Madonna High School was founded in 1949 by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, whose goal was to provide excellence in education with a holistic approach that promoted a loving community and recognized the giftedness of all students. The school opened with four aspirants and Sister Mary Cresencia Chimel as the 1 st principal. The site was operated in four rooms on the first floor of the former St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum located on Hamlin and Schubert Avenues.