ICS offers quality education to area

By KATHY BOLEN

Immaculate Conception principal

Have you considered providing your child with a high quality, faith based education? We at Immaculate Conception School offer a caring and loving community of students, faculty, staff and volunteers who value our school family.

A Catholic education is about developing all the gifts given by God. Our students learn more than reading, writing and arithmetic - they also learn about the importance of character and integrity, to be more understanding, compassionate and loving.

Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Activities, events, and experiences are incorporated to enhance the growth of the child's spiritual, physical, cognitive, social, emotional, creative and language development.

Here your children will benefit from our family atmosphere, promoted through academic and extra-curricular activities completed in student body family groups, as well as in our athletic programs. They will excel as individuals and at the same time learn the value of teamwork.

A Catholic preschool program that operates within a parish school provides continuity for the child, fosters a smooth transition to kindergarten and enhances parish life. One of the main goals of preschool is to help prepare your child for a successful kindergarten experience.

By attending preschool, children will not only learn the pre-academic work needed for kindergarten, but they will also be more prepared for the longer hours of kindergarten, become familiar with a routine and learn how to follow a daily schedule. Being at school can also help a child develop the skills needed to rely on a teacher and to follow directions from someone other than a parent or relative.

An Extended Preschool program is now provided from 10:30 until 2 p.m. This program will offer lunch, a nap, snack, center time and extended enrichment activities based on that school day's theme and the children's needs.

An Extended Daycare program is currently offered for all students after school from 2-6 p.m. This program is an extension of the regular school day and is structured and organized, but also allows the children some free time as well as the opportunity to begin their homework. We provide a secure, cheerful environment for the children by offering supervision, snack and times for play and work.

Many of the challenges facing parents today can be monumental. Paying tuition for a parochial education is a challenge; however we make every effort to offer a fair, just and affordable tuition.

Tuition rates for Kindergarten-8th grade begin at $2,000 for one child and are adjusted with a discount for each additional child up to four in the family.

A different rate is offered for non-Catholic families in Kindergarten-8th grade. Preschool tuition ranges from $650-$1,075 for both Catholic and non-Catholic families based upon the age of your child and the session you choose.

Financial aid is available for families who need the extra assistance through a parish and diocesan tuition assistance fund and SCRIP, where families can earn tuition reduction credit by purchasing gift cards for various businesses.

Immaculate Conception School is currently accepting registrations for Preschool-8th grade for the 2010-2011 school year. If you desire a Catholic education for your child, we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goal.

Stop in the school office or call 419-483-6066 for more information. Parents can rely on us to support them by guiding their children in the practice of their Catholic faith!