Thank you for your interest in Immaculate Conception Grade School Apply at Immaculate Conception Grade School
We warmly welcome you to ICGS! For over 125 years Immaculate Conception Grade School has been providing a Catholic education based upon faith, family, and academic excellence. We are proud of the education and preparedness ICGS provides our children. Our hope is that you believe ICGS is the right place for you and your family to find education, faith and community for years to come.
Applications for new families open November 25th for the 2025-2026 school year. We encourage applying early since many of our grades do fill quickly and may require a waiting list.
Apply Online
*Applications will open November 25, 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Once open, please fill out this online Application Form (or click the Apply Now button below) to initiate the application & registration process at Immaculate Conception Grade School for the 2025-2026 school year. This Application Form is hosted through FACTS, our student information system. The FACTS Application will
- prompt you to create an account
- send you a confirmation email
- link you to the log-in page of the application.
Click to view the 2024-2025 Tuition Rates.
Final tuition rates for the 2025-2026 school year will be published after budget, Parish, and School Board review in April/May. Upon acceptance we will send you a link to our Blackbaud tuition program to set up your account.
Chris Cheng, ICGS Class of 2006, University of Wisconsin-Madison Class of 2014
“Honestly, I can say that I would not be where I am today without the help of ICGS. IC taught me many valuable lessons that I use every day. To this day, I still use the tools I have learned in math, science, and grammar. Although I know you all think sometimes your teachers can be tough, they truly know what they are talking about, and I advise you all to listen. Believe me, YOU DO USE THOSE MATH PROBLEMS ALL THE TIME! Continue to work hard in all your classes, and I guarantee your hard work will pay off in the end. Most importantly, ICGS taught me skills and values that I use outside the classroom every day. The character and faith values ICGS instilled in me have been a vital part to my growth as a young man. Continue to always make smart decisions, see the good in others, and keep God close. I know you hear it all the time, but these small tasks can really make a huge impact in your life. Lastly, continue to build friendships with all your classmates. To this day, I still keep in touch with all of them, and they are always there for me when I am in need of a helping hand.”
Beth Josephs, Current ICGS Parent
Like many families at ICGS, we decided to enroll our kids because we were looking for a school with high academic standards and a small, close-knit community. While a Catholic education was important to us, admittedly, it was not our first priority until it affected us personally. Two years ago my father, our children's Papa, passed away and my preschooler at the time was having a very difficult time processing this loss. She came home soon after his passing, clearly comforted, and said "My teacher said that, even though it's sad Papa is gone, how lucky he is that he gets to be with Jesus now. And, then, our whole class prayed for Papa." I quickly realized how grateful I was to be at a Catholic school where her teachers were allowed the space to freely talk to her about heaven, God, and prayer. It brought her, and our family, so much comfort.
The Schriks, Current ICGS Family
“Our experience is summed up well by something our first grader said as we were pulling in to drop him off at school during our first year at ICGS. He said, ‘I love my school and I think they love me!’ They love to see me learn. I love my teachers!’ We had also gotten this feeling through the true sense of community in and around the school but it was so reassuring to hear it from him too.”
Jenny, Leahy, Parent of ICGS Alumni
I invite you to attend a Friday Mass in the Grade School church to witness firsthand the impact of ICGS as a school, family, and a house of God! In this space you will see children from Kindergarten through 8th Grade gathered together, in their uniforms, with their friends, family, and teachers, worshipping God! You will laugh, you will cry, you will be moved to participate, and you will witness the Holy Spirit at work! There is no greater testament for sending our three children to ICGS from Preschool through 8thGrade!”
Tianna Rous, Current ICGS Parent
A kindergarten classroom is where curiosity blooms, friendships flourish, and the foundations of a lifetime of learning are built. Watching our son Owen excel and grow, both academically and socially, is a beautiful reminder of how incredible this journey is.
Kiolbasa Family, Current ICGS Family
The preschool education at ICGS instills a developmentally appropriate understanding of our Catholic values as our children are first introduced to school. Catholic teaching and strong family values are instilled into all activities. In addition to Catholic education, we continue to be impressed with the community that ICGS fosters. We’ve felt welcomed, supported, and a sense of belonging from Day 1. We are IC!
My favorite thing about kindergarten at IC is that all students are truly seen as children of God. They develop such an innocent yet profound appreciation for our Catholic faith. At such a young age children are taught to treat others as Jesus would. Academically, expectations are realistic yet high. Students are taught that they are capable of great things. Watching our daughter’s confidence soar has been such a gift. We are so grateful for ICGS!
Letitia Tait, Parent of ICGS Alumni
“ICGS is the best decision you’ll ever make to have your students succeed academically, athletically and spiritually. High expectations bring out the best in all of us. My only regret is that we didn’t move our son there sooner!”
Mayra McEvoy, Current ICGS Parent
“My family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and love we received when my father, Pap Nilv, recently passed. We’ve been at ICGS for one year but you, the staff, and student families, have made us feel like we’ve been here for 2o years! The amount of love we received is overwhelming—the comforting smiles and hugs, messages, meals, cards, offers to help and entertain our children, prayers for days, offers to talk, and I could go on and on. ICGS has loved on us hard and lifted us through this time. I’m especially grateful that we can talk about my dad without fear since he’s in heaven and has gone home. We celebrate his life everyday with stories and prayers and my kids aren’t afraid. Thanks for the love and kindness from the very bottom of our hearts. We don’t have family in town, but we feel like we do now thanks to the folks at ICGS.”
Mayra McEvoy, Current ICGS Parent
Thank you and bless you ICGS! You have surrounded our family with faith, love and knowledge over the past 16 years. We will continue to grow in our works and deeds, cherish each memory, and thrive on the successful foundation your hands and hearts helped establish.”
Bob and Cathy Platt, Parents of ICGS Alumni
“When we started at ICGS in the fall of 1983, we had two children, ages 1 and 3. It was time for our 3-year old daughter to start preschool. ICGS was just opening their preschool for the first time! Little did I know that the first year would be the first of 32 years! Our family grew from two children to eight over a span of 21 years. ICGS is truly our other home. Each of our eight children has been blessed to be able to attend 11 years there—preschool through 8th grade. Today we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the priests, principals, teachers, and other families that we have been blessed to know. It has been nothing short of a beautiful journey and we that the good Lord every day for placing us in such a wonderful school. God bless you all!”
The Tom and Lisa O’Brien Family: Brendan 2012; Charlie 2014; Jack 2016, Maggie 2018
“Thank you ICGS Family! We have enjoyed and appreciated the last 17 years of learning, faith, and love. We will carry with us many treasured memories.”
Kathleen and Steve Hillsman, Parents of ICGS Alumni
“My husband Steve and I truly valued the partnership we had with the teachers and administration at ICGS. From excellent faith formation and service opportunities to competitive opportunities in academics and athletics, ICGS nurtures the whole child. We chose to send our three daughters to a school that reinforces our belief that, through every one of life’s challenges God will always be with them. In a rapidly changing world, we feel that this belief, instilled from a young age, will carry our girls through their most difficult struggles. We also appreciate the sense of responsibility that was instilled in our daughters. They learned that they are called to serve others and to use their talents to improve our world. Thank you, ICGS, for expecting the most from our children in every aspect of their elementary education.”
Dave Wartner, Parent of ICGS Alumni
We are the proud parents of three daughters who have grown up in the ICGS community. We have watched our children become compassionate, caring, young ladies as their faith grew throughout their grade school years. With the support of the ICGS community, the girls learned the importance of service and sharing their talents. Academically, they have been able to accelerate their learning in areas of high competence and compensate in areas where they are more challenged. All of our girls had opportunities to develop their leadership skills through a variety of activities including the early participation in school sports, instilling a sense of pride and teamwork. ICGS provided a great start to our girls’ academic career and helped them develop into leaders in the community!”
Denene Doughty, Current ICGS Parent
“We send out really great, polite, and kind kids. ICGS provides the “whole package.” Not only do we focus on academics, but also faith, community, and pride in oneself.”
Mike and Erin Kapsch, Current ICGS Parents
“Being the parents of five, we have a lot to juggle with regard to our kids’ education. We have always been extremely impressed and happy with the math program at ICGSl. Not only has the math faculty been able to properly assess where our children should be placed, but the development of each of them with the help of their teachers is very satisfying. The everyday experience, combined with the chance to compete in three local high school math contests and have available tutoring if needed, really makes us aware that our kids are in great hands. Another benefit is the ALEKS math program. The time used for ALEKS in our house has proven to be invaluable. Probably most important is that our two oldest, who are now in high school, could not have been better prepared entering the next level of schooling. We credit this, in large part, to the excellent experience that they had at ICGS. We also must mention the vision of Principal, Cathy Linley. When we were choosing where to educate our children over ten years ago, we met with Cathy. When we asked about her views on math, she said she was going to institute a program that would continually grow and evolve. A decade later, she certainly kept her promise. Keep doing what you are doing!”
Brendan O’Brien, Class of ICGS 2012, Engineering major at Georgia Tech
“ICGS provided me with a foundation on which to pursue my passions. By communicating the importance of self-reliance, teamwork, and service, my grade school and high school experiences shaped who I am today. I was fortunate enough to travel to Nicaragua to assess and implement an engineering and health initiative, and I would not have pursued, nor been prepared for this trip, had it not been for my previous educational experiences. Without a doubt, I will forever remember where I am from and how it has impacted my life!”
Christie Hillsman, Class of 2007, University of Notre Dame Class of 2017
“One of the most valuable skills I learned at ICGS was public speaking. Though I couldn’t forsee its benefits at the time, Mrs. Donovan’s 6th Grade monthly speech requirements greatly prepared me for high school and beyond. As a high school student, required to take a one-semester course in speech, I could truly appreciate the value of my prior public speaking training. The students from other grades schools who had never before been required to give speeches, faced much greater struggles with speech class that the ICGS students. While Mrs. Donovan greatly helped me through my sophomore year in high school, I know that the skills I learned in her class will continue to benefit me as I step forward into adulthood. Thank you ICGS.”
Grace Maietta, Class of 2016
“We learn about our faith here and our faith education is just as important as our regular education.”
Megan Backman, ICGS Class of 2012, graduate of University of Iowa Engineering program
“Without the faith-filled atmosphere I experienced at ICGS, I would not be the same athlete or student that I am today. The foundation I received from a Catholic education has been applicable in a variety of ways throughout my high school career. I have come to value the importance of service in the community as well as being respectful in the classroom, on the golf course, or on the basketball court. The lessons and countless gifts my teachers and coaches at ICGS gave me are ones that I will truly appreciate forever.”
Molly Fahey, Class of 2013, studying at the University of Minnesota
“ICGS left me completely prepared to enter my high school career, and ultimately its Catholic education influenced me to attend its neighboring high school, IC Catholic Prep. The ICGS teachers and curriculum challenged me so much that I had almost no struggle entering the rigorous high school classes I would go on to take. At ICGS I learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and I can succeed at far more than just school. I can honestly say that ICGS helped make me the honors student, two-sport athlete, and active member of the community I am today. The friendships and connections I made at IC will last forever. Being at the school just across the parking lot, I often see the amazing teachers I once had and cannot believe how fast the time has gone since my wonderful days at ICGS.
Anthony Pierotti, Class of 2009, University of Notre Dame Class of 2017
I would say that the biggest differentiator between ICGS and any of the other schools in the area would be the students and the families that are a part of the community. I’ve gone to school with some of my closest friends for 18 consecutive years, and that is thanks to IC. It’s been a pleasure to grow with them and their families, and it has provided me with the stable foundation upon which I will continue to develop as an adult.”
Chris Cheng, ICGS Class of 2006, University of Wisconsin-Madison Class of 2014
“Honestly, I can say that I would not be where I am today without the help of ICGS. IC taught me many valuable lessons that I use every day. To this day, I still use the tools I have learned in math, science, and grammar. Although I know you all think sometimes your teachers can be tough, they truly know what they are talking about, and I advise you all to listen. Believe me, YOU DO USE THOSE MATH PROBLEMS ALL THE TIME! Continue to work hard in all your classes, and I guarantee your hard work will pay off in the end. Most importantly, ICGS taught me skills and values that I use outside the classroom every day. The character and faith values ICGS instilled in me have been a vital part to my growth as a young man. Continue to always make smart decisions, see the good in others, and keep God close. I know you hear it all the time, but these small tasks can really make a huge impact in your life. Lastly, continue to build friendships with all your classmates. To this day, I still keep in touch with all of them, and they are always there for me when I am in need of a helping hand.”
Beth Josephs, Current ICGS Parent
Like many families at ICGS, we decided to enroll our kids because we were looking for a school with high academic standards and a small, close-knit community. While a Catholic education was important to us, admittedly, it was not our first priority until it affected us personally. Two years ago my father, our children's Papa, passed away and my preschooler at the time was having a very difficult time processing this loss. She came home soon after his passing, clearly comforted, and said "My teacher said that, even though it's sad Papa is gone, how lucky he is that he gets to be with Jesus now. And, then, our whole class prayed for Papa." I quickly realized how grateful I was to be at a Catholic school where her teachers were allowed the space to freely talk to her about heaven, God, and prayer. It brought her, and our family, so much comfort.
Admissions Process
Admission Process & Requirements
“New Family Applications” are available on a rolling basis after they open November 25th.
"Current Family Registration" runs concurrently, through December 15th for all Immaculate Conception Grade School families with a currently enrolled student. (Grade placements and final application acceptance for New Students will not begin until Current Family Registration is completed to ensure accurate classroom availability).
Admission continues and is rolling until a grade level is filled.
Age Requirements (for the 2025-2026 school year)
- Preschoolers entering P3 must turn 3 before September 1, 2025.
- Preschoolers entering P4 must turn 4 before September 1, 2025.
- Kindergarteners must turn 5 before September 1, 2025 to register (subsequent grades follow progressively).
- *Also, particularly for Preschool, all incoming students MUST be fully potty trained before the 1st day of school.
Enrollment Communications
- Due to rolling admission, new families applying to Immaculate Conception Grade School will receive an email notification to confirm receipt of their Application Form.
- New families who submit the Application Form between November 25 and December 20 should expect an email notification regarding placement by the end of February. (Please note our School Office will be closed from December 20 at noon-January 5, and will reopen on January 6.)
- If a family receives a communication indicating their child is on a waitlist, your application will be reviewed at a later date upon receipt.
PRIORITIZED CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW APPLICATIONS
Please note these considerations are taken into account upon initial placement, from November 25 on, after current family’s students are placed.
1st Consideration:
Siblings of those currently enrolled (PK-8)
2nd Consideration:
Children of families already (even newly) registered with Immaculate Conception Parish who are enrolled in our Parish Auto-Pay system and are considered Contributing Parishioners of IC.
3rd Consideration:
Children of Families who are not registered at Immaculate Conception Parish who are considered non-parishioners.
Please contact us if you have any questions at 630.530.3490 or swachholder@icgradeschoolelmhurst.org
Why ICGS?
Tuition Assistance
At Immaculate Conception Grade School we want every student and family seeking a Catholic education to have the opportunity. Catholic education is a gift and it is amazing what can happen as a community. FACTS tuition offers a program and there are also several assistance programs are offered through the Catholic Education Foundation for current or future Knights who demonstrate financial need. If financial assistance would make Catholic education attainable for your child, please apply.