Marmion Academy Welcomes Female Students, Embracing Change

A few weeks ago, Hugo Saltijeral witnessed a significant moment for his daughter, Peyton. She participated in her first After-School Formation at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois. This event is akin to a parade for students involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. For Saltijeral, this was a moment of pride and nostalgia as Peyton walked in her uniform for the first time, mirroring the experiences of her father and two brothers when they attended the school.

Marmion Academy, a Catholic high school with nearly a century of history in Aurora, recently allowed girls into its student body for the first time. Originally an all-boys school, this change follows years of discussions and preparations that included facility renovations and the introduction of girls’ sports teams. The school’s history reflects a pattern of adaptations, having been a military academy, experiencing location changes, and eventually returning to its original name after offering both JROTC and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) programs.

The decision to transition to a co-educational model was made to maintain the school’s academic integrity and sustain its programs. School officials saw this move as essential for future success, despite some initial reservations. Notably, Marmion’s enrollment had seen a decline, with numbers dropping to 415 students, but the new admission of 41 female students marks a new chapter.

Many female students, including Peyton Saltijeral, have embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm. They are joining sports teams and participating in events like the annual “Clap-In,” a welcome tradition at the start of the school year. While core classes for freshmen and sophomores remain single-sex, other activities like JROTC, language classes, and dual credit courses are co-educational. Plans are in place to fully integrate the class structure as more female students join the upper levels.

The move also impacts nearby institutions like Rosary College Prep, previously an all-girls school with joint activities with Marmion. Rosary now holds its homecoming festivities, adapting to changes brought by Marmion’s transition.

Saltijeral emphasizes the importance of this opportunity for his daughter, who is eager to follow her family’s tradition and carve her own path. Marmion Academy faces the task of modernizing its facilities further while maintaining its high standards. Re-energizing the school’s Benedictine tradition and adapting to new educational frameworks are critical elements of this transition.

As Marmion continues to adapt, its leadership acknowledges that embracing change is vital. This shift represents more than gender inclusion; it signifies a commitment to evolving while preserving the school’s legacy.