About Us
Mission Statement
Where College Prep Meets Lifelong Purpose
Marmion Academy is a Catholic Benedictine college preparatory high school dedicated to forming students of faith, compassion, and leadership. Founded in 1933 and guided by the Benedictine monks, Marmion is committed to educating the whole person. Here, young people grow into men and women of courage, character, and integrity—challenged academically, formed spiritually, and supported by a close-knit community that feels like home.
History
A Legacy Nearly a Century in the Making
The Marmion mission began in 1933, when Bishop Edward Hoban invited the Benedictine monks of St. Meinrad Abbey to lead what was then the Fox Valley Catholic High School for Boys in Aurora. Renamed in honor of Abbot Columba Marmion, O.S.B., the school welcomed its first students that fall.
During the Great Depression, the monks partnered with the U.S. Government to introduce military training as a means to support families and provide structure. Though the school became known as Marmion Military Academy, Abbot Ignatius Esser saw something greater in its simplicity:
“Marmion is a wonderful name all by itself… Why shouldn’t the little name Marmion stand for a big thing in time?”
Academics & College Prep
Classroom Rigor Meets College Readiness
At Marmion, students are prepared for college through a challenging academic program rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. From honors and AP courses to more individualized support, Marmion meets each learner where they are and helps them grow confidently. With a wide range of honors, AP, STEM, and dual credit courses, they build critical thinking skills, explore their interests, and grow as confident learners.
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide the guidance and support students need to succeed. Each year, 100% of Marmion seniors who apply to college are accepted, 90% of Marmion seniors who were accepted to college will attend a four-year institution and 10% will attend a two-year institution. 85% of our graduating seniors earn academic scholarships or honors.
Spirituality
Living Faith Fully
Marmion is a community rooted in faith where students are encouraged to grow spiritually and develop inner character. Guided by Gospel values and the Rule of St. Benedict, students engage in prayer, service, and self-reflection that foster inner strength, purpose, and perseverance.
This foundation of faith shapes not just beliefs, but the virtues and discipline that guide them through life.
Our Campus
A Spacious Place To Grow
Marmion’s 325-acre campus in Aurora, Illinois, offers a peaceful, spacious setting tucked away from the road—an environment that encourages focus, reflection, and pride. Once spread across two locations, Marmion unified all operations at its current Butterfield Road site in 1971. Today, the campus features open green spaces, walking paths, and unique areas like the student-led Campus Garden, where learning and service come together.
Leadership
Developing Everyday Leaders
Leadership is a core part of life at Marmion, where students build skills that prepare them to lead with confidence and integrity. Through two main programs—JROTC and LEAD—students gain real experience and four years of coursework that teach practical leadership grounded in strong values. Beyond these programs, students step into roles like mentors, team captains, ambassadors, and club officers, taking active parts in shaping their community and growing as leaders ready for today’s world.
Marmion Students Have Access To Many Leadership Opportunities:
- LEAD Executive Council
- JROTC Battalion Staff
- Student Mentors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Student Ambassadors
- Retreat Team Leaders
- Team Captains
- Outreach Ministry Team
- Club President/Officer
- Student Council