High School Matriculation

The proof is in the numbers: 95% of ICSJ’s most recent graduating class were accepted to their first-choice high school. Year after year, our students gain admission to some of the most selective and competitive high schools in the Chicago area. This success is a direct result of our comprehensive approach, which focuses on developing academic excellence, critical thinking skills, and fostering personal growth beyond the classroom. Our commitment to preparing students in all areas of their education positions our graduates for continued success in high school and beyond, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in their future academic and personal pursuits.

At ICSJ, we are dedicated to preparing our students for success in high school and beyond. From the moment they enter our school, students and families acquire the skills and knowledge needed to successfully matriculate to some of the top high schools in Chicago. Beginning in Kindergarten, students are introduced to the i-Ready standardized assessment. This tool not only familiarizes students with the test-taking environment but also provides valuable data to track student progress, set personalized learning goals, and tailor future instruction to each child’s unique needs.

In middle school, ICSJ students participate in Catholic High School Days, where representatives from leading Catholic high schools in the Chicago area visit our campus to present their programs. This event helps students begin to explore their high school options and set specific academic and extracurricular goals.

By seventh grade, each student and their family meets with ICSJ’s full-time counselor to discuss target high schools. The counselor assists families in identifying schools that align with the student’s academic strengths, extracurricular interests, social-emotional needs, and logistical considerations such as location and cost. As eighth graders, students receive guidance during advisory classes to build their high school application skills. They learn to create a resume, write personal statements, and develop strategies for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors.

In addition, ICSJ offers an executive functioning course that plays a crucial role in helping students transition successfully to high school. This course focuses on essential skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and self-advocacy. These skills are critical for high school matriculation and beyond, helping students manage their workload, balance responsibilities, and thrive in a more demanding academic environment.

As a result, not only are our graduates accepted into the most competitive high schools in Chicago, but they also thrive throughout their high school years and go on to attend top universities in the U.S. and abroad. We are incredibly proud of our Dolphin alumni, who continue to excel and make a positive impact in their communities.