Immaculate Conception Academy is a historical landmark on Laney Walker Blvd.

It's one of only three schools in Richmond County that recently received a platinum award from the governor’s office for reading achievement.

Immaculate Conception Academy offers students a quality education in a Christian environment, but not without some hurdles over the years.

Despite the challenges, supporters say Immaculate Conception Academy will continue to overcome obstacles.

Throughout its 95 year history, the award-winning school has struggled with low enrollment, faculty and staff turnover and an outdated building.

Recently, some things have changed for the better.

Principal Jonathan Pike says enrollment is up and turnover is down, but the building remains an issue.

“Because it's kept its tuition so low, right now, it’s the lowest in the CSRA area. There hasn't been funding set aside to keep renovations up to date. As of last year, a proposition is on the table with the supervisor of the diocese in Savannah to possibly relocate to another facility,” Pike said.

ICA faces some tough decisions as they approach their 100-year anniversary: to stay at the historic Laney Walker location hoping and praying the funds will come in for renovations or sell the property and relocate to a more updated building on Telfair Street.

“We need help from alumni to help us make that decision because it’s going to take funds,” Pike said.

“The Laney Walker area is going to be revitalized and we want the school to remain here and perhaps serve those coming into the community to live,” JoAnn Cook, an alumna of Immaculate Conception, said.

Cook's family has attended and supported ICA for generations.

“My dad, my maternal grandmother, my children all went to IC and now my grandson is here,” she said.

That's why she's helping organize an alumni association to build support for ICA.

“I feel I have a lot invested emotionally, sentimentally; I wouldn’t give anything for the experience I had here at Immaculate Conception,” Cook said. “It’s important to give your time, your talent, but it’s also important to give a little bit of your treasure and that’s when we talk about monetary gifts.”

That's why Cook and Pike are hoping the thousands who've passed through Immaculate Conception over the last century will give back, so the school can move forward.

Principal Pike says the school has not received an official recommendation about their building from the diocese yet, but the school can use donations of any kind and there are specific items on their wish list as well.

To find out how you can help, click here.