms with modern residential cottages where the children participated in the running and management of their own homes. They took part in chores, menu planning, grocery shopping, and budgeting under the supervision of a "live in" married couple and supported by a staff of social workers, consultants and counselors.
Today, Maryville Academy's focus is still on children, as well as the preservation of the family. Maryville Academy's innovative programs that incorporate family support include: the Maryville Crisis Nursery in Chicago; ;the Maryville Children's Healthcare Center; the Maryville Farm Campus for Young Women in Durand, Illinois; the Maryville Scott Nolan Child and Family Behavioral Health Center in Des Plaines; the Maryville MISA Program for adolescents with mental illness and substance use disorder; along with other programs for young people with intellectual challenges; parenting teens and their children; and the Scott Nolan Acute Psychiatric Hospital for children, adolescents and young adults.
2008 marked Maryville Academy's 125th anniversary in the service of children and their families.
