Since 1854, Immaculate Conception (ICS) has educated the youth of the South Bronx, fostering a strong community both inside and outside of the school. With the school located just ten blocks from Yankee Stadium, our student body hails from all over the extended neighborhood.
Our School
ICS prides itself on creating an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diversity. We offer excellent academics in a safe environment and a values-based education that encourages our students to use their talents in the service of others.
ICS offers rigorous academic classes in math, science, language arts, social studies, and religion. Enrichment courses in music and the creative arts further develop students’ interests. Students use iPads and other technology to augment their classroom learning. They participate in hands-on experiments in the science lab and visit the library at least once per week for research and for pleasure. Students have regular access to the gym and playground to promote healthy habits and fitness.
The ICS family ensures its students grow with integrity and graduate prepared for high school and beyond. Our students go on to attend top high schools in the community, using the skills and values developed at ICS to forge fulfilling, bright futures.
Core Values
Established by faith-filled leaders more than 165 years ago, Immaculate Conception School has long been an anchor of the Melrose and Mott Haven communities in the Bronx.
At Immaculate Conception, as in all Partnership Schools, we embrace four core values that guide all we do: integrity, humility, hard work, and service.
Integrity
I watch what I do to see what I believe.
– Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ
Integrity means that our actions reflect our beliefs and live up to our moral ideals. We hold all in our communities to the highest academic and ethical standards, both within the walls of our school buildings and as representatives in our communities. As we equip our students with a clear understanding of the moral principles and virtues of the Catholic faith, we instill habits of honesty, forthrightness, and respect for themselves and others.
Humility
Those who humble themselves will be exalted.
– Luke 14:11
Integrity means that our actions reflect our beliefs and live up to our moral ideals. We hold all in our communities to the highest academic and ethical standards, both within the walls of our school buildings and as representatives in our communities. As we equip our students with a clear understanding of the moral principles and virtues of the Catholic faith, we instill habits of honesty, forthrightness, and respect for themselves and others.
Hard Work
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
– Frederick Douglass
Each of us is made uniquely by God for greatness. In order to fully develop the gifts God gave us, hard work provides opportunities for us to sharpen our skills, develop our talents, and strengthen our minds and hearts for life’s journey. Effort, persistence, and determination are essential to learning and success in life. Hope alone does not result in success; we seek to instill in our students a work ethic marked by tenacity, stamina, and zeal.
Service
Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.
– Albert Einstein
At Partnership Schools, we believe that we are made for each other, so we aim to develop young men and women for others. When we see God in others, we think less of ourselves and so put others first. Our teachers “fan into a flame the gifts God gave” each child (2 Timothy 1), cultivating their gifts, broadening their understanding of the community and the world, and offering their gifts in service of our local neighborhood.
Root Beliefs
At Immaculate Conception, our community embraces the following set of root beliefs that guide our actions, our words, and our decisions. These beliefs inform each aspect of our school—our policies, procedures, rituals, routines, relationships, and even the physical spaces.
- We are made in the image and likeness of God.
- We are made for each other.
- We can do hard things.
- We are always learning.
- Jesus calls us by name.
Leadership
A team of leaders support ICS’s students, families, and staff every day.
Alex Benjamin, Principal
abenjamin@icsfamily.org
Trista Rivera, Academic Dean
tristarivera@icsfamily.org
Jennifer Paige, Director of School Operations
jpaige@icsfamily.org
Eileen Pagan, Dean of Students
mspagan@icsfamily.org