Community Corner
Parents Reveal Why They Chose Immaculate Over Other Schools
Personalized Education, College Admissions Prep and Close Knit Community Rank at Top
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Marissa Lowthert of Wilton, Connecticut knows her high school education wasn’t exactly typical.
The mother of three attended four high schools in three countries, ending up at the American School in London. But she credits her education for what she considers the most important life skill: learning how to think. That, she said, is exactly what Immaculate teaches best.
“I think the biggest reason we chose Immaculate for our children is its focus on classic academics plus its commitment to building confidence and teaching students to think critically on their own,” she said. Her son Collin ‘24 attended another area private school and the family felt Immaculate was a better fit for his academic interests. Now, he and his sister Madison ‘26 are thriving at Immaculate.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who has the fanciest facility – it’s what happens in the classroom that matters,” Lowthert said. She added that seeing where Immaculate High School graduates are attending college was impressive and definitely played a factor in their family’s decision.
“I like the wide variety of activities and the teaching style,” Collin Lowthert said.“The teachers are organized, they communicate clearly and the lessons are engaging,”
Whatever Immaculate is doing, it’s working. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1 and college counselor to student ratio is only 125 to 1 (compared to the national average of 415 to 1).
The school boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate. Plus, the Class of 2022 qualified for $33.5 million in grants and scholarships from colleges and universities. After the 117 students in that graduating class decided where they wanted to go, the awards received averaged $59,854 per student. So, Immaculate’s tuition of $16,750 per year makes this high school education an investment that pays dividends several times over in college.
The school is on an upward trajectory, as the Niche schools ranking just named Immaculate the Number One Catholic Co-Ed Day School in Connecticut for the second year in a row. Colleges and universities where recent Immaculate graduates have decided to attend include Yale, Georgetown, Villanova, Boston College, West Point, Notre Dame, Northeastern, Colgate, Bucknell, Middlebury, the University of North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Boston University, UCONN and Wake Forest to name a few.
"I probably don't need to tell you that the college admissions process is more competitive than ever before, which makes preparation even more crucial," said Dean of Counseling Timothy Nash, who has three decades of experience in college admissions at five Catholic colleges. "We are proud that college prep starts on day one at Immaculate and we nurture students through our counseling process to find their strengths, take advantage of all our opportunities here and highlight their competitive advantages. Our experienced staff stays on top of all the latest trends in higher education."
At the beginning of Freshman year, counselors interview students to identify their strengths, weaknesses, goals and passions. Students are encouraged to use Naviance – a platform that helps them match their strengths with potential careers. In their Sophomore year, they also participate in a career day at Immaculate.
As Juniors, students begin the college process and attend an Alumni Panel presentation hosted by recent Immaculate graduates. Topics of discussion include personal college experiences and preparing for college visits. Parents and students also attend the school’s two session College Night and have a family meeting with their counselor. In their Senior year, students make final decisions about which schools they want to apply to and meet with college reps who visit the school. This fall, 119 colleges and universities visited Immaculate.
As college admissions become more challenging, more parents are looking for the perfect high school fit for their child. “We encourage seventh grade families to come visit Immaculate and experience a day in the life of a Mustang on one of our shadow visits,” said Director of Admissions Denise Suarez. “It is never too early to look around and start evaluating the right college prep environment for your student. We know they can thrive at Immaculate!”
Kim Jarboe agrees. That’s why she sent all four of her children, three daughters and one son, to Immaculate. “This wonderful school has not only provided a rigorous education, but has given them the opportunity to grow spiritually,” said Jarboe. “The smaller environment allows teachers and faculty to get to know each student and set them up for success. The community is civic-minded, with a strong emphasis on community service, which is so important.”
For 60 years, Immaculate High School has prided itself as a unique environment that fosters the development of the whole student. The school is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year with a $4 million Capital Campaign targeted for campus improvements, athletic field enhancements and a scholarship endowment. And it hopes to provide a top notch education for the next 60 years and beyond.
“What a great school, and an equally great community of people!” said parent Dan Coonan. ”It was a game-changer for our two boys - and for my wife and me. We cannot say enough about Immaculate!”
Visit Immaculate High School’s website to learn more: Immaculate High School | Catholic School in Danbury CT (immaculatehs.org)
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