At ICSJ, we are committed to understanding and supporting the unique learning journey of each student through a variety of robust assessment tools and personalized teaching practices. Day-to-day teacher evaluations, coupled with data from standardized tests, provide a comprehensive view of each child’s academic progress. This information enables our faculty to adapt lesson plans, tailor instruction, and provide targeted support or advanced challenges where needed.

Individualized Instruction

Our commitment to excellence in teaching is enhanced by co-teaching models in Preschool-3rd Grade and the support of dedicated differentiation specialists in 4th and 5th Grade. Co-teaching allows educators to collaborate in the classroom, ensuring all students receive focused, small-group instruction tailored to their specific needs. Differentiation specialists work with both teachers and students to provide strategies and resources for individualized learning, helping each student achieve their fullest potential.

Student-Led Conferences

We believe in empowering students to take ownership of their education through Student-Led Conferences, held twice annually for Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Students prepare for these conferences by curating a portfolio of their work, reflecting on their achievements, and identifying areas for growth. During the conference, students present their progress to their parents and teachers, fostering accountability, self-confidence, and communication skills. Together, the student, parents, and teacher establish future goals, which are monitored throughout the year. PreK families participate in traditional parent-teacher conferences, which provide a detailed review of academic, behavioral, and developmental progress. Parents are always welcome to schedule additional meetings with faculty as needed.

Academic Excellence

ICSJ’s challenging curriculum consistently produces exceptional academic outcomes. Our students’ standardized test scores rank in the top 10% nationwide, surpassing both national averages and those of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. This achievement reflects the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and the effectiveness of our individualized instruction strategies.

At ICSJ, we prioritize a collaborative, data-informed, and student-centered approach to education, ensuring every child is supported and challenged to thrive.