Each Routt student – whether or not they are of the Catholic faith – attends mass regularly at the Church of Our Saviour, located one block away from the school building. Special masses are held several times a year in which Routt students pair up with the elementary students from Our Saviour School to participate in the service.

Inside the Routt school building, a small chapel is available throughout each day for theology classes to use for prayer and special study, and to allow small groups of students and staff to engage in the practice of their faith.


Routt’s science program encourages students to think critically, problem-solve and cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the world through hands-on laboratory and field investigations.

Upperclassmen are allowed to take on special projects that are treated as a competition. Projects have included the building of large wooden trebuchets (the trebuchets are used to launch pumpkins in the parking lot) and Rube Goldberg challenges.

Each Routt student receives a laptop at the beginning of the school year, which allows for student-teacher collaboration and communication across the curriculum.


Routt’s language arts program introduces students to some of the world’s greatest works of prose and poetry and encourages students to think deeply about the timeless nature of storytelling in all its forms.

The small class sizes at Routt allow faculty members the time and space to develop authentic relationships with students. Classes range in size from three to 22 students and allow for small-group and individualized teaching.


Routt High School (the name was changed to Routt Catholic High School in 1997) was founded in 1902 through the inspiration of the Rev. Dean John W. Crowe, the encouragement of Fr. Francis Formaz and the generosity of the William Routt family. Routt High School opened with a dozen students, and its teaching staff consisted of Dominican sisters who resided in the parish convent.

In 1966, a fire destroyed the original Routt High School building. The Class of 1967 was the first to graduate from the current Routt school building.

A tribute garden provides a peaceful retreat at the back of the school building.


The main lobby underwent several major changes during the summer of 2023, including relocation of the principal’s office, the installation of a concession booth for use during game nights in the Dome, and several cosmetic updates. The natural light that pours in from floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the building makes the main lobby a preferred spot for photograpy and video shoots.


Daily meals focus on optimal nutritional impact for students, faculty and staff that include a hot lunch, fresh fruit, as well as à la carte items and snack items.

All grade levels (9-12) eat lunch together in Routt’s spacious cafeteria, called the Martha Routt Room or the “MRR.” Routt shares its cafeteria space with the elementary students from Our Saviour School, who eat their midday meal before the high school students.


The media center underwent extensive remodeling in the summer of 2023.

Equipped with a variety of tables and chairs, the media center is the perfect space for students to gather for a quiet study break or to engage with guest speakers who are frequently invited to campus.


Routt’s mathematics program is adjustable to each student’s interest and aptitude.

Upperclassmen are frequently invited to participate in informal after-school math groups, and high-level math courses have been designed to accommodate students who demonstrate the aptitude and desire to engage with college-level mathematical concepts.


A fully-equipped computer lab with 3D printing capabilties is available to students who enroll in computer science classes at Routt.

Guest speakers are frequently invited to campus to deliver talks on a variety of subjects.

The computer science and business curriculum is designed to allow students to enhance their own learning, increase their productivity, and encourage their creativity. Each Routt student is given a laptop, which allows students to meaningfully use technology in ways that enhance each student’s entire learning experience.


Students engage in both 2D (drawing and painting) and 3D (sculpture and paper and wood assemblage) processes, learning about color theory, technique, and composition.

Self-expression, skill-building, appreciation of music and theatre history, and personal enjoyment are the goals of Routt’s fine arts program. Drama students have opportunity to participate in at least one theatrical production each school year.

Students with an interest in vocal music are encouraged to perform during the regular masses held at the Church of Our Saviour.


The iconic Dome is home court for volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball and athletic contests and tournaments throughout the year. The Dome also provides an impressive backdrop for special assemblies, including the Veterans Day assembly, which is attended by both Routt students and Our Saviour School students.

Routt athletic teams compete in interscholastic basketball, baseball, bass fishing, bowling, cheerleading, football, golf, Scholastic Bowl, softball, swim, track & field and volleyball. In addition, Routt participates in co-ops with other schools that allow Routt student-athletes to compete in cross country, hockey, and wrestling.

Routt’s athletic department makes use of facilities at the school and those of the greater Jacksonville area. Routt’s football team competes at Freesen Field (located on the former MacMurray College campus). The baseball and softball teams practice and compete at Routt’s Alumni Field in South Jacksonville and on the south field of the Bob Freesen YMCA, respectively. The track and swim teams make use of the facilities at Illinois College. Golf teams practice and compete at The Links in Nichols Park and at the Jacksonville Country Club.

Routt coaches and advisors design comprehensive training and practice plans, uphold high standards for fair play and winning or losing with grace, and emphasize the necessity of commitment to the team and to the program itself.