Where she belongs
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Excellence in All-Girls Education for Nearly 150 Years Sacred Heart Academy provides a holistic education grounded in the teachings of St. Angela Merici and the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. Students benefit from exceptional opportunities in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and career development, national and global travel, and faith formation. Our all-girls environment also fosters meaningful social-emotional growth and a lifelong Sisterhood rooted in belonging. Guided by our Core Values of Reverence, Service, Leadership, and Community, students are empowered to navigate the world with confidence, serve others with compassion, and recognize their value as children of God.
Every young woman deserves a school that recognizes her unique gifts and challenges her to grow into the person she is meant to become. At Sacred Heart Academy, students are empowered to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially in a community that feels like Home. As an International Baccalaureate school, SHA offers a rigorous academic experience that encourages students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage deeply with the world around them. Through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute, students engage in experiential learning and real-world opportunities that empower them to lead and serve with purpose in their communities and beyond. Students can also explore new cultures, serve others, and grow as globally minded leaders through the Katy Brown ’83 Endowed Global Hearts Travel Program. In addition to academic excellence, what truly sets SHA apart is our commitment to educating the whole person. Rooted in our Catholic faith and Ursuline tradition, we recognize that every student brings unique talents and aspirations. We are dedicated to helping young women cultivate their gifts, embrace their potential, and discover who they are called to become at Heart. We want every student to find her Home at SHA, surrounded by a community that supports her, cheers for her, prays for her, and celebrates her. In our all-girls environment, young women have the confidence and support to find their voice, develop as compassionate leaders, and build a lifelong Sisterhood where they know they Belong.
Ursuline Campus Community Our 48-acre Ursuline Campus is home to state-of-theart facilities that support students across academics, the arts, and athletics. The Ursuline Innovation STEM Center offers hands-on learning opportunities in engineering and environmental science, while the 500-seat Ursuline Arts Center provides performance space and electives in music, theater, and dance. Students also have access to outstanding on-campus athletic facilities, including Horton Field — a CrossFlex synthetic turf system — two grass fields, five tennis courts, a regulation 8-lane track, a softball field, fitness center and weight room, locker rooms and field houses. 2
I invite you to explore all that Sacred Heart Academy has to offer and discover how your daughter can find her Home at SHA. Dr. Tim Adams Principal Sacred Heart Academy
Sacred Heart Academy Is... Where you are unconditionally loved.
We are in Community with you. You are loved and accepted exactly as you are - no conditions, no expectations.
Where you are more than enough.
We have Reverence for you and honor your inherent worth. Your value doesn't depend on accomplishments, appearance, or anything external you are valuable simply for being human. Be kind to yourself.
Where you are a resilient & strong leader.
We believe every student can lead. Leadership isn't perfection - choose progress over perfection. Bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and lift each other up when things get hard. Keep moving toward your goals. Remember: growth takes time.
Where you will grow and change the world around you.
Serve the world in your own way. Your voice, ideas, and actions can spark courage, compassion, and connection. Embrace vulnerability - show up fully. Your worth isn't defined by others but by the fire within you. Dare greatly; your courage inspires others.
These are the Valkyrie Values.
Over four years at Sacred Heart Academy, Valkyries learn their worth by hearing, feeling, and believing these values.
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NUMBERS NEARLY
800 TOTAL STUDENTS
10:1
STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO
82
FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS
5
COUNSELORS AND
2
4
ACADEMIC LEVELS TO MEET THE LEARNING NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS
17.3 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
100% GRADUATION RATE
4-YEAR
RETREAT, LEADERSHIP, AND SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR ALL STUDENTS
50+
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR STUDENTS
17 119 300
SPORTS TEAMS
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
INDIVIDUAL STATE TITLES 4
56
IB, AP, AND DUAL-CREDIT COURSES
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GREAT LEARNING DIFFERENCES PROGRAM WITH DEDICATED STAFF MEMBERS
486,000 ACRE
URSULINE CAMPUS WITH 500-SEAT URSULINE ARTS CENTER
SQUARE-FOOT URSULINE INNOVATION STEM CENTER
CLASS OF 2030
CLASS OF 2030
LIVE IN 51 DIFFERENT ZIP CODES
CAME FROM 96 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS
International Baccalaureate Curriculum: The Global Gold Standard As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, Sacred Heart Academy challenges students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and understand the world from different perspectives. Recognized globally for academic excellence, the IB program places SHA at the forefront of innovative education. Rather than simply memorizing information, students learn to analyze, collaborate, communicate effectively, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Our faculty guide students through engaging, concept-based learning to help them become confidence, resilient, and lifelong learners. Over four years at SHA, your daughter will develop the skills colleges and employers are looking for: critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, and communication.
Unparalleled College Credit SHA offers four academic levels designed to meet each student's unique learning needs. Your daughter will have access to a mix of 56 IB, AP, and Dual Credit courses. These advanced offerings prepare students for the academic rigor of college, provide opportunities to earn college credit, and demonstrate academic readiness to college admissions teams. Our graduates consistently report feeling well-prepared for college-level coursework and confident in their ability to meet future academic challenges.
#1 Ranked Best Catholic High School & Best All-Girls High School in Kentucky (Niche 2026) IB Curriculum, the gold standard for students & professional development for faculty College-level courses & student-focused block scheduling
Class of 2026 Academic Results 170 graduates, 100% attending college Accepted into 149 colleges and universities 90% of graduates earned college scholarships equaling over $31 million 42 International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates 1 National Merit Finalist and 1 National Merit Commended 10 Governor’s Scholars, Governor’s School for the Arts and Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs 104 National Honor Society Members (61% of the class)
Individualized academic and social-emotional student support system and accommodations to help students thrive 3 dedicated school counselors, including one counselor just for freshmen 2 dedicated college counselors The Horton Family Accessible Educational Center (AEC) features our learning differences program. In addition to AEC staff, our student support team includes two academic interventionists available to work with any student in all four grades. The AEC is a welcoming, quiet space for learning and testing with a study lounge for group work or academic support sessions and individual testing rooms. 5
SHA’s Ursuline Innovation STEM Center:
Where Her Ideas Come to Life!
Our Ursuline Innovation STEM Center is a state-of-the-art facility where science, technology, engineering, and math become tools students use to create real-world solutions. This is STEM education designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare young women for the future. In the Ann Cowley Wells ’60, ’64 BSEE Design Lab, your daughter will gain hands-on engineering experience using professional equipment like 3D printers, robotics kits, laser-cutting machines, sewing machines, and more. Whether designing custom Mardi
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Gras beads, 3D-printing personalized rosaries, building physics-defying roller coasters, or tackling her own design challenges, your daughter will develop problem-solving skills while bringing her ideas to life. Environmental science comes alive through the Ursuline Environmental Education Program, inspired by Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical on caring for our common home. Students design and conduct realworld experiments that explore pressing environmental issues. Your daughter can also explore environmental learning in our outdoor spaces: flower and vegetable gardens, a pumpkin patch, and, coming soon, a greenhouse featuring hydroponic systems and ecological monitoring equipment.
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
There are two SHA Musical Theatre productions each year in the Ursuline Arts Center, a 500-seat professional performance venue, with opportunities for acting, stage support, lighting, set building, and more. Productions planned for the 2026-2027 school year include Footloose and Bright Star. Three Choirs – Freshman A Cappella, A Cappella and Madrigals Over the past few years, our choirs have traveled to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland, the Vatican in Rome, Carnegie Hall National Choral Festival, and Disney World as part of the holiday season candlelight procession. HA’s choir has received top rankings at the National S Performing Arts Festival and the Kentucky Music Educators Association’s choral assessment.
Visual Arts at SHA has its own dedicated wing of the school building, catering to artists of all types. HA’s art students travel locally and S throughout the country to places like Chicago, New York, and Washington DC to broaden their artistic views. SHA consistently has numerous art students accepted to the Governor’s School for the Arts and those who win Scholastic Regional and National Art awards.
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Coming Soon! Future Valkyries Will Have Amazing, New State-of-the-Art Facilities!
Dining
Hall
Student Life Empowerment Hub
Patio 8
SHA has broken ground on a huge 35,000-square-foot expansion to be completed next year that will completely transform a Valkyrie’s high school experience. The expansion will include a new student center with a modern dining hall featuring high ceilings and natural light. Flexible seating means your daughter can grab lunch with friends, study with classmates, or just relax in the space. We will have a menu full of fresh options and treats your daughter will love. This dining hall will be a place where the entire school connects and builds community. The expansion will also feature an outdoor patio where your daughter can gather with friends before school, during lunch, or after classes. A student-run coffee shop stocked with items from the Heine Brothers menu will provide another space to connect with friends and classmates. Our Student Life Empowerment Hub will serve as the heart of SHA and a space where your daughter can make close friends, step up as a leader, get involved in campus ministry and community service, and celebrate SHA Sisterhood.
VALKYRIE NATION. One TEAM. One HEART. Field Hockey
Swim & Dive
Soccer
At SHA, athletics are an important part of student life. With nearly 65% of students participating in the 17 sports teams we offer, Valkyries have countless opportunities to grow as teammates, leaders, and competitors. We are proud to recently to be named the #2 Girls' School in the Nation for Athletics by MaxPreps annual rankings, as well as Kentucky's #1 Best All-Girls High School for Athletes by Niche in 2026. Our athletic victories are a testament to the talent of our incredible student athletes, the dedication and passion of our athletic directors and coaches, and the unwavering support of our SHA families and community. Whether your daughter is playing or cheering in the stands, we want her as part of our Valkyrie family!
VALKYRIE ATHLETICS
BY THE NUMBERS Won Soccer, Field Hockey, Swim & Dive, and Tennis 2025-2026 KHSAA State Championships 10 Individual / Relay State Titles, 8 Region Team Titles in 2025-2026 2025-2026 Ms. KY Field Hockey and Ms. KY Tennis
17 SPORTS Archery
Basketball Bowling
Cheerleading
Cross Country* Dance
Field Hockey
Flag Football Golf
Lacrosse
Pickleball Soccer
119 Team State Titles
Softball
Nearly 300 Individual State Titles
Tennis
Overall Athletic GPA 3.73 21 Valkyries (25%) of Class of 2026 Signed to Play Their Sport in College
Swimming & Diving*
Track and Field * Volleyball
* no-cut sports
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Clubs SHA has more than 50 clubs and organizations full of Valkyrie enthusiasm, leadership, and vision. Students can even start their own club! Academic organizations and special-interest clubs are the HEART and SOUL of SHA, and where students meet many of their closest friends.
learn more!
Service & The St. Angela Merici Stewardship Program At SHA, service to others is essential to a compassionate life. As one of our Ursuline Core Values—Reverence, Service, Leadership, and Community—service becomes part of your daughter’s everyday life, with benefits that stay with her forever. We offer meaningful service opportunities, including The Sister Brendan Appalachian Gift Drive, where students deliver Christmas cheer to families in need. Through our new St. Angela Merici Stewardship Program, your daughter will embark on a service journey and discover how to steward her unique gifts, skills, and passions to make a meaningful difference. Along the way, she will grow through self-development and cultivate a servant’s heart that will guide her for years to come.
Campus Ministry & Retreats SHA’s Campus Ministry helps every Valkyrie encounter Jesus Christ, discover her identity as God’s beloved daughter, and live the Ursuline Charism. Throughout the year, Campus Ministry creates a vibrant spiritual home where students deepen their faith, discover their purpose, and build lasting friendships through Worship & Service Nights, all-school Masses, and feast day celebrations. The Agape Club brings together young women to grow in their relationship with God while serving others through service projects, prayer experiences, and Catholic youth conferences. Each year, students also have the opportunity to attend one to four-day retreats to deepen their friendship with God and strengthen bonds with other Valkyries. SHA students attend Mass at the Ursuline Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the Ursuline Campus.
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Unique in Louisville, the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute, including the Lucy Lee Helm ’75 Leadership Incubator, equips every student across Sacred Heart with the tools to rise as a leader. JFLI also provides career readiness programming including networking, mentorship, Lunch & Learns, and more.
JFLI students at the United Nations!
Leadership development is woven into three layers: embedded opportunities built into every student’s curriculum, opt-in opportunities for those who want to pursue their unique interests, and capstone opportunities that allow students to synthesize and highlight their leadership growth. Through the Charles Kane Family Internship Program, your daughter has access to hands-on job experience by interning at companies throughout Louisville. Students can participate during the summer or take internships as an elective class during the school year.
KATY BROWN '83 ENDOWED
GLOBAL HEARTS TRAVEL PROGRAM Our Katy Brown ’83 Endowed Global Hearts Travel Program is guided by three pillars: Global Service and Advocacy, Education and Leadership, and Ursuline Heritage. The program offers life-changing travel experiences for SHA students who may not have access to this invaluable educational experience due to financial needs. Over the past year, students went on a service trip to Belize with Hand in Hand Ministries as well as trips to Geneva, Amsterdam and The Hague, The British Isles, and Spain’s El Camino. Trips planned for 2026-2027 include Belize, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.
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Student-focused Block Schedule At SHA, our student-centered block schedule features four 75-minute classes that meet every other day to help students manage their workload while allowing more time for discussion, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement. In addition, two resource periods are built directly into the school day so students can access academic support and build community without sacrificing time after school.
SAMPLE SHA Freshman SCHEDULE MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
white
blue
white
blue
white
Theology
AP World History or World History
late opening every wednesday at 8:55
AP World History or World History
Theology
Freshman Technology Seminar
Spanish French or Chinese
Theology
Spanish French or Chinese
Freshman Technology Seminar
TEAM
TEAM
Freshman Technology Seminar
TEAM
Biology
Biology
Music, Art or PE Electives
Algebra I/Geometry or Accelerated Algebra II/ Geometry
English
Algebra I/Geometry or Accelerated Algebra II/ Geometry early dismissal every friday at 2:15
Biology
Music, Art or PE Electives
Algebra I/Geometry or Accelerated Algebra II/ Geometry
English
lunch
Course Highlights IB Business Management: Students run Heine Brothers at SHA, gaining firsthand experience in business operations and decision-making.
P.E. Your Way: In addition to traditional P.E.—offered during the semester and over the summer—your daughter can choose from courses like Yoga & Barre, Strength and Plyometrics Training, or Dance to complete her physical education credit.
TEAM block = a dedicated part of the school day focused on student growth and support. TEAM is designed to help students feel more connected, supported, and prepared— spiritually, academically, and personally. TEAM is a time for student support, pep rallies, school assemblies, speakers and Mass.
Make Some Music: Your daughter can explore her musical interests through electives such as Guitar, Piano, and A Cappella Choir.
Scan the QR to see the 26-27 Program of Studies.
Learn more! 3175 Lexington Road • Louisville, KY 40206 Enrollment Office: 502.896.3926 shslou.org A member of Sacred Heart Schools • Founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Since 1877 A proud member of the Ursuline Education Network
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