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== History ==
The School was begun by the Diocese in order to provide pastoral education for those who, because of family, work or other obligations are unable to attend residential pastoral studies programs. In this manner the School complements other programs by helping to fill the need for qualified clergy to serve the Church. There are eleven student currently enrolled in the second year class<ref name=7enchicagograd>http://www.synod.com/synod/eng2007/7enchicagograd.html</ref>. The Pastoral School consists of a two-year academic program which allows students to take classes at home on-line during hours that fit their life situations. The program offers two diploma options, one in Pastoral Theology for candidates for the clergy, and another in Orthodox Studies for those wishing to serve the church as theologically-educated lay men and women. All applicants to the School must have satisfactorily completed at least 60 credit hours of course work from an accredited college or university. The Pastoral School is authorized to grant diplomas by the Illinois State Board of Education, Department of Business and Vocational Schools<ref name=7enchicagograd/>. June 16, 2007 members of the first graduating class of the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America were awarded diplomas by the School's President, Bishop Peter, following Divine Liturgy on Sunday in the Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Des Plaines, Illinois<ref>http://www.synod.com/synod/eng2007/name=7enchicagograd.html</ref>.
During session of the Synod of Bishops took place on September 4-6, 2008 in the Diocesan Center of St Tikhon of Zadonsk in San Francisco, reviewed the petition of Bishop Peter, and resolved to confirm the expanded independent study program of the pastoral school of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, as requested by His Grace<ref>http://synod.com/synod/eng2008/9encommunique.html</ref>.