Mission & History

Immaculate Conception School exists as a gift to God’s children, to prepare them to live a life with Jesus the Good Shepherd as their teacher and friend. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of Mary, the school seeks to foster in each student spiritual growth, academic excellence and moral integrity.

Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church was established on Oct. 13, 1864, as a mission church attended, at different times, by pastors of parishes in High Bridge, Hampton, Lambertville and Flemington. The first church building was constructed in 1879 and was situated on Halstead Street in Clinton Town. On Nov. 14, 1947, Immaculate Conception became a parish church with the appointment of its first resident pastor.

The parish moved from Clinton Town to the Annandale section of Clinton Township in 1969.
Our present house of worship, situated on St. Mary’s Hill, was dedicated on June 30, 1996.

In 1992 the Sisters of Jesus our Hope established the Sheepfold at
Immaculate Conception Parish, which served children in three-year-old preschool,
four-year-old preschool and kindergarten.

In August 1999, Bishop Breen approved the establishment of a parish grammar school at Immaculate Conception. Immaculate Conception School opened its doors in the Fall of 2001 to children entering three-year-old preschool through fourth grade. In the Fall of 2002, our new school building opened and now serves students in two-year-old preschool through eighth grade.

Every child is a reflection of the image and likeness of God. That reflection comes to fruition in the love of our parish families. At Immaculate Conception School, we seek to fulfill our mission by being the extension of Christ the Teacher as we partner with parents and extended family. We are guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Metuchen in order to teach our children the virtues of faith, hope and charity. With these tools, each child can go forth to develop his or her potential as a Christian in a secular world.

Immaculate Conception School is a faith community in which the development of our faith is central to the curriculum. The school environment reflects the Gospel spirit and the presence of Jesus. The spiritual aspects of the curriculum are expressed through Christian values in religious instruction, the daily word in prayer, the celebration of the sacraments, general academics and the interpersonal relationships between students and adults. As a community of faith, a supportive relationship between parent and teacher is strongly encouraged to promote academic progress and home school faith-sharing activities. Religious values are woven throughout the integrated curriculum and daily activities creating a unique learning atmosphere. Moral and ethical development is supported through community service, justice and peacemaking.