In the Beginning: Infant of Prague Catholic School was established in 1952 as a PreK through 8th grade Catholic school staffed by the Sisters of Mercy. For over seventy years, IOPCS has continued to offer an authentically Catholic school culture and academically competitive education.

 

A Good Problem: In the last decade, our school has seen a 95% increase in enrollment and many grades have been operating with waiting pools. Coupled with the growing demand in Catholic education for grades 9-12, it was clear that it was time to grow!

 

A Tale of Two Campuses: In 2022, the opportunity to expand finally came. A property located just a half mile from the main IOP campus came on the market. 501 Anne Street, located in downtown Jacksonville, originally listed at $2.2m, but IOP was able to purchase it outright for a fraction of the cost. The steepled chapel and three-story education building would allow IOPCS to more than double its enrollment!

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IOP Gets to Work: After careful planning, work began at the upper campus. This project has entailed asbestos remediation, installing a new fire-suppression system, updating wiring and plumbing, reframing classrooms and more. From parish staff to volunteers, ministry groups to construction crews, teachers to parishioners, preparing our school to open for the 2023-24 school year has been a true community effort.

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Looking to the Future: On August 22, 2023, we welcomed IOPCS's first ever high school students! The upper campus is home to grades 6-12, leaving the lower campus with room to expand the PreK-5th grade program. This entire project has been fueled by the belief in the positive impact a PreK-12 Catholic school will have on our youth, their families, and our city for generations to come!

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Our story is just beginning, you can be a part of it by making a one-time or recurring donation to the Come Grow With Us campaign!

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