Located at 317 West Erie Street, it was founded by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American to be made a Catholic saint.

The school originally served Chicago's Near North Side Italian American immigrant community[1] and charged no tuition.

[2] The school building, noted for its intricate brick and stonework and copper cornice, was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architect Frederick Foltz (1843-1916).

After the final class graduated in 1945, the structure was mainly used for commercial purposes, and for a time it fell into disrepair.

According to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, "Assumption School stands as a fine example of a late nineteenth century urban school building, and its legacy is a testament to the work Mother Cabrini accomplished.