ICSJ leverages a co-teaching model, utilizing two full-time certified teachers in every classroom through Grade 3. As independence and autonomy grow, students move into single-teacher classrooms in Grades 4 and 5. These classrooms are supported by a dedicated learning specialist so that all reading and math instruction takes place in differentiated small groups. A departmentalized structure is used for Grades 6 – 8 as students travel to various classrooms for instruction from a specilized teacher in each subject.

 

In addition to the 4th/5th Grade Learning Specialist, ICSJ employs 3 additional learning specialists who work with students in all grade levels to provide differentiation and support.

 

Student:Teacher Ratios:

PreK3 – 9:1

PreK4 - 10:1

Primary Grades (K - 3) - 12:1

Elementary Grades (4 & 5) - 24:1

Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) - 24:1

 

Student:Teacher ratios shown represent the maximum classroom size. In many cases, ICSJ School will intentionally enroll a smaller group of students based on the learning styles and strengths present in each cohort.

Applications become available in September. Priority is given to families who submit complete applications (including application fee and all required documentation) in early December. Applications are accepted throughout the year as capacity is available. Please see the Key Dates for details on this year's timeline.

In compliance with the State of Illinois Age Requirements, students must have their birthday before September 1st of the current school year in order to be accepted into their corresponding grade. A child must independently and successfully use the toilet in order to attend PreK.

Yes! While PreK3 is the main entry point for ICSJ, applications are accepted annually for all other grade levels. Admissions to Grades 1-8 will be determined by both space availability and a comprehensive review of the student's academic and social-emotional standing. Please see the Admissions Process for details.

All prospective PreK and Kindergarten applicants are required to attend a playdate in mid-January following submission of a completed application. Enrolled early childhood students will not be in session on this day, enabling our teaching staff to fully engage with prospective students.

 

Parents will escort their child(ren) to a PreK classroom in groups of 8-10 where they will engage in centers and activities with ICSJ early education teachers. Parents will convene in the Parish Hall to connect with administration and current school parents before returning to the classrooms to pick up their child(ren).

The ICSJ teaching staff engages the children in typical early childhood centers and activities. While the children are not being formally assessed, our staff uses this time to determine each child’s unique personality and strengths. This information is used to establish fit within the school and determine the classroom makeup.

All applicants to Grades 1-8 are required to attend a shadow day in January. These days will be scheduled on an individual basis. Prospective students will have the opportunity to live a day in the life of a student in their grade level.  Applicants will also meet one-on-one with a learning specialist for an individual assessment to determine his/her academic fit within the ISCJ program.

The Admissions office mails decisions in mid-February. Accepted students have two weeks to confirm their enrollment.

If the Admissions committee determines your child to be an acceptable candidate, but ICSJ does not currently have the capacity to admit the child, he/she is placed on the waitlist. If movement occurs on the waitlist after acceptances are mailed, the committee will meet to accept from the wait pool by balancing the needs of the particular class. 

Tuition assistance is available for families who qualify and is awarded based on need. All families must apply each year for the Tuition Assistance Program. Information about the Tuition Assistance Program will be sent with admissions welcome packets in February. 

In short, no. While we invite and welcome applicant families to attend ICSJ fundraising events, we hope you engage to evaluate our culture and determine if the community is the right fit for your family. You can learn much about our community by attending mass at one of our parishes, particularly a Family Mass or the Children’s Liturgy. Your attendance at an ICSJ fundraiser will have no bearing on your application.

ICSJ families represent over 25 Chicago zip codes. Approximately 30% of our students reside in the neighborhood immediately surrounding our campuses. The remaining 70% of our families travel from widespread neighborhoods, including, but not limited to, Bucktown, the Gold Coast, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, North Center, the South Loop, Ukrainian Village, the West Loop, and Wicker Park.

While the ICSJ Admissions office welcomes references from currently enrolled or alumni ICSJ families, a reference is not a requirement for admission.

Yes. ICSJ contracts with Healthy Kids Kitchen to provide healthy lunches for our students for a fee. Families order lunches from a varied menu one month in advance and have the option to receive lunch on specific dates or for the entire month. Alternatively, students may bring a prepared, nut-free lunch from home. Please be advised that the school cannot refrigerate or warm any lunches brought from home.

PreK and Kindergarten students participate in snack time each morning. Students are assigned one day per month to bring a healthy, nut-free snack to share with the class. Classrooms are equipped with purified water filters and students are taught to pour their own water and serve themselves a family-style snack.

Students enrolled in the extended day program are also encouraged to bring a nut-free after-school snack.

At ICSJ, we are aware and take very seriously, that some of our students have severe (potentially life-threatening) allergies. ICSJ School employs a full-time nurse. All foods brought into the PreK and Kindergarten classrooms (snacks and lunches) should be nut-free. Students in grades 1-8 are encouraged to bring nut-free lunches and all classroom snacks must be nut-free.

 

Students with allergies must have an Allergy Action Plan on file with the School Nurse each year.

PreK students wear comfortable play clothes daily. All Kindergarten – 8th-grade students wear uniforms daily. All uniforms are purchased through Schoolbelles. Twice per year (fall & spring), the Parent Association hosts a uniform swap for used uniforms.

In addition to our core curriculum of math, language arts, science, social studies, and religion, all students engage in Music, Spanish, and Physical Education classes weekly. Starting in Kindergarten students add weekly Art and STEM classes to their schedules. 

Each trimester, multiple athletic and enrichment options are available to students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 to explore personal interests, develop talents, and build community after school hours. Options vary each year based on student interest and have included: Lego Master Builder Academy, cooking classes, sewing classes, Ballet, Choir, Musical Theater, Chess, Yearbook, Student Government, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. Piano and Band instruction are also available.

Parents have ample opportunities to become involved, and the volunteering of parental time is crucial to ICSJ School. The ICSJ Parent Association is comprised of parents who volunteer their time throughout the school year to plan, organize and execute spiritual, charitable, educational, and social events for parents, students and families.

Additionally, parents have the opportunity to volunteer in classrooms for special projects, chaperone field trips, coach athletic teams, visit the class to read a book, and more! Parent volunteers also assist the ICSJ Board of Specified Jurisdiction in executing long-term plans for school facilities improvement and program development.

Like most private schools, ICSJ relies on the time, talents, and treasures of its families for additional support. As tuition alone does not cover the full cost to educate a student, each family’s participation in ICSJ’s Annual Fund and various fundraising activities is essential for the continuation of our growth and the achievement of our goal to provide the highest quality Catholic education for your child.

ICSJ’s main fundraiser is an annual auction gala, Sparkle, which is typically held in February. Additional fundraisers such as school supplies kits and the Scholastic Book Fair support ICSJ funding goals throughout the year.

Yes! While approximately 80% of our families identify as Catholic, families from all religious backgrounds are welcome.