Welcome to IJP!
Welcome to Infant Jesus of Prague School, a two-time Blue Ribbon School, where we “teach the mind and touch the spirit!”
Established in 1958 by Dominican nuns, our IJP School serves Catholic and non-Catholic families from all over suburban Chicago and Northwest Indiana. We value our diversity and engaged families which promote academic, social, and emotional success. We believe in order for students to thrive academically, we must establish a growth mindset where students feel supported taking risks in learning that builds their confidence.
We implement a rigorous curriculum based on the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools learning standards which challenges students to work to their potential and meets the needs of all learners. We believe in order for students to thrive socially and emotionally, we must create an environment where students feel safe, included, accepted, and where their voices are valued. Building trusting relationships among all staff, students, and parents in and around our school community where all differences are honored and respected is paramount. Restorative practices help stakeholders mend broken or damaged relationships and learn from mistakes. We strive to graduate students who will make a difference in our world with a focus on service both within and outside our school building.
School Calendar
Special Announcement from Father Kris
Dear Families and Friends of IJP School,
I have some exciting news to share with you. As you know our current Interim Principal, Dr. Kelly, was with us only during this time of transition while we were looking for a new principal. Our Search Committee was working hard studying different applications to find the best candidate for this important position. After all the interviews we decided that the best candidate is Mr. Joseph Francis.
Mr. Francis is a lifelong student of Catholic education. He attended Saint Joseph School in Holbrook, MA from preschool through eighth grade and Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA. After high school, he continued his Catholic education and received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. During this time, he also served as class president for three years. Mr. Francis received his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from Boston College as a member of the Catholic Leadership Cohort, a program designed to transition Catholic teachers into leadership roles.
Mr. Francis has been at St. John School in Canton, Massachusetts for four years. He started as a grades 4/5 Social Studies teacher and then moved into the grade 2 classroom, where he has been for the past three years. Before his time at Saint John, Mr. Francis served as a classroom aide in various early childhood and elementary classrooms at the school he attended. Besides teaching, Mr. Francis is a big supporter of the Drama Program, has run numerous clubs, coached soccer, and currently serves as the Faculty Sunshine Coordinator. Beyond his professional role, Mr. Francis enjoys traveling, and is looking forward to exploring the Chicago area!
We are happy and excited to welcome Mr. Francis to our IJP family. At the same time we are grateful to Dr. Kelly for her dedication and help, especially during this time of transition. Not a long time ago, as you know, she earned her doctorate and spent a lot of time analyzing different avenues and programs that can benefit Catholic schools. I was hoping that after her departure there would be a way to benefit from her expertise in this field. And there is! Even though Dr. Kelly is busy with new projects, she is still willing to help us as our Development and Outreach Coordinator. She will focus on gaining exposure in the Southland for our school to gain support, funding, and increase enrollment as well as pursue grants to benefit our students’ educational experiences. Dr. Kelly will also work with stakeholders to help develop a long term strategic plan. Together we can implement and take advantage of different programs that will strengthen our great school with its long and rich history.
Special thank you to our Principal Search Committee for their time and effort in helping us find the right fit for our school. Mr. Francis comes to us highly recommended from all aspects of his educational journey. Thank you to the following parents: Mr. Ed Briscoe, kindergarten parent, Mrs. Rosio Copeland, parent of first, third, and eighth grade students, and Mrs. Barlow, alumni parent and parent of an eighth grader. Also, great thanks to our teachers, Dr. Brewer and Mrs. Ladner for their perspective and insights as staff members. Thanks to Mrs. Dull, Mrs. Klupchak, and Dr. Kelly, as well, for their thoughts on the principal search as long time stakeholders at IJP.
Welcome Mr. Francis and thank you all!
Father Kris
Special Announcement from Fr. Kris
My educational philosophy is rooted in the Catholic tradition, while also greatly valuing the need for innovative educational practices. My philosophy also holds the unique gifts and talents of every student at the forefront, and gives each student the chance to shine; both in and out of the classroom. I intend to build and expand on existing academic and extracurricular programs that IJP currently offers, while also creating new opportunities for students. I also intend to work collaboratively with staff, students, and families to introduce wide ranging programs to best serve the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of our students. I am excited to join the IJP family and look forward to working with students, staff and families to build a strong and dynamic school community.
A note from Mr. Francis:
