Welcome to Interim Principal Allen Ackermann! Though he recently retired from a very rewarding 19 years at Saint Andrew School, where they implemented many new programs and achieved National Blue Ribbon status in 2013 and 2020, he has agreed to briefly come out of retirement to see St. Monica Academy through to the end of the 2022-2023 school year. 

When asked about his philosophy towards education he said, "In essence my philosophy includes the following premises:

• The world is an ever-changing place and learning is ongoing.
• Every child is capable of excellence.
• Students learn best by experiencing success.
• Parents, teachers and administrators working together benefits the whole child.
• Active participation is essential for learning and developing positive self-esteem.
• Discovery leads to knowledge; experience leads to wisdom.
• Children can become problem solvers to promote social responsibility.
• Teachers need to feel valued for classroom success.
• Parents are partners."

Principal Ackermann has been married to his lovely wife Kathy for 47 years and is the proud father of 4 and the happy grandfather of 10. Regarding his spiritual life he said, “Faith is important to me, I’ve been amazed at the journey faith has taken me on."

The heroes in his life were coaches he had who made all the difference and once he returns to retirement, he'll be found hitting the links as, "I fancy myself a golfer, but in reality, my game needs lotsa work." 

Please help welcome Principal Ackermann to SMA! You can contact him directly at aackermann@stmonicachicago.com.