Dear IC and ICCS Family,
I have been your Pastor, here at our Cathedral, for two years now. When I became pastor, there was a conversation about our school and its sustainability for future generations. This resulted in Bishop Talley and the Diocese challenging us to create a plan that would revitalize our beloved parish school. After careful thought on the matter, we decided to create a school board and, from that group, a task force was formed to evaluate and recommend changes to better our school. After many hours of research, careful consideration and prayer, this task force has come to the conclusion that a Classical Education would be the most beneficial to our students. This plan was then presented to our School Board, faculty and Parents’ Association, and a vote was made in favor of these changes. This is why I am reaching out to you today, to explain this wonderful curriculum and the exciting changes to come.
A Classical Education Curriculum is very straightforward. God and His Son are always at the center of every day and in every subject. Students will be taught the virtues of wisdom, honesty, integrity and respect, but, more importantly, to consider these in every decision they make. Classical Education goes back to the basics of the ancient Greeks and Romans and, for centuries, this method of teaching has proven to be very successful. It is built on a foundation of sound curriculum including phonics, grammar, Latin, and literature. Mathematics, science, music and art are also an integral part of school academics. This method teaches students to be thinkers and problem solvers. The focus is shifted away from use of technology in the classroom to encourage interpersonal communication and real dialogue. Research has shown that Classical education students not only score higher on standardized tests, but are, more importantly, better prepared to enter adulthood. We believe that our ICCS students deserve this, a higher standard of education that is also rooted in our Catholic Faith.
By now, you will be well aware of our decreasing enrollment numbers. This decrease is a direct threat to the financial stability and future of our school. Many families were devastated when we closed the doors to our high school, as were all of us here at ICCS. We do not wish to see that happen to our remaining Parish School. In the last 20 years, Classical schools have been emerging all over the country, with over 650 schools in the United States being started or transitioned, in both the Christian and secular environments. We believe these changes will enable us to maintain Catholic education in Midtown Memphis for years to come, with Immaculate Conception Classical School distinguishing itself from every Catholic school in Memphis.
The transition to a Classical school will be challenging for our students, faculty and parents, and while change is never easy, we often find that it is necessary. This is a good and wonderful thing that we are doing for our students, and I hope that you will join us in our excitement for this program, because with it, I know our Immaculate Conception Classical School will grow and thrive. Your prayers and support for all during this transition are immensely appreciated.
If you have questions, please email our school principal, Chad Stevens, or call (901) 435-5300.
Yours in Christ,
