2023-2024 Academic Profile
Founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in 1877, Sacred Heart Academy is a Catholic, Ursuline, college preparatory, all-girls high school committed to the core values of reverence, service, leadership and community.
Sacred Heart offers an educational experience unmatched in Louisville:
International Baccalaureate global curriculum and accountability
College-level courses, including IB, AP, and Dual-Credit
Formalized leadership development through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute
Faith formation grounded in the Ursuline heritage, service outreach, and retreat opportunities
Holistic student support from academic advisors and the wellness team
Nationally ranked athletics
Full-scale visual and performing arts programs with travel opportunities
Commitment to student life and building community
SHA is part of Sacred Heart Schools, a Catholic community rooted in the Ursuline tradition, dedicated to inspiring diverse learners to become globally minded, compassionate leaders.
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2
1:1
18
15
85%
736 TOTAL STUDENTS 10:1 STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO
DEVICE PROGRAM
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE FOUR-YEAR ACADEMIC CONCENTRATIONS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, VISUAL ARTS, AND PERFORMING ARTS
SPORTS 3 NO-CUT TEAMS 107 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 73 FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS
WITH GRADUATE OR POSTGRADUATE DEGREES
NUMBERS
IN
$1.5 MILLION IN TUITION ASSISTANCE AWARDED 4 ACADEMIC LEVELS 65+ CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS 48ACRE URSULINE CAMPUS 100% GRADUATION RATE
STRENGTH
SHAdifference the
A Combination of Benefits unmatched in Louisville!
IB/AP Combo and Career Pathways not found anywhere else in Louisville
36 IB
8 AP 1 DC
45 College-level courses
Plus, a holistic approach to education and external accountability through the International Baccalaureate Program.
Block Schedule
Four 75-minute periods
One 45-minute TEAM/HEART period for assemblies, group study, teacher meetings, study hall and more.
8 Course Periods allow ample time for college/career pathways and additional electives!
Authentic leadership development programming for every student through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute
The 1st of its kind in Louisville, with proven results.
Unique student-centered spaces like the newly renovated Library and Student Life Center, Ambassador Lounge, and Outdoor Lunch Area under the trees.
Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Accredited by Cognia
Member of the Ursuline Education Network
International Baccalaureate World School
Named the best high school for athletes in Kentucky
Collaborative Learning Differences program with designated space and faculty support in the Horton Family Accessible Education Center
Beautiful 48-acre campus with all academic and athletic facilities, as well as the 500-seat Ursuline Arts Center auditorium for all performances.
Ranked the #1 all-girls school in Kentucky by Niche.
Campus integration with Sacred Heart School for the Arts, Sacred Heart Model School and Sacred Heart Preschool
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ACADEMIC CHOICES AT SHA
Theology
Theology I-IV
Language and Literature
English I-IV
IB English I-II
AP Language and Composition
AP English Literature
Creative Writing
Film Study and Analysis
Language Acquisition
Chinese I-II
Advanced Chinese II-III
IB Mandarin I-II
French I-III
IB French I-II
Spanish I-IV
Advanced Spanish III
IB Spanish I-II
Individuals and Societies
World History
U.S. History
U.S. Government
AP Human Geography
IB History I: World History
IB History II: History of the Americas
IB Global Politics
A.P. U.S. Government and Politics
IB Psychology
IB Economics
Dual Credit Art History
Current World Affairs
Economics
Women’s Studies
Social Movements in U.S. History
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
IB Chemistry
IB Biology I-II
IB Physics I-II
AP Environmental Science
IB Sports, Exercise, and Health
Science
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Forensic Science
Marine Science
Nutritional Science
Mathematics
Advanced Algebra II/Geometry
Algebra I
Algebra Intensive
Advanced Geometry/ Trigonometry
Geometry II
Algebra II
Precalculus
AP Precalculus
Statistics and Probability
IB Mathematics I
IB Mathematics II: Analysis and Approaches
IB Mathematics: Application and Interpretation I-II
AP Calculus AB
Performing Arts
Survey of Performing Arts
Intro to Musical Theatre
Music Theory for the Stage
Musical Theatre I
Introduction to Acting
Introduction to Dance
Piano
A Cappella Choir
Madrigals Choir
Private Music Lessons
IB Music
IB Dance
Visual Arts
Survey of Visual Arts
Art I-IV
Ceramics I-III
Jewelry and Accessory Design
Photography I-II
IB Visual Art I-II
Design: Business, Communication, and Technology
Freshman Design Seminar
Digital Design and Multimedia
Visual Communication Design
Business Management
Entrepreneurship and Business Applications
Marketing
Personal Finance
Broadcasting I-II
Yearbook I-II
AP Computer Science Principles
IB Computer Science I-II
Information Technology Internship
Sports Marketing & Media Internship
Physical & Health Education
Health
Physical Education
Fitness for Life
Child Development
Interdisciplinary
Sophomore Leadership Seminar
IB Writing Lab
Theory of Knowledge
Jean Frazier Leadership Institute Program and Extended Internship
Scan the code to view the Program of Studies
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WHAT WILL YOUR DAUGHTER LEARN ABOUT HERSELF?
VALKYRIE VALUE
YOU ARE unconditionall LOVED.
YOU ARE mor tha enouh .
YOU ARE A resilient & stron LEADER.
YOU WILL CHANGE the worl AROUND ou .
WHO WILL YOUR DAUGHTER BECOME?
The PORTRAIT of a SACRED HEART ACADEMY Graduate
A strong, confident, and empowered young woman
A servant leader developed through the founding vision and core values of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville
A globally minded, compassionate leader
A creative, critical, and reflective thinker
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HOW AND WHY?
Sacred Heart Academy is more than a school; it's a community committed to raising strong, empowered young women. This isn't just about mastering content; it's a training ground for future leaders who will change the world as we know it. For women who will compete and excel in a globalized economy.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT ALL LEVELS FOR ALL STUDENTS
Since 1877, Sacred Heart Academy has helped young women become worldready leaders through a diverse, customizable high school experience that meets students’ needs academically, emotionally, and socially. A challenging curriculum is paired with individualized student support, including support for students with diagnosed learning differences.
URSULINE CORE VALUES AND THE VALKYRIE VALUE
As a Catholic, Ursuline school, we are equally committed to forming compassionate, moral citizens who serve others. The Ursuline core values of reverence, service, leadership, and community are fundamental to all we say and do. The Valkyrie Value statements are aimed at empowering our students to navigate their world confidently with the understanding of their intrinsic value as children of God.
COMMITTED AND SUPPORTIVE FACULTY AND STAFF
SHA’s faculty and staff are second to none. They show deep dedication and devotion to the success of their students – academically, spiritually, mentally and physically. The bonds that form between our students and their teachers are remarkable.
INTENTIONAL AND INTEGRATED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Jean Frazier Leadership Institute at Sacred Heart Academy inspires our students to discover their unique gifts and attributes and empowers them to share these through authentic, experiential, and transformational experiences in real-world settings.
STRONG SISTERHOOD AND SACRED HEART COMMUNITY
Once a Valkyrie, Forever a Valkyrie. The bonds of sisterhood that form in the halls of Sacred Heart Academy truly are forever.
EMPHASIS ON ALL ASPECTS OF STUDENT LIFE
At SHA, we are focused on every aspect of the student experience – ask our Valkyries, and they’ll tell you – these are the best four years of their lives!
CLASS OF 2023
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAT HAVE ACCEPTED SACRED HEART ACADEMY STUDENTS
American University
Appalachian State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University Polytechnic
Asbury University
Auburn University
Ball State University
Baylor University
Bellarmine University
Belmont University
Berea College
Binghamton University
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bradley University
Brown University
Butler University
California Institute of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
Catholic University of America
Centre College
Clemson University
Cleveland Institute of Art
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
Colorado College
Colorado State University
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Denison University
DePaul University
Drexel University
Duke University
Eastern Kentucky University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
Emory University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Flagler College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida International University
Florida Memorial University
Florida Southern College
Florida State University
Fordham University
Furman University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown College
Georgetown University
Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hanover College
Harvard University
Hawai’i Pacific University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Southeast
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson & Wales University
Kent State University
Kentucky Christian University
Kenyon College
Lewis & Clark College
Liberty University
Lipscomb University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University New Orleans
Macalester College
Manhattan College
Manhattan School of Music
Marquette University
Marshall University
Marymount Manhattan College
McGill University
Miami University
Michigan State University
Mississippi State University
Morehead State University
Murray State University
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Kentucky University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Pace University
Parsons School of Design at The New School
Pennsylvania State University (University Park)
Pepperdine University
Point Park University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rhodes College
Rice University
Roanoke College
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Sacred Heart University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s College
Samford University
San Diego State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Southern Methodist University
Spalding University
Spelman College
St. Andrews University
Stanford University
SUNY at Purchase College
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Taylor University
Temple University
Tennessee State University
Texas Christian University
The American University of Paris
The College of William and Mary
The Juilliard School
The Ohio State University
Towson University
Transylvania University
Tufts University
Tulane University of Louisiana
Union College
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Denver
University of Evansville
University of Findlay
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana at Monroe
University of Louisville
University of Maryland
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota Duluth
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina
School of the Arts
University of North Carolina
Wilmington
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of San Diego
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Texas at Austin
University of the Cumberlands
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wake Forest University
Warren Wilson College
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
West Virginia University
Western Kentucky University
Wofford College
Xavier University
Yale University
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