Founded in 1924 by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Sacred Heart Model School has inspired young minds through a values-based Catholic education grounded in a global view.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme Member of the Ursuline Education Network | Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Dear Families,
Welcome to Sacred Heart Model School — a place where hearts are nurtured, minds are inspired, and futures are shaped with purpose.
At Sacred Heart Model School, and across our campus, we believe education is more than lessons learned in the classroom. It is a journey of the whole person — an experience that forms the heart, deepens faith, and inspires students to grow into the people God calls them to be. Rooted in our Catholic faith and the enduring legacy of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, we live out the Core Values of reverence, service, leadership, and community each day. These values are more than words on a page — they are the heartbeat of our mission and the foundation of the relationships we build.
Here, your child will be known, loved, and challenged. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, our students engage in learning that is bold, creative, and
globally minded. They ask big questions, make meaningful connections, and discover how their gifts can serve the world. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in service to others, or on the playing field, our students grow into compassionate leaders ready to make a difference.
We are deeply honored that you are considering Sacred Heart Schools for your child’s educational journey. It is a sacred trust to walk alongside families, and we would be truly blessed to welcome you into our community.
Together in Heart,
Dr. Karen McNay President, Sacred Heart Schools
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most respected educational frameworks in the world, and SHMS is proud to be the only Catholic school in Kentucky offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). Known for academic rigor and a comprehensive curriculum, SHMS leverages an IB framework to prepare students for the challenges of higher education. From Junior Kindergarten through Level 8, our students benefit from a consistent, high-quality approach that not only fosters academic success but also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication skills, service learning, and personal motivation, equipping them for life.
It’s skills-based. Students build lifelong skills like communication, research, and time management — not just subject knowledge. It’s inquiry-driven. Learning starts with curiosity. Students are encouraged to explore, investigate, and draw meaningful connections across subjects.
It’s globally minded. IB fosters cultural understanding and teaches students to see the world from multiple perspectives.
It builds independence. Students learn to reflect, self-manage, and take responsibility for their learning — preparing them for high school and beyond.
At SHMS, IB isn’t just part of what we do. It’s the foundation for how we help students grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate leaders.
PRINCIPAL, SACRED HEART MODEL SCHOOL
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Sacred Heart Model School. Whether you’re just beginning your search or already know someone in our community, I’m so glad you’re here.
At SHMS, we believe in giving students the space to grow into the best version of themselves. That means a strong academic foundation, but also opportunities to lead, to serve, to reflect, and to discover what they love. With small class sizes, caring teachers, and a truly unique co-ed JK–8 experience, SHMS is a place where students are known, challenged, and supported every step of the way to grow in knowledge, character, and confidence.
As Kentucky’s only Catholic school offering both the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes, we take pride in helping students become Critical Thinkers, Confident Communicators, and Compassionate Leaders. We can’t wait to meet your family and show you what makes our school community so unique.
With gratitude, Leah Mullen Principal, Sacred Heart Model School
Our Catholic identity and Ursuline Core Values guide students in becoming thoughtful, compassionate leaders who live with integrity and respect.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) approach helps students ask thoughtful questions, conduct thorough research, collaborate with others, and express themselves with clarity.
Lessons come to life through hands-on projects, service opportunities, and interdisciplinary experiences that prepare students to solve problems and act with purpose.
World language, music, and visual arts are woven into the school week, giving students early and ongoing opportunities to think creatively and explore global cultures.
From science labs to outdoor classrooms, our beautiful 48-acre campus is filled with opportunities to explore, build, and lead every day.
SHMS offers an academically rigorous experience designed for curious, capable learners. Our students are challenged to think critically, stay organized, and take ownership of their learning with teachers who are there to support them every step of the way.
At SHMS, students don’t just absorb information — they build the tools to understand, question, and apply it. Through the IB Approaches to Learning, students develop real-world skills that support academic success and prepare them for high school and beyond.
Students learn how to:
Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively through class discussions, group work, and presentations
Ask thoughtful questions and conduct meaningful research using credible sources and critical thinking
Manage their time and set goals to stay organized and take ownership of their work
Reflect on their learning to grow from challenges and develop resilience
Lead with purpose by taking initiative and working constructively with peers
For students in Junior Kindergarten through Level 5, the PYP nurtures curiosity, independence, and foundational skills through inquiry-based, cross-subject learning. Students explore units that connect language, math, science, and social studies in ways that deepen understanding and spark engagement.
At SHMS, learning is an active process. Students explore, create, and solve problems in ways that connect knowledge and build the confidence to apply it in authentic experiences.
How students learn by doing:
Build and test ideas through hands-on labs, design challenges, and group discussions
Tackle interdisciplinary projects that tie learning to real-world issues, service, or community needs
Strengthen initiative and independence in middle school enrichment periods focused on collaboration and long-term goal setting
Grow self-management skills like planning, organization, and follow-through.
The MYP builds on the foundation of the PYP and challenges students in Levels 6–8 to think critically, take initiative, and grow as independent learners. With a focus on communication, research, and self-management, students develop strong academic habits and ethical leadership. In and out of the classroom, MYP students learn to collaborate, reflect, and take action in thoughtful ways.
The Ursuline Innovation STEM Center is a 6,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that is the first of its kind in the region. It features an Ursuline Environmental Education Program, the Ann Cowley Wells ‘60, ‘64 BSEE Design Lab, a Heartwood outdoor classroom, and the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Research Greenhouse Students will be able to explore technologies such as 3D printers, robotics kits, laser cutting machines, and hydroponic systems, as well as dive into hands-on learning in engineering, environmental science, and sustainability.
SHMS offers students the opportunity to study world language with the option of Spanish, French or Mandarin Chinese. Students in JK and Kindergarten are exposed to all three languages over the course of the school year and then select one language to study intensively beginning in Level 1. With instruction multiple times each week, students build practical language skills and deepen their cultural awareness, with many students earning national recognition before graduation.
Located on the 48-acre Ursuline Campus, SHMS offers students more than a traditional school setting. Our campus is a place where learning happens everywhere. With access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities, creative studios, outdoor learning spaces, and a 500-seat performing arts center, students benefit from the shared resources and vibrant community of the entire Sacred Heart Schools network. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or on stage, SHMS students are encouraged to explore their interests, try new things, and grow with confidence.
Arts education is integrated into the weekly curriculum through music, visual arts, drama, and dance, allowing students to build creative confidence and explore their talents from an early age. After school, students can participate in enrichment classes and private lessons through Sacred Heart School for the Arts, including ballet, hip-hop, piano, guitar, theater, choir, and more.
Visit shsa.shslou.org/register/ to view the entire course catalog.
SHMS offers 15 team sports and a culture that encourages engagement, teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. With access to on-campus fields, tennis courts, a full gymnasium, and a regulation track, students of all skill levels can find opportunities to grow as athletes and teammates.
To view current team offerings, visit shms.shslou.org/athletics/.
We nurture students as whole people – academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. Our Catholic identity and Ursuline Core Values guide everything we do, helping students become kind, grounded, and compassionate leaders.
From school-wide Mass and service opportunities to daily prayer and reflection, students are encouraged to live their faith with intention. Younger students also participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a hands-on, Montessori-based religious formation program offered in a specially designed space called the Atrium. Children explore scripture, liturgy, and the life of Jesus in a way that nurtures wonder and spiritual connection.
Our Ursuline Core Values: Reverence, Service, Leadership, and Community are more than words on a wall. These values are woven into classroom discussions, school-wide traditions, and everyday moments. Students are encouraged to treat others with respect, approach challenges with integrity, and reflect on how their actions can serve the greater good.
The Jean Frazier Leadership Institute (JFLI) provides intentional leadership development for all SHMS students, beginning in the Primary Years and expanding through the Middle Years. Leadership is embedded within the curriculum and reinforced through optin opportunities such as leading prayer, organizing service drives, speaking at assemblies, and serving on the Student Leadership Board. Students also benefit from cross-campus mentorship that connects younger and older learners. Through these layered experiences, students grow as leaders who act with humility, communicate effectively, and make a lasting impact on their community.
Service at SHMS isn’t a checkbox. It’s a core part of who we are. From campus-wide stewardship projects to grade-level initiatives and the Level 8 Community Project, students are encouraged to look beyond themselves and respond to real community needs. Projects are often student-led, integrated with academic learning, and tied to the school’s mission. Through service, students gain perspective, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how they can use their gifts to make a difference.
56 FACULTY MEMBERS
425 JK - LEVEL 8 STUDENTS
8:1
STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO
15 ATHLETIC TEAMS
84% STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS
16
AVERAGE STUDENTS PER CLASS
48ACRE URSULINE CAMPUS
3 WORLD LANGUAGES: SPANISH, FRENCH, MANDARIN CHINESE
49% CATHOLIC STUDENTS WITH OTHER FAITH TRADITIONS WELCOME
SHMS is designed for students who are ready to be challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. Our learning environment is structured and intentional, grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and a commitment to helping every student take ownership of their learning.
We know that every child is unique, and choosing a school is a personal decision. Our admissions process is built on open conversation and shared goals. We help families understand how our approach aligns with their child’s needs, strengths, and learning style.
