St. Francis de Sales High School Opens Quantum Lab
The South Chicago school established the facility to expand student access to quantum science and career pathways.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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St. Francis de Sales High School has opened a dedicated quantum science lab in South Chicago. The facility, which is now operational, was funded by a $20,000 donation from PsiQuantum.
Why it matters
The lab aims to expand technical and career pathways for students on the South Side, connecting local education to the industrial development occurring nearby.
The new lab, supported by a $20,000 gift, serves as a hub for quantum science curriculum in the South Chicago area. It remains unclear how many students will utilize the equipment annually compared to traditional science lab throughput.
The players
PsiQuantum
A developer of silicon-based quantum computing systems currently scaling toward fault-tolerant commercial hardware.
Dr. Roni Facen
The principal of St. Francis de Sales High School who secured external funding to establish the campus quantum program.
The details
Science teacher Jane Healy leads the hands-on student coursework, overseeing the integration of new laboratory equipment into the curriculum. Principal Dr. Roni Facen secured the funding through outreach initiatives following the selection of the South Chicago site for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. The program also encompasses Thomas Hoyne Elementary, Robert A. Black Elementary, Ninos Heroes Elementary, James Madison Elementary, and Bowen High School.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Official publication regarding the new laboratory.
The Tech Race
The establishment of the lab aligns with the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Chicago. It marks a foundational effort to build a local pipeline for future quantum workforce needs.
Students at St. Francis de Sales High School and partner schools now have access to specialized quantum science equipment for hands-on learning. The lab is open as of October 2026, offering students direct exposure to technology concepts linked to the nearby Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.
The takeaway
The school has established a dedicated facility to prepare students for regional opportunities in the emerging quantum industry. Observers should track the curriculum integration across the five participating elementary and high schools to gauge long-term workforce development.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to scale research and infrastructure in Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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