Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Academics
In September 2002, Immaculate Conception School re-opened its doors as a promising elementary school serving the growing educational needs of Chicago’s families choosing to stay in the city. With the vision and leadership of Fr. Pat Lee and Principal Katie Sullivan, the school focused on providing an exemplary education for the formation of faith-filled leaders in our contemporary society. The school would be rooted in cooperation rather than competition, and instill social values of compassion and service to its young students.
Today, the mission of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School is grounded in a vision of creating a model urban educational experience for the children of Chicago. By virtue of its near-north location, the school extends the classroom to the many cultural and civic resources of the City of Chicago. The students represent the diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic makeup of our city, as tolerance, inclusion and diversity are central to the ICSJ educational experience. Recognizing that families facing financial challenge may find it difficult to meet tuition requirements, financial assistance is a critical component of our program.
Underlying these wonderful educational innovations is a bedrock of care and respect offered by the faculty to our children. Teachers care about the students, recognize their individuality and nurture their growth. This loving community is further developed by allowing the older children to mentor the younger ones, when for example; the second graders read to the kindergarten students or the sixth and seventh grade students assist preschool students on unique science projects.
Among our unique and invigorating characteristics, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School has a pioneering spirit. Our program, in its first decade, is evolving and emerging. ICSJ families are energized by this aspect of the school and families choose to be a part of this unique experience. The Pastor, Principal and faculty are in active partnership with the parents and students to develop the future of ICSJ.
Today, the Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School campus is an active learning environment, bustling with vitality and hope. A state-of-the-art early childhood center was completed in spring 2003. A second floor addition was completed in early 2008, adding a gross motor skills room, a science lab, and a multi-purpose fine arts room. Additionally, each classroom is equipped with audiovisual equipment and computer technology including SMART Boards.
We are even more encouraged about the latest phase of our growth and expansion. We completed an ambitious remodel and expansion of the nearby Byrd School building located just off Orleans Street, and Immaculate Conception will now operate a two campus model. The current Immaculate Conception School campus will be maintained as an early childhood facility while the Byrd School campus will be maintained as a middle school facility. The middle school campus opened in August, 2011.
Our success is grounded in the strength of our leaders and the partnership and support of our Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph community of families and friends. Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School is a living testament to the commitment and desire for an exemplary Catholic education in Chicago’s urban center. We invite and welcome families who share in our vision.