The proof is in the numbers. 95% of ICSJ’s most recent graduating class were accepted by their first choice high school. Year after year, our students gain acceptance to the most selective and competitive high schools in the Chicago area. Our comprehensive approach to developing academic prowess, critical thinking skills, and fostering the growth of each student beyond the classroom, poise our graduates for years of success in high school and beyond.

Throughout their time at ICSJ, students and families gain the skills required to matriculate to the best high schools in Chicago. Beginning in Kindergarten, students are exposed to the i-Ready standardized assessment. Not only do these experiences familiarize students with the test-taking environment, but the results also provide key data to monitor student progress, set individualized student goals, and personalize future instruction.

In middle school, ICSJ students participate in Catholic High School Days. Representatives from the top Catholic High Schools in the Chicago area visit our ICSJ campus to inform students about their programs. It is at this stage that our students begin building their specific high school goals.

In seventh grade, each student and his/her parent(s) meet with ICSJ’s full-time counselor to determine target high schools. The counselor works with the family to identify a list of schools that meet the student and family's academic, extracurricular, social-emotional, location, and cost goals. During advisory classes, eighth-grade students learn to create a resume, write a personal statement, and practice skills required to ask adults for written letters of recommendation.

Not only are our graduates accepted to the most competitive high schools in Chicago, but they also thrive during their four high school years and matriculate to the top universities in the US and abroad. We are so proud of our Dolphin alumni!