History of Incarnation Catholic School

Incarnation Catholic School (ICS) opened in 1961 at a temporary site, operating initially at St. Martha’s School while awaiting the completion of its own building. In February 1962, ICS moved into its current facility, marking the beginning of a longstanding tradition of faith-based education in the Sarasota community.

1960s: A Growing Mission

Founded under the leadership of Father Joseph Daley, the school began with 121 students in grades 1 through 4. In 1962, grades 5 and 6 were added, expanding the student body to 220. By 1963, ICS served grades 1–8, and was initially staffed entirely by lay educators, including Ms. Nellie Banks as office administrator.

In 1964, the first religious sisters joined the faculty—four Sisters of St. Francis from the Chicago Province. That year also marked the appointment of Sister Donna Jean as principal, with another sister serving as religious coordinator. Lay teachers were added as needed.

1970s–1980s: Continued Growth

In the years that followed, ICS experienced significant academic and physical growth: 

• 1974: Portable classrooms were added for more space. 
• 1975: The school returned to an all-lay faculty with Mrs. Lorraine Hill as principal. 
• 1976–1979: ICS expanded curriculum offerings and class sizes; enrollment reached 302 students. 
• 1981: The kindergarten program was added.
• 1989-2009: Sister Monica Paul Fraser, O.P., a Dominican Sister, was named principal, hired by Father Gerard Finegan. That same year, two Sisters of Notre Dame joined the staff part-time, contributing to a legacy of collaboration between religious and lay educators.
• 2022: Sister Monica retired from Incarnation Parish, and the school’s main office was dedicated to her and her long commitment to Incarnation School and Parish.

1990s: Facilities Expansion

Thanks to a dedicated fundraising campaign:

• 1993: ICS replaced the portables with a new building for grades 3–5, a computer lab, and an art room.
• Additions to the original building included an administrative suite, a clinic, and a library/media center. 
• 1995–1996: Playground redesign and lunchroom renovation were completed.

2000s: Innovation and Recognition 

• 2001: Two Sisters of Mercy joined the staff.
• 2002: An additional Dominican Sister joined the staff.
• 2008: ICS was honored as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
• 2009–2013: Mrs. Regina Housel was appointed principal, and a Pre-K4 preschool program was launched.

2010s–Present: Excellence Continues 

• 2014: Middle school grades were reorganized into newer facilities.
• 2013–2015: Dr. Ann Davis was principal. 
• 2015–2020: Ms. Colleen Curlett was principal. 
• 2020–2021: Dr. Jack Chevez was principal.
• 2018: Father Eric Scanlan serves as Pastor of the Church of the Incarnation and ICS.
• 2021: Mrs. Amy Yager becomes principal, continuing the tradition of leadership excellence. 
• 2018, 2023, 2024, 2025: ICS was voted Best Private School by Sarasota’s SRQ Magazine.

A Legacy of Faith, Knowledge, and Love

From its humble beginnings, Incarnation Catholic School has maintained a rich and caring history. For over 60 years, ICS has grown and flourished thanks to the dedicated investment of faculty, alumni, parents, grandparents, and volunteers who have contributed their time, talents, and resources to the school and parish community.

Today, ICS is staffed entirely by lay teachers, continuing a tradition of academic rigor and spiritual development rooted in Catholic values. The school remains a beacon of excellence, embodying the legacy set forth by its early religious leaders, lay teachers, and visionary pastors.