On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, Immaculata High School will host its Spring Open House: The Immaculata Difference. Prospective students and their families will experience the school’s offerings by taking tours, attending information sessions, and speaking with students, faculty, and administrators. The event, which will run from 6:30–8:30 PM, is open to all students in Grades 6–10 and their families.
Established in 1962, Immaculata High School, located at 240 Mountain Avenue in Somerville, has educated over 10,000 students from central New Jersey. As part of the Pre-K–Grade 12 Immaculate Conception School system, Immaculata provides a faith-based college preparatory education. It has established a reputation as a school rich in academics, distinguished in music, dominant in sports, and abundant in varied service possibilities.
According to Director of Admissions Michele Blandino, prospective parents have questions as diverse as the needs of their students. However, one message resonates: “Immaculata is large enough to offer many chances to grow as a teenager, but small enough to have a place for everyone to grow,” says Blandino. “My own children had opportunities in academics, sports, and service that positioned them for acceptance to some top-notch universities. But perhaps even more important than that, through our Campus Ministry program, they learned the value and importance of being servant-leaders.”
Embracing the pillars of Faith, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship, Immaculata works to create well-rounded individuals. The school’s size also means a closer connection to Guidance Counselors and with smaller classes, students can foster stronger relationships with faculty members. Head of School Joan Silo feels that “with the stress of today’s teenagers, it is key that they have many support systems. Our school has been described as ‘Our Blessed Mother’s pillow,’ where teens can navigate life with prayerful, academic, and personal support and emerge as responsible young adults. That is our goal.”
What is the Immaculata Difference? Students and parents describe it the best. Whitehouse Station resident Mia Dameo, who transferred to Immaculata, finds that “the small school and class sizes are more conducive to my learning style. Our school feels more like a family to me.” Freshman Miles Tucker of Franklin agrees. “I came from a large school; I think Immaculata is more like a community and that the teachers are more supportive.” Transfer student Andrew Johnson of Hillsborough, who loves the school’s baseball legacy, says “The Spartan for a Day program last spring, convinced me to switch. Playing sports makes it easy to make new friends.” Hillsborough residents, Linda and Ken Bull, parents of sophomore Brian, state, “We love that Immaculata is not just molding the mind, but the whole person.”
Immaculata High School offers an impressive array of academic opportunities. In addition to a wide range of College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, innovative programs such as Marian Scholars, Digital Arts, and the Unitas Prosperitas Program which supports students with academic challenges, makes Immaculata an attractive option. The school offers the two-year AP Capstone program and the ability to earn college credit through partnerships with Seton Hall & Georgian Court Universities. This year, the Chesterton Classical Studies program, which provides a traditional foundation of studies in the humanities, philosophy, theology, and language, was launched.
To learn more about Immaculata High School, please visit the school’s website (www.immaculatahighschool.org) or contact Director of Admissions Michele Blandino at [email protected] or by phone at (908) 722-0200 Ext. 218.