Our Lady of Grace Sister School, St. John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis merged into Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICS) in Columbia Heights, marking the final day of classes for the historic JPII campus in June 2026.

The historic JPII building (dating back in roots to 1853, with a structure erected in 1949) faced “insurmountable maintenance costs due to its age, including plumbing and electrical issues. 

As of August 2026, 164 out of a possible 183 Kindergarten through seventh grade JPII scholars are enrolled at Immaculate Conception. The current ICS total (JPII + ICS students) enrollment for K-8 is 323, with another 38 preschoolers in the 2 preK rooms.

The percentage of students at or below poverty level remains consistent with that of JPII, with 70% of families qualifying for social welfare. That's about 225 of the students in K-8. 85% of the scholars enrolled at ICS are scholars of color, with the majority being English Language Learners. 

As part of the unification that absorbed JPII, ICS formally became part of Ascension Catholic Academy. Our Lady of Grace will maintain sister relations with the combined schools, now formally called Immaculate Conception School.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities or to schedule a tour of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, please contact Maggie LeMay at 763-760-3928.