In February 2005, American College of Education acquired the assets of Barat College, most recently affiliated with DePaul University. Beginning in 1858 as an academy for young women located in Chicago, Barat College moved to Lake Forest, Illinois in 1904. Fourteen years later, in 1918, the State of Illinois chartered Barat as a four-year college and in 1982 Barat became a co-educational institution. Governance of the college passed from the Society of the Sacred Heart to an independent board of trustees in 1969. In February 2001, Barat College formed an educational alliance with DePaul University. While Barat College remained a separate institution, the Barat campus became a campus in the DePaul University system.

Ever mindful of Barat College’s strong academic lineage, American College of Education is committed to continuing Barat College’s emphasis on personal growth and career fulfillment. Barat College’s dedication to academic excellence, holistic education, social awareness, and responsibility is carefully integrated into American College of Education’s curriculum and student experience.