News

Grand Opening of Everest Academy

On September 8, 2009, Everest Academy in Lemont, IL opened its doors, fourteen years to the day after the founding of the school, formerly known as White Pines Academy.  About 300 students, parents, faculty and clergy gathered to celebrate the new chapter in the history of the school that originally had opened in the basement of one of the homes of the founding families on Sept. 8, 1995. 

Today the school has a new building, including a full gym, cafeteria, classrooms, computer/library room, reception area, and offices.  Plans for a chapel separate from the main building are underway.

“Despite the many challenges over the past 14 years, Everest Academy is now a reality,” said John DeRoche, one of the original school founders. “Everything was in God´s hands.”

The September celebration included a Flag Raising and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by Mass in the school gym.  His Excellency Bishop

Gustavo Garcia-Siller, an auxiliary bishop of Chicago, concelebrated with 6 priests of the Legion of Christ and 4 priests and 1 deacon from the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Following Mass, Bishop Gustavo blessed the building, and a luncheon was held for all guests in attendance.

Everest Academy in Lemont is a pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school.

“We strive to teach, to educate, and to form our students through a commitment to Integral Formation,” said Everest Principal Miriam Brackett. 

The Integral Formation® method of education, developed by the Legion of Christ, educates students in four major areas: intellectual formation, character formation, spiritual formation, and service to others.  Everest is part of an international network of schools using the Integral Formation method.