Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School

1431 N North Park Avenue

Chicago, IL 60610

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 13, 2024

We love ICSJ. Our son joined the school in Kindergarten and we’ve had a great experience since day 1. The teachers truly care and are invested in the whole child. Our son is challenged and thriving academically, as well as nurtured emotionally. The co teaching model is amazing and special. 2 certified teachers in a class of 24 students max. They also have learning specialists that are able to help children if they need a little extra assistance but they do it in a fun way so the kids do not view as a negative. In fact my son loved his small group time with the reading specialist. We love that they have Spanish twice a week, as well as very strong academics across the usual subjects including STEM.We love their student lead conferences because it teaches students public speaking skills in front of their parents in which they can present what they have been working on. After the “presentation” then the parents have opportunity to speak to teachers in the more traditional private format.We are not religious and feel that the religious aspect of the school is not overwhelming but rather teaches good morals and ethics.The community is amazing! It really is a small school in a big city with a family feel. The teachers are also very responsive when parents reach out. They have before & after school care. We often sign up for enrichment classes after school which have been great. They have ranged from stem, yoga and chess.Many graduates continue high school at high ranked Catholic schools like St Ignatius AND the #1 ranked high school in Illinois Walter Payton. We originally looked at Lincoln Elementary (CPS), St Clements, Catherine Cook and FXW but chose ICSJ for the reasons above. It may not have the big name factor of some other schools but I would definitely check out this hidden gem because it’s an incredible school!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2024

We feel very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing school and community! My son is in kindergarten and loving it! The teachers and faculty have been wonderful. ICSJ offers a co- teaching method , my son’s teachers are engaging, communicative and supportive. The curriculum is well structured, advanced and presented in a way that is challenging but fun. I appreciate how faith is woven into my child’s everyday. ICSJ offers a variety of events and after school enrichment activities for students and families that further fosters the strong sense of community. This is an exceptional school and I would highly recommend it!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2024

We are incredibly grateful to have sent our children to ICSJ. Academically, the school provides outstanding support for learners at every level. Both of our children advanced at their own pace, skipping multiple grade levels in math while remaining with their classmates. They received enriching assignments in social studies and writing, which truly challenged them. The teachers are caring, attentive, and take the time to understand each child’s strengths and needs.The school offers a variety of sports that foster teamwork and community, and even if your child isn’t into sports, there’s a vibrant band, musical theater, and one of the best Quizbowl teams in the city. The welcoming community at ICSJ has made us feel incredibly lucky to have chosen this school for our kids.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

Our family has been part of the ICSJ community for 20 years, and I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of sending all 5 of our children through this amazing school, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the education and experiences they’ve had.The teaching staff at ICSJ is exceptional. They are dedicated, compassionate, and truly care about the success and well-being of each student. They work hard to give personalized attention to their students and I trust them with my kids' academic and spiritual development. But one of the things that sets this school apart is its tight-knit community. There’s a strong sense of family here—among the parents, teachers, and staff. It’s more than just a school; it’s a place where everyone truly looks out for one another, and that kind of supportive environment makes a huge difference in the lives of the kids. Over the years, we’ve made lasting friendships, and we've seen our children develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Whether it's through school events, volunteering opportunities, or simply chatting with fellow parents at drop-off or pick-up, there’s a true sense of camaraderie that’s hard to find elsewhere.ICSJ has truly been a second home for our family, and we can't recommend it highly enough. If you are looking for a school that provides excellent education in a loving, faith-centered environment, look no further than ICSJ. We are forever grateful for our time here and all the wonderful memories we've made.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2024

It's our third year at the school and we continue to like ICSJ more and more each day. When we first moved to Chicago after the pandemic for my we looked at a variety of different schools. We looked at our local Catholic school in Lincoln Park as well as FXW. One of our neighbors had recommended ICSJ because their kids went there and we are so glad we did. ICSJ has people just like me and my husband and families with similar ideals to ours. Our sons have both done so well and we can't way to see how they continue to grow and learn. While it may not have the "name" factor of other big schools, I encourage you to take the time to look at ICSJ. you will not regret it.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2022

Class sizes around 24 children, with co-teachers and plenty of learning specialists. Mostly 2 classes per grade. Lots of opportunity for parent volunteering in which you can quickly blend into the community. Administration is transparent and caring. They involve the parents in decision making and their communication is outstanding. Challenging curriculum, plenty of extra curriculars.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2022

Our three children have all had wonderful experiences at ICSJ. The co-teaching model is truly unique and allows wonderful differentiation and special attention for each child. The school has an excellent community of families and focuses on developing the whole person. Great extracurricular activities and top notch teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2022

Immaculate Conception St Joseph is truly exceptional for so many reasons. We have 3 kids attending ICSJ and have been at the school for 6 years. Our kids have flourished here thanks to the incredibly talented teachers, low student to teacher ratios, top notch facilities and wide range of specials offered. The school has incredible learning resources for kids that learn differently or need to spend extra time on a concept. The teachers and administrators are kind, loving and develop incredible relationships with their students. The parent community is engaged and lots of fun events to attend. The curriculum is impressive and challenging at every grade level down to preschool. The teachers are so good at making learning fun and engaging their students, that our kids thrive when presented with challenging topics. Our kids haven all been early writers/readers and excel at math. Cannot say enough good things about ICSJ and we’re truly grateful to be a part of this outstanding community.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2022

Our son has been at ICSJ for 8 years and we couldn't be happier. Amazing, caring teachers, great community of families who support each other, solid academics that engage and challenge our son. The school does a great job balancing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of students - something that was especially apparent during covid. Students learn in a values-focused environment, and the parish is also amazing, with a pastor who connects with the kids and speaks to them in a way they can understand. Couldn't ask for a better environment for my son to grow up in the Catholic faith and prepare for high school and beyond.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

Kind-hearted teachers and great community, they have made our son feel at home and were able to provide a truly nurturing environment for him. We are very happy with the school!
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2022

This is a super school, very nurturing, amazing teachers and a great community environment.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2022

We chose ICSJ because of the co-teaching model. The kids receive more focused attention and allow for different learners to excel
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2022

Best kept secret in Chicago. Great transition from CPS after COVID.The teachers are dedicated and the curriculum is top notch. They prepare students for the high school academics and their acceptance rates are high for premier Catholic, Public and Private high schools. The facilities are brand new, kids have access to gym classes three days a week and occasionally have classes outdoor.Kids are always happy.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2022

We moved to Chicago from out of state last year and can't be happier to choose ICSJ for our two children. We have two completely different kids and yet the school can satisfy both of their needs academically, socially, and spiritually. Our middle schooler, who is academically gifted, is provided the support needed and can take high school level math classes with the help of the school. For our second child, the school offers all the sports and afterschool activities that he loves, which enable him much-needed time for socializing with his classmates. Moving from out of state, we were able to find a new community with the kindest families who believe in a vital education for the kids, support a healthy lifestyle through sports, and are raising kind, empathetic children through the school's Catholic teachings.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2022

My kids transferred to ISCJ after a horrible year at CPS complete with strikes and remote learning. As a result, my 1st grader (at the time) could barely write and could not read. By the end of the year, he was fully caught up to his grade level and even ahead thanks to his amazing teachers and the support he received from additional services at the school. My younger one had a great year at the school and is thriving in kindergarten. We have found a very supportive and welcoming community at ISCJ despite not being Catholic. This school is truly a hidden gem and would highly recommend it to any family.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2020

Our children are very different and both have thrived at ICSJ. The school supports a range of learning styles, and focuses on modern approaches to learning -- while fostering a sense of community and responsibility. We are grateful to have found this school!
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2020

ICSJ is a beautiful second home for my child. The foundation they set carry them their whole life. Academically high yet breeding love of learning in their students. We have enjoyed the giving back to the community through projects as well as supporting the teachers in appreciation efforts. The parish is beautiful as well and we transferred. Also a leader in feeding in to rope high schools in Chicago is also another plus!
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2019

Fantastic! Our children love attending ICSJ and we couldn't be happier with the parent community. With no other family in the Chicagoland area, ICSJ is our second home and our entire family wouldn't have it any other way!
Submitted by student on May 16, 2018

Horrible school, please trust me, every student who graduates, if they get that lucky, has had a terrible experience and wishes they had left a long time ago.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2016

This school is serious about using technology as one method of teaching and engaging students. Classes are all equipped with interactive smart boards, and the administration is close to reaching their goal of each child having an iPad at school. This is one great point about the school among so many others. It is great to know students are truly getting prepared for the future.