STATE
ABOUT IMMACULATE
Mission Statement
In the Roman Catholic tradition, Immaculate High School fosters the development of the whole student by nurturing individual spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and social growth through an academically rigorous college preparatory curriculum that encourages respect, responsibility, reverence, creativity and leadership.
Overview
Immaculate High School, a Diocesan-sponsored Catholic college preparatory school, provides a challenging academic education in a wholesome and disciplined environment. Because Immaculate High School values character formation, moral development and spiritual direction, religious education is an integral part of the curriculum. Immaculate High School welcomes students from all religious and cultural traditions.
Immaculate is proud to be ranked as the #1 Co-Ed Catholic Day School by Niche, a national organization that ranks elementary through college schools based on key statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Education and parent/student reviews. With a counselor-student ratio of 95:1 and a teacher-student ratio of 11:1, our academic program offers a diverse college-preparatory program that includes 30 Advanced Placement, nine dual enrollment courses with colleges and universities – plus professional certifications in nursing, graphics arts and technology. In 2025, Niche ranked Immaculate #4 Best Catholic High Schools in the state and gave it an A+ rating, placing it in the top 2.5 percent of schools in the country. Immaculate was also honored as #14 Best High Schools for Athletes.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Wendy Neil serves as the Head of School of Immaculate High School, overseeing programs, school policies and school improvement. This administrative model was established to strengthen meeting the goals and objectives of the school mission.
In an effort to ensure that annual SMART goals and strategic goals are met, the Leadership Team meets weekly to provide an opportunity for the Head of School and staff to collaborate, identify and resolve any matters relating to academics, daily routine, teacher performance and
Joseph T. Draper Chairperson
John Capilli Vice-Chairperson
student affairs. The Head of School regularly reports to the school Board of Directors and is responsible for managing non-teaching/non-athletic personnel, specifically the Business Office, Admissions Office, Facilities Manager, School Communications Team, Alumni Office and Advancement Office.
The school Chaplain Father Philip Phan and Board of Directors Committee Chairperson Monsignor Robert E. Weiss assist the Head of School in ensuring that the school maintains its strong Catholic Identity.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Immaculate High School Board of Directors was established in July 2021. Its fiduciary role and responsibilities have been instrumental in assisting with strengthening the implementation of the strategic plans set forth for the school.
The Board consists of volunteer members who are charged with using their professional expertise to assist in the following areas: Spiritual Life, Finance, Development, Alumni, Athletics, Enrollment, Facilities and Technology.
The Board meets monthly with the school administration to review operational procedures, facility
planning and finance as well to create ongoing goals and objectives that are focused on school improvement. Members of the Board report to the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, who serves as the Member of the Board.
The current Executive Officers of the Board include Mr. Joseph T. Draper, Chairperson, Mr. John Capilli, Vice Chairperson and Ms. Jessie Wong, Treasurer. A complete listing and biography of the 2024-25 Board of Directors and the mission of the Board may be found on our school website https://www.immaculatehs.org/ discover-ihs/board-of-directors
Wendy Neil Head of School
CURRICULUM
Immaculate offers an Advanced Placement Program that is administered by the College Board and consists of standardized high school courses that are equivalent to undergraduate college courses. They are designed to prepare the annual average of 122 enrolled students for the rigors of college level work. Immaculate offers 18 AP courses in the traditional classroom setting, which include Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, European History, Macroeconomics, Physics 1, Physics 2, Psychology, Research, Seminar, Studio Art: 2-D Design, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History (college level) and Statistics. Immaculate also collaborates with Virtual High School, allowing the school to offer another 22 virtual online Advanced Placement courses to meet students’ needs. All AP classes have prerequisites that must be met for students to participate in the class. Immaculate offers nine dual enrollment college level courses in partnership with Quinnipiac University, University of Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University.
Our Class of 2024 has reported the following college acceptances!
CONGRATULATIONS MUSTANGS!
Albertus Magnus College
• Albertus Magnus College
Alvernia University
Alvernia University
• American University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
• George Mason University
Norwich University
Georgetown University
Franklin Pierce University
• Georgia State University
American University
Anna Maria College
• Arizona State University (Tempe)
Gannon University
• Gettysburg College
Oklahoma State University (Main Campus)
• Rider University
Stony Brook University
Rochester Institute of Technology
SUNY at New Paltz
Arizona State University (Tempe)
Auburn University Ave Maria University
George Mason University
• High Point University
George Washington University
• Belmont Abbey College
Assumption University
• Benedictine College
Ave Maria University
• Bentley University
Belmont Abbey College
Binghamton University
Bentley University
• Boston College
Binghamton University
• Boston University
Boston College
• Brandeis University
Boston University
Bryant University
Brandeis University
• Bucknell University
Bryant University
• Caldwell University
Bucknell University
Catholic University of America
Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Indiana University
Georgia Institute of Technology
• Iona University
Ithaca College
Georgia State University
- Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell
University of Mississippi
• University of Memphis
University of New England
• Roger Williams University
Pace University (New York City)
SUNY College at Cortland
• Rutgers University
Pacific University
Sacred Heart University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
• James Madison University
Gettysburg College
High Point University
• Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
Hillsdale College
Hofstra University
Lehigh University
Howard University
• Carnegie Mellon University Catholic University of America
Central Connecticut
State University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Keene State College
Plymouth State University
Indiana University (Bloomington)
• Central Connecticut State University
• Champlain College
Champlain College
• Chatham University
Charleston Southern University
Clark University
• Clarkson University
• Clemson University
Chatham University
• Colgate University
Clark University
College of Charleston
Clarkson University
Clemson University
• Culinary Institute of America
Colgate University
College
• University of Miami
SUNY Oneonta
• Saint Joseph’s University
• Salve Regina University
Penn State University (University Park)
• Louisiana State University
• Loyola University Chicago
• Loyola University Maryland
Lynn University
Iona University
Ithaca College
Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Denison University
DePaul University
College of Charleston
Drexel University
Colorado State
• Duquesne University
University (Fort Collins)
Connecticut College
Elizabethtown College
Curry College
• Elmira College
Denison University
• Elon University
DePaul University
Drexel University
• Marist College
James Madison University
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
• Savannah College of Art and Design
University of New Hampshire (Main Campus)
• University of New Hampshire (Main Campus) University of New Haven
Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
• Seton Hall University
• Siena College
Providence College
Temple University
The Ohio State University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• St. Bonaventure University
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Quinnipiac University
• Manhattan College
Regis College
• Marywood University
Johnson & Wales
Sciences
University (Providence)
Keene State College
• St. John’s University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health
Rider University
• Merrimack College
King’s College
Le Moyne College
• Mitchell College
The University of Alabama
• St. Lawrence University St. Thomas Aquinas College
Rhodes College
Miami University (Oxford)
Lehigh University
University of New Haven
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Dakota University of Northern Colorado
University of North Dakota
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
The University of Tampa
• Stevens Institute of Technology Stonehill College
University of Northern Colorado
University of Oklahoma
• University of Rhode Island
• University of Richmond
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
• University of Rochester University of Saint Joseph
The University of Texas at Dallas
Trinity College
• Stony Brook University
• SUNY at New Paltz
Ringling College of Art and Design
Robert Morris University
• Moravian University
• Mount Saint Mary College
Louisiana State University
Chicago
Mount St Mary’s University
Loyola University
Maryland
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roger Williams
• Muhlenberg College
University
• New England College
Loyola University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• New York University
Lynn University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
Manhattan College
Duquesne University
• Endicott College
Eastern Connecticut
• Fairfield University
State University
• Flagler College
Elizabethtown College
University of Rhode Island
• University of Scranton
• University of South Carolina
Tusculum University
Union College
• SUNY College at Cortland SUNY Oneonta SUNY Polytechnic Institute
University of Richmond
• University of South Florida (Main Campus)
University of Rochester
University of Saint Joseph
• University of Southern Maine
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
• Susquehanna University
• Syracuse University
University of Scranton
• University of Utah University of Vermont
University of Bridgeport
University of California (Davis)
• Temple University The Ohio State University
Rutgers University (Camden)
• North Carolina State University
Marist College
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Elmira College
• Florida Institute of Technology
Elon University
• Fordham University
Endicott College
Fairfield University
University of South Carolina
• University of Virginia (Main Campus)
• University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
University of South Florida (Main Campus)
• The University of Alabama
University of California (Irvine)
• The University of Tampa
• The University of Texas at Austin
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Sacred Heart University
Northeastern University
Marywood University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Trinity College
Saint Joseph’s University
• Norwich University
• Oklahoma State University (Main Campus)
Merrimack College
• Pacific University
Miami University (Oxford)
Florida Atlantic University
Flagler College
• Villanova University
University of California (Riverside)
University of California (Santa Barbara)
• Tufts University
• Union College University of Arizona
Saint Joseph’s University (New York)
Salve Regina University
Pace University (New York City)
Misericordia University
• University of Bridgeport
Savannah College of Art and Design
• Penn State University
Siena College
• Providence College
Mitchell College
Moravian University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Framingham State University
University of Southern Maine
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
University of Vermont
University of Virginia (Main Campus)
Wake Forest University
University of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
• Washington College
University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
University of Connecticut
• University of CaliforniaDavis, Irvine, San Diego
University of Dallas
Seton Hall University
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Mount Saint Mary College
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Regis College
Muhlenberg College
State University
Southern New
• Quinnipiac University
New England College
• Rhodes College
Vermont State University
Wesleyan University
University of Delaware
• University of Colorado University of Connecticut
• University of Dallas
Southern Connecticut
Villanova University
• Western Connecticut State University
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii at Manoa
• University of Delaware
• University of Florida University of Hartford
• Western New England University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wake Forest University
• Westminster College
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hampshire University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Springfield College
St. Bonaventure University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Michigan University
Washington College
• Wilkes University
• Wingate University
University of Maryland (College Park)
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Wesleyan University
Western Connecticut
• Xavier University
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts
St. John’s University
St. Lawrence University
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stonehill College
University of Massachusetts (Boston)
University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth)
University of Massachusetts (Lowell)
University of Memphis
University of Miami
State University
Western New England
University
Westminster College
Wilkes University
Wingate University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University
Three-Year
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM
In May of 2024, 149 Immaculate High School students took 284 AP Exams. One hundred and eighteen exam test takers earned a score of “3” or better. It is important to note that all AP students are required to sit for the AP Exam.
Historically, 100% of Immaculate High School graduates continue their education.
On October 31, 2024, the Immaculate community lined the school’s entrance for a Eucharistic Procession which was followed by the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, speaking at a Eucharistic Adoration service. Over 100 student-athlete alums relived their “Glory Days” at an inaugural event on May 10, 2024. Alumnus Dana Smith ‘87 designed a new IHS sweatshirt that supports our endowment and looks sharp!
CELEBRATION BRIEFS | ACADEMICS
Immaculate’s “Brave Engineers” squad used its innovation and knowledge in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to create an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and take first place in the Real World Design Challenge State Competition. This means they’ve come out on top six years in a row! This Immaculate STEM squad also earned an Honorable Mention in the RWDC National/International Competition.
Three Immaculate seniors received prestigious STEM scholarships from The Angeles T. Arredondo Foundation based in Stamford, Connecticut which are earmarked for their college education. Keira Licursi ‘25 of Cross River, NY was awarded a first prize of $50,000, Maris Chirayil ‘25 of Danbury earned a second prize of $25,000 and Kristina Asmani ‘25 of Norwalk received a third prize of $10,000.
The Niche rankings are in–and Immaculate High School received an A+ grade putting it in the top 2.5 percent of high schools across America! The school is once again the #1 Catholic Co-Ed Day School in Connecticut and the #4 Catholic High School in the state. Immaculate is also ranked #14 Best for Athletes out of 248 schools in Connecticut.
CELEBRATION BRIEFS | SPORTS
CELEBRATION OF STUDENT LIFE
Our Immaculate Mustangs continue to give back - in a big way! Students regularly volunteer in our community and beyond, making a difference in countless lives. Service projects this year included participating in the Danbury Regional Hospice color run fundraiser, collecting cereal for the Hillside Food Pantry Outreach, sewing pillows for heart surgery patients for Matthew’s Hearts of Hope, putting together lunches for Danbury’s Dorothy Day Hospitality House, making beds at Villa Maria for Diocesan Eucharistic pilgrims plus collecting clothing and cooking breakfast for homeless individuals in NYC. During the 2023-24 school year, students donated a total of 20,304 service hours.
Junior Jacob Murphy is just one example. His commitment to our community serves as a model for others and embodies our spirit of service at IHS. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves praised Jacob in a social media post, writing: “Jacob is an inspiring young man. He has volunteered over 500 hours of community service through local nonprofits such as Jericho Partnership, Dorothy Day and many more, all while playing three sports and maintaining good grades. He stopped by the mayor’s office for what he thought was a food rescue mission. We surprised him with an official mayor’s proclamation and we chatted about all his community service work and his future plans. Jacob gives us all hope for the future.” Jacob and the mayor were joined by Dean of Students Bill Garvey for the ceremony. Way to go Jacob!
Sometimes, our Mustangs’ service projects go way beyond our immediate community or region. Immaculate sophomore Mackenzie Moreau saw the devastation experienced by victims of Hurricane Helene and set out to help. Her organization of a dress down day raised $1650 for the Red Cross!
Every year, the Ridgefield based organization Sphere CT helps adults with disabilities reach their dreams. The Sphere Performing Arts Program rehearses all year to put on a production at the Ridgefield Playhouse – always a touching show that brings tears to the eyes of audience members. This past year, Immaculate sophomore Max Nadoraski played a key role in helping the actors learn their lines, practice their dances and gave them pep talks before heading out on stage to perform West Side Story in September. “I was so proud of how hard everyone worked and wowed the crowd with their acting, singing and dancing,” Max, who was also the show’s prop manager, said. “The best part is honestly all the amazing friendships I’ve made at Sphere. I’m ready for our next show!”
In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, sophomore Stephanie Robinson spearheaded a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) raising $1,465!
Our lady Mustang Volleyball Team presented a check to Regional Hospice for $550. The team raised the donation through recent bake sales. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
Often, our Mustangs choose to use their flex period during school to give back! On this day, one group made sandwiches for Dorothy Day Hospitality House, which feeds the hungry. Another group sewed heart pillows for children having open heart surgery for Matthew’s Hearts of Hope.
Our Key Club collected over 60 boxes of breakfast cereal this month for the Hillside Food Outreach in Danbury. The organization helps low-income, chronically ill and disabled people access a traditional food pantry to improve their quality of life.
Students participating in the recently formed Youth Volunteer Corps at Immaculate High School spent three days with Jericho Partnership in Danbury preparing and distributing bags of food for local families to enjoy this Thanksgiving.
IHS Campus Ministry students and parent volunteers regularly make “Breakfast Runs” to New York City to distribute clothing and food to the city’s homeless. As part of the Midnight Run Program, Mustangs collected clothing, food and toiletries, prepared breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal, bagged lunches and headed off to serve approximately 75 people in need in lower Manhattan.
ENROLLMENT
Immaculate’s overall enrollment has remained steady with a slight increase in international enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year. A robust, newly formed Parent Ambassador Program, along with over 150 student ambassadors, a strong online marketing and social media presence and increased rates of attendance at admission events allow us to tell a compelling story.
Our vibrant community continues to attract families who value academic excellence, a faith-centered environment and a commitment to forming students of character who will make a difference in our world. Domestic applications for the 20252026 academic year have increased over 10 percent. With the introduction of a new application timeline during the 20242025 admissions season, the enrollment yield on acceptances is up significantly over the prior year, holding potential of a healthy increase in freshman enrollment for 2025-2026. As we anticipate this growth, we also acknowledge the rising costs of tuition, understanding that access to a Catholic education must remain within reach for as many as possible. We are working diligently to grow the Robert E. Gerwien Endowment Fund to ensure that Immaculate remains open to a diverse group of students who will benefit from our mission.
ENDOWMENT
ROBERT E. GERWIEN ENDOWMENT
Bob Gerwien served 35 years at Immaculate as a teacher, coach and principal. And, during that time, he touched countless lives. He believes wholeheartedly in Immaculate’s mission and that’s why we established the Robert E. Gerwien, Sr. Scholarship Endowment Fund. We look forward to featuring many more named scholarships in the years to come.
Former NFL Coach Chris Palmer ‘68 and his wife Donna (Begg) ‘67 met at Immaculate and he went on to serve as head coach for the Cleveland Browns, plus as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and New York Giants.
Palmer said when he visits Immaculate, it makes him appreciate how special the school community is all over again. “When I see the kids that make up the school, the true bond teachers have with students and Wendy as the leader mingling with alumni… it made me convinced that we had to help more students become a Mustang,” he said. So the Palmers decided to fund a scholarship that will help promising students who have a special quality that will enhance the student body afford Immaculate.
Paul Coleman ‘74 will never forget the day he met Joe Canestrari ‘74 when they were 12. The two ended up becoming great friends at Immaculate.
“Even as a young kid he had his principles,” Coleman said of his friend Joe. “I like to tell people he was a jock who wasn’t scared of being a nerd–a heck of a football player, and a great baseball player.” When Canestrari passed away from pancreatic cancer, Coleman started thinking about how he could honor his old friend–and decided on an Immaculate scholarship in his name. The scholarship is awarded to a student entering their sophomore year who is on the Honor Roll, must participate in sports or an extracurricular activity and be a positive member of his or her class.
Carol Henry may not have attended Immaculate herself–but she made sure her children and their children did because of its academic excellence and nurturing family environment.
“We wanted our girls at a school where both their minds and hearts were formed,” Henry said, referring to the decision she made with her late husband Bernie. Henry’s daughters are Denise Suarez ‘87 (director of admissions at Immaculate), Dana (Henry) Saidman ‘87 and Andrea Henry ‘90. Suarez’ children Joseph ‘18, Madeline ‘20 and Christopher ‘22 all graduated from the school. And Saidman’s daughters Jenna ‘24 (last year’s salutatorian) and Angela ‘19 were Mustangs.
The family’s matriarch founded a scholarship in the Henry family’s name that will help others experience the gift of a Catholic education. “Immaculate continues to show their students that God is present and active in their lives,” she said.
Robert Murphy credits his Catholic school education for having a profound impact on his life. And he’s seen what it can do for Mustangs too. “I am not an alumnus nor parent of Immaculate students, but rather someone who has had the opportunity to see the impact of an Immaculate education on my three nieces and, more recently, to watch my five grand nieces and nephews graduate from the school prepared for entrance to outstanding colleges,” he said.
This is why Murphy decided to create a scholarship at Immaculate, just like his sister Carol Henry. “Funding an endowed scholarship gives me the opportunity to create a lasting legacy,” he said.
Paul Coleman Joe Canestrari
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
In order to maintain a legacy of excellence, the Board of Directors and school administration have made purposeful, tactical financial decisions to ensure that quality teachers are retained plus program resources and professional development align to implement a rigorous inclusive college-preparatory curriculum. We also provide an extracurricular program that cultivates respect, responsibility and reverence for all students – and ensure that the safety and health of staff and students is exceptional.
The Robert E Gerwien Endowment Fund is a collection of individual funds that has been established by donors and our recent capital campaign to support students through scholarship assistance. The amount of cash held for endowment as of June 30, 2024 is $454,981.00. The Robert E Gerwien Endowment Fund investments are overseen by the finance committee of the Board of Directors with audit oversight by PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP.
To demonstrate transparency as well as review internal financial management and operations, the school conducts an annual audit with PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP. As reported on June 30, 2024, the school’s net assets total $8,020, 526.00 which represents a continued growth in the investment portfolio of restricted donor assets.
OF ACTIVITIES AS JUNE 30, 2024
ADVANCEMENT
The Empowering Our Legacy Beyond Today capital campaign concluded successfully, raising over $1.1 million in commitments from over 300 generous donors. This achievement enabled us to replace the turf on Mustang Valley and install a new track.
The Advancement Team continues to focus its efforts on growing the Robert E. Gerwien, Sr. Scholarship Endowment Fund so that we may continue to offer scholarships to deserving students.
The annual golf and gala events and Immaculate Fund giving continue to support operating costs not covered by tuition.
ROBERT E. GERWIEN, SR. SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Alumni engagement for the annual golf outing and gala has fluctuated in recent years. While there was a slight decrease in FY 2023, the addition of new events like the Young Alumni Networking Luncheon, Legacy Family Breakfast and the alumni-sponsored Glory Days athletic event in 2023-24 has led to increased alumni participation overall.
ALUMNI GIVING
Total alumni giving (excluding capital campaign contributions) continues to increase each year. However, there was a decline in the percentage of alumni giving to the Immaculate Fund in FY23 compared to the previous year. This decrease can be attributed to a portion (10.3%) of alumni redirecting their support from the Immaculate Fund to the Robert E. Gerwien, Sr. Scholarship Endowment Fund.
