Church of the Incarnation Catholic School

I am the new Pricipal of Incarnation Catholic School and I am proud to say that we have an amazing group of students, parents and teachers! We strive for academic excellence and to teach to the whole child. ICS is committed to giving our students the tools, skills, and guidance they need to not only overcome 21st-century challenges, but also to flourish intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children love ICS! They are held to high academic standards and have incredible teachers. Learning is at the highest standards, yet is enjoyable. Classes are smaller allowing for a greater one-on-one ratio. The families of I.C.S. are amazing and welcomed our family from the moment we stepped foot on campus. I would definitely recommend Incarnation School to anyone searching for a high academic, excellent curriculum school. ICS is one of Collierville's crown jewels!
—Submitted by a parent

I.C.S. is truly a wonderful school and we could not be more pleased. Our children have been there for 6 years now, and have thrived spiritually, academically and emotionally. I can truly say that under the leadership of our new principal, that academic standards have been raised to an even higher standard. Test scores across the boards emphasize students performing well beyond grade level throughout the school. I.C.S. is wonderful in that the teachers are willing to work with each individual child to bolster his or her strengths or weaknesses whether academically or socially. I.C.S. embraces each child with loving arms and teaches them to perform to their highest abilities. Most importantly, I.C.S. is creating a solid foundation for each of our children s characters in the values they teach on a daily basis. We are thrilled to be part of the I.C.S. family!
—Submitted by a parent

We appreciate the culture of the school. The administration and teachers demonstrate genuine interest and concern for individual students. There is a great deal of communication with parents and these interactions are very comfortable. I have received calls and emails just to inquire about one of our children, along with the not so good calls regarding either academics or behavior. The principal is very fair and realistic in the approach to working through issues, with the student's best interest at the forefront. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in many ways. It is a very inviting atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Incarnation is an excellent school. We chose Incarnation over another catholic school closer to our home because of how well we were received. We felt welcome from the start and our children wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The faculty is fantastic, and it is evident that everyone has the same mission--to help our children succeed. I really like the fact that new programs are being implemented each year because we want to be more than just a good school. Incarnation is competing to be one of the best schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had children at this school for the last 4 years. Both kids absolutely love the school, their teachers, and their friends there. As a parent I have seen this school go through many changes. I can understand how these changes might have frustrated some parents, but I truly believe these changes have been for the better. Financially it is one of the most affordable schools in the area. Academically this school performs very well. It has a strong elementary curriculum and test scores have been increasing year over year. The teacher / student ratio varies from class to class, but generally is very good. For larger classes there is typically a teacher s aide. I do wish there were more extra-curricular activities for younger students. The current ones are limited basketball, baseball, volleyball, and choir. My experience with the staff and administration have been good. Yes, there have been bumps, but they have worked with us to address any concerns. As with any school, it s success is dependent on parent involvement and I have yet to see the school ignore concerns of parents who are engaged enough to bring those concerns to light.
—Submitted by a parent

Incarnation has a strong elementary school. The middle school has really strengthened over the last two years. The teachers in middle school are solid. They are hard; but good. The principal has worked really hard to make the school competitive in academics. No school is perfect and we have had a lot of whiners and complainers who have left over the last few years. The parents who are left are commited to giving their children a solid, catholic education. My children have been to several catholic schools throughout the county. Incarnation has been as good or better than the others. The teachers have always been willing to help with problems my children have had. I received a phone call from the principal about an academic issue with one of my children. I met with her as well as all the middle school teachers and we discussed a plan to help my child. I know I wouldn't have gotten this kind of attention in a public school. Additionally, all the teachers were on point with my child's issues and were more than willing to help us get through the school year with success. I thought the principal handled the situation perfectly. Don't overlook this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started @Incarnation in K. He just graduated from the 8th grade. My son struggle a bit,but because of the dedication and caring that he (we) received he is on his way to St.B's. Over the years the faculty and church have been great. If they were sub par I would not have kept him @ Incarnation. Thanks ICS!
—Submitted by a parent

God and the Virgin Mary have blessed us with the opportunity of sending our daughter to Incarnation Catholic School (ICS). She has attended ICS since Pre-K and now she is in Middle School. For almost 10 years, thanks to the parish office, school administration, faculty, staff, and parents at ICS, she has grown not only as a person, but also as a strong Catholic believer. Without their support, we could not have afforded to send our daughter to a great private Catholic school. ICS is our daughter s second home. We feel confident, secure and relaxed in the school environment. At all times, we have had the support of the administration and faculty. All of her teachers have planted in her the seed of love for learning. Her academic achievement and self-confidence have increased tremendously throughout the years. She enjoys all of her classes. She is also very involved in several extra curricular activities: Student Ambassador, Beta Club, Altar Server, Safety Patrol, Enrichment classes, computer courses, and field trips just to name a few. We strongly encourage parents to consider sending their children to ICS to get a top-notch Catholic education. God bless ICS.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current teacher at Incarnation Catholic School. I think that it is a great place to be. There is excellent camaraderie amongst the teachers which is then transferred to the students. Students are offered a variety of ways to get involved: service opportunity, clubs, parish sports, etc. In addition, there is a pull-out program for the Gifted and Talented students. Students in Middle School look forward to their 8th grade year so that they can have pre-k buddies, which they sit with in Mass and help with getting adjusted to school. The Middle School recently added two new yearly trips: 7th grade went to Nashville and the 8th grade took a trip to Washington, D.C. I think that if you are looking for a private education that has a strong Religious tie as well as strong academics look no further than ICS.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a parent of a third grader at Incarnation. My child gas been in the school since kindergarten. I have been very pleased with the curiculum and more importantly how happy my child is. My child I'd part of the enrichment program and counts the days until she sees her enrichment teacher again. Her favorite subjects is art and I believe that is because of the excellent specials teachers they employ. My child is learning, her test scores are above average and she is thriving! There is no perfect school but she is cared for and pushed to learn and soak up as much as she can. She is in a loving environment where she strives each day to be a better person. We talked about who her favorite teacher was and she honestly could not pick, they have all been great and had something unique to offer. I believe the leadership is working hard to make Incarnation the best school it can be. What more could you ask for?
—Submitted by a parent

i dont think the poeple giving this school high rates are actual parents, this schoool has poor leadership, poor principle whos ability to compromise is that of woodrow wilsons or worse, bad teachers, very bad teaching methods, poor control, i had to catch up big time when i arrived at highschool, but i was able too since i left incarnation early to another school before that, this place gives your kids a poor and slow start, their principle is the poorest one yet, they dont know how to teach yoru kids diddly squat, 4 years and they cant teach what in my school tehy can in two months, I could be a better teacher there, trust me dont go there, its obvios that if there are this bad reviews of it it isnt worth going to, unless you dont care that much and are willing to risk it

Before my son began at Incarnation, he was at grade level on standardized tests, and by the end of the first year, his scores on all areas of content increased by at least 2 grade levels. When he returned for the 2nd year, the standardized testing revealed no loss of grade levels, and even some improvements in areas. In the public school system, there had always been some loss at the begining of the school year due to retention of skills over the summer. Not at incarnation. I would have to say they have a very strong academic standard and also displicine standard which I value as a parent. The small classroom sizes and teachers dedicated to the success of the students is great. I would recommend this school for anyone seeking a strong academic program.
—Submitted by a parent

We were recently transferred out of town , but after spending two years at ICS my child would not have been returning this next school year. The principal is very difficult to work with.
—Submitted by a parent

ICS has been a great educational and spiritual experience for our children. I find that all the teachers both my children have had are excellent at teaching the children as individuals. They are able to recognize a child's strengths and weaknesses and develop a child on both those parts. My children leave the school every day with confidence and security. The bar has been raised for them and they enjoy being challenged to meet it!
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been attending ICS for 6 years and we are very happy with the school. We chose ICS because our Catholic faith is very important to us. The values and faith we teach at home are reinforced every day at school. The children attend Mass as a school with homilies aimed at them. They attend rosary together, learn about saints, sacraments, and service to others. The academics at ICS are impressive. Recent test scores have a majority of students performing a grade or more ahead. ICS is a small, loving, and caring community of teachers, students and parents. To me, this school is Collierville's best kept secret. I would encourage any parent to look into ICS if you are interested in a high-quality Catholic education for your child/ren.
—Submitted by a parent

All of my children have attended ICS since kindergarten. We are very happy and involved there. Two years ago we got a new principal who made some changes. Teachers and students were held to higher standards. Some did not like this and refused to adapt and grow. This happens in many schools and businesses. We are pleased with the administration, teachers, curriculum and parent involvement. Our children love ICS! We would not think of sending them anywhere else. Student problems and issues are handled with fairness and tolerance. PLEASE note that the few negative reviews are from former parents left the school over a year ago and are still posting comments about it As we all know, some people are negative in general and delight in complaining. ICS is a terrific school! Come by for a tour and see for yourself!
—Submitted by a parent

I was once a very happy parent at ICS but ended up taking my sons out last year because of the new principal. I was very disappointed by her treatment of the parents, like myself, who gave many hours with volunteer work. She had to be in control of everything at every minute and if you disagreed with her you were the enemy. Like the disappointed parent in the previous post, I went to her for guidance regarding my problems with paying tuition, I was told 'Your children will do fine in public school.' The 2 previous principals would have never uttered those words. Shame on her and shame on the people who are allowing her to continue to run this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We were highly disappointed in ICS with respect to: adherence ICS mission and values, quality and honesty of teachers, and leadership. ICS was happier to push the endless number of fund raisers than to take direct feedback. There were double standards when it came to the basic rules that all are directed to follow although the teachers broke their own rules very often (car lines, when class starts and tardiness, and fair/impartial discipline to children). When asked to speak to the inconsistencies we had witnessed, the pre-K and 4th grade teachers denied and ignored our concerns. We were told that maybe ICS isn t for your family . What an unacceptable comment! ICS changed our bright/confident kids into children into kids who feel they must be meek and boring to have their effort and/or work recognized. Do your family a favor, don t subject your children to such archaic and unacceptable teaching behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

im a student and i think that the school is great because it always greets you with open arms. The faculty is very friendly. The teachers are da bomb.(AKA Excelent). Also when people review schools they leave out 1 important detail, the students they are well educated and behaved.
—Submitted by a student