Writing Across the Curriculum is a program ICS created to improve literacy and spark an interest in writing. Teachers incorporate writing into all aspects of the curriculum. Students write narratives, biographies, and essays after reading books from the library collection and create written and visual responses to reading the "book of the month." To celebrate and display students' work, faculty and a Literacy Coach from the Cooke Center for Learning and Development host annual writing assemblies.

Containing over 11,000 books, Immaculate Conception School's library is the hub of the school. Students frequent the library during the school day and after school to research reports and presentations by using the collections and computers.

ICS has acquired new collections of books, DVDs, and videos on a wide range of topics that has enhanced the Social Studies, Science, Religion, and English Language Arts (ELA) curricula. ICS continuously welcomes support to expand its already strong collection.

ICS has fully integrated technology into the curriculum. Students attend a weekly computer class in a lab equipped with over 30 desktop computers and color printers. Students are taught essential technological skills by a certified Technology Instructor.

Computers are also available in the library and each classroom is outfitted with several computers. In addition, ICS has interactive SMART boards that teachers use to engage students in their lessons.

In 2006, ICS created a fully-equipped modern science lab where students can engage in hands-on experimentation. The lab, available for all students and teachers, is complete with SMART Boards that facilitate interactive learning. We also have a Science Coach, from the New York Hall of Science, who demonstrates scientific approaches and activities for teachers and students.

The Creative Classrooms Visual Arts Program at ICS promotes art across the curriculum. In doing so, it develops student literacy. Students attend art class once a week to create, write about, and discuss art that is relevant to their academic lessons. Studio art lessons, museum visits, and student art exhibits are also part of the CCVAP program.

Thanks to dedicated volunteers, ICS also offers the Learning-to-Look Program, an art appreciation program offered once a month for the 2nd through 5th grade. Each grade studies a different type of art. For example, the 3rd grade is currently learning about paintings using the basic elements of art. In the spring, all participating students go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a tour of the works they have studied.

All grades receive weekly music instruction in which they study musical styles and cultures. Students are introduced to instruments such as Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion, piano, bells, and snare drums. They also participate in vocal performances and even write original lyrics. During the After-School Program, students can join the Drum Club or a choir group that performs at school-wide events.

Students in grades 3rd through 8th are also offered the chance to take private Band Instruction. Paul Effman Company provides instrument lessons for students whose parents pay for them. This band performs at school concerts in the winter and spring.

Through the Reading Excellence and Discovery Foundation, ICS 6th, 7th and 8th grade students tutor Kindergarten and 1st grade students one-on-one in reading. Students are tutored in sound and word practice and story comprehension by reading stories and engaging in activities such as fluency and phonics games. All of the books sequence through the ICS reading curriculum.

Pre-K through 3rd grade participate in Physical Education once a week, and Grades 4 through 8 participate twice a week. Exercise, team activities, and group games allow students to remain active and healthy.

After-school groups such as the Basketball Team, the Wellness Club, and the Step Team also use the gym and playgrounds.

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for our students including Young Lawyers Club, JV and Varsity Basketball, Garden Club, Step, Choir, Nutrition Club, Tutoring, Rocket Scientists Club, Yearbook Committee, Wellness Club, Sewing, Drum, and Chess Club.