Academy Viewbook 2023

An

Thoughtful

Opportunities to become a leader and grow in confidence

environment of love and respect for others

Preparation for the future with STEAM, coding and robotics

integration of technology that enhances classroom learning

We are Sacred Heart

Our

When St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

opened the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, Missouri in 1818, her intention was to bring the love of God to young people through the mission of education. She believed with this education, children would transform their communities and the world. Now, over 200 years later, her work continues on this holy ground. The Academy is the only Catholic independent school in the area, educating boys and girls from age three through eighth grade on a beautiful 10-acre campus.

mission is to educate and inspire the heart and mind of each child to become a courageous and confident leader who knows and loves God, and who reveals that love by serving others.

A vibrant Catholic faith that permeates the school community

An appreciation of the world through international languages

A comprehensive core curriculum enriched by fine arts and daily PE

A Legacy of Love and Learning

The 25 Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada trace their origins and values to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s first school in St. Charles. Members of a worldwide network, they offer an education that is marked by a distinctive spirit and are dedicated to the transformation of society through the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social and physical education of each child.

We are Sacred

Five Goals

5 3

OF WISE FREEDOM 4

PERSONAL GROWTH IN AN

Why a Sacred Heart Education?

Noted Columbia University psychologist Lisa Miller, Ph.D. in The Spiritual Child researched a connection that we at the Academy have known for years— children with positive, active spiritual experiences exhibit “significantly more markers for thriving, including an increased sense of purpose and high levels of academic success.” Daily quiet time, espacio, invites students to open their hearts and create a space for God to enter, developing habits of mindfulness.

Students at the Academy grow to understand that each of us has a purpose in life. Though service to others, students become aware of the needs present in the world and their ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

When students feel secure in their learning environment they are more likely to take an appropriate risk—to push themselves beyond what they once believed possible. Sacred Heart students are challenged to stretch by their teachers who see the burgeoning strengths of their students.

At the Academy we help students adopt a growth mindset —what Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, Ph.D. suggests is critical in the development of a love of learning and a resiliency that promotes accomplishment across disciplines.

The Academy is part of a global community of learners, affording students the opportunities for dialogue and exchange. The Network of Sacred Heart schools provides programming for students and educators in support of our shared mission. Academy students understand that they belong to something that spans generations and extends well beyond St. Charles.

Our philosophy of education is expressed and directed by five goals:

PEACE OF MIND:

We most value the school's dedication to fostering a warm, welcoming, inclusive learning environment.

When your Pre-Primary child leaves school for the summer and is reading, is abundantly helpful and is eager to return to school, I know we made the right investment! ”

Justin and Melissa (King ’93) Setser, current parents

We are Sacred Heart

Early Education

Highlights:

Students learn about the Catholic faith in a hands-on, Catechesis of the Good Shepard program.

Assembly time is focused on forming strong character traits and Habits of the Heart.

Our Little Acorns program introduces our youngest learners (3-year-olds) to the structure of a school day. Center time focuses on readiness skills (identifying letters, pre-writing, numbers, counting, colors, shapes) through stories, art, games and hands-on activities. Children practice independence, patience, sharing and listening— the building blocks for a lifetime of success.

The Pre-Primary experience is filled with discovery and the joys of learning. Within a positive and loving environment, children are engaged in academic centers focused on pre-reading, writing and math skills with plenty of art, music and creative play. “Traveling” to other parts of the world, enjoying cooking classes, exploring science and taking French lessons enhance their early learning experiences.

In Primary – our full-day kindergarten program – reading, phonics, math, religion and science take center stage. Small group, whole group and one-on-one time help to differentiate instruction and ensure that each child’s needs are met. Our students’ world expands beyond the classroom with their own garden, a central component to their science curriculum.

French is part of the curriculum for Pre-Primary and Primary students.

Stay and Play, a full-day option, is available for Little Acorns and Pre-Primary.

LITTLE ACORNS, PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY

In Primary School, feeling comfortable and safe allows them to experience joy around them. Finding the courage to take risks builds confidence. Sparking a child’s curiosity leads to a love of learning.

INVESTMENT:

We fell in love with the Academy during our very first tour of the school four years ago. We saw a school that nurtured children in faith and love, fed their minds with expansive knowledge and developed their personal and social awareness… Our visit today in our son’s classroom a rms our decision to invest not only in his education but his personal growth to develop his best self.”

Chad and Jackie Swagman, current parents

We are Sacred Heart

Lower School

GRADES 1-4

Highlights: Students put on their lab coats and goggles for science classes in a lab with a specialized teacher.

Both French and Spanish are taught in Lower School.

Daily physical education is provided to all students using our spacious indoor and outdoor facilities.

Sacred Heart education seeks to develop thinkers. Students continue to expand their ability to think clearly, critically, creatively and reflectively and form solid study habits. Academic excellence is evidenced in the skills they acquire and the quality of their work.

Our core curriculum is enhanced by strong emphasis in math, science, reading, writing and international language. Whether they are expressing themselves in art or music classes, embarking on coding in computer class, or learning about the world around them by studying other countries in Kaleidoscope, students are engaged and eager to learn. Promoting a lifelong love of learning is our goal!

A dedicated science lab provides children hands-on learning with inquiry-based science that is aligned with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), a STEM initiative. A love of reading is instilled as students are introduced to various genres of literature and enjoy regular visits to our library.

Roman Catholic students make their First Communion with their classmates in second grade.

A sense of belonging pervades our Lower School classrooms where colorful spaces ignite inspiration. Small class sizes allow each child to be known and to grow in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement. A strong emphasis on character formation is at the heart of our Lower School program.

FOUNDATION:

Wonderful academic atmosphere with over 200 years of living, loving and learning...the Academy has provided our child an exceptional pathway for lifelong education and a lifetime of friendships and memories.”

Frank & Janine Goodenough, parents of alum

We are Sacred Heart

Middle School

GRADES 5-8

The Middle School years are marked by increased independence and responsibility and are pivotal in a young person’s development. Our program is designed around a challenging core curriculum, implemented through a block schedule. Surrounding students with dedicated faculty, diverse instructional strategies, a vibrant and engaging environment and opportunities for growth is integral to the success of our students.

The Academy is unique in its model of single-gender education in Middle School within a co-educational environment. Supported by research in gender differences of young people, our single-gender approach maximizes the separate learning strengths of boys and girls. Classroom participation is increased with students displaying greater confidence and willingness to take risks. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, insightful discussions and cooperative learning.

A community that models respect, kindness and openness is at the heart of our Middle School. Character formation is a hallmark of a Sacred Heart education, instilling a sense of responsibility and a spirit of generosity. Students are aware of the needs of others—and have a desire to respond to those needs—which is integral to the mission of Sacred Heart education. In their high schools and beyond, Academy graduates are recognized for being compassionate, confident and creative leaders striving to create a better world.

Highlights:

1:1 laptop program provides easy access to technology.

A robust athletic program and extra-curriculars offer something for everyone.

Middle school students extend their learning through a variety of elective course options.

Graduates consistently enroll in honors and advanced placement classes in their high schools of choice.

We are Sacred Heart

History & Heritage

A TREASURED LEGACY

The

In 1817 Bishop Du Bourg visited the Sacred Heart convent in Paris and implored St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, RSCJ to help with the work of education in North America. The following year St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and four fellow Religious of the Sacred Heart traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, then crossed the Missouri River to St. Charles, where, in a primitive log cabin, they opened the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It was the first free school for girls west of the Mississippi, the first school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and the first of many Schools of the Sacred Heart in the United States and Canada.

Navigating the difficult life on the American frontier, the fledgling community of Sacred Heart students and educators continued to grow. The Academy gained and has maintained a reputation as a school with exceptional academics and strong moral character formation. Of her beloved school in St. Charles...

Academy of the Sacred Heart claims a legacy of over 200-years of love and learning.

“My heart will abide here.”

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Over 200Years of Sacred Heart Education

1800s

1818 / Rose Philippine Duchesne and four fellow RSCJ from France open the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles. It is the first free school for girls west of the Mississippi.

1819 / Financial difficulties and lack of boarding students cause the Academy to relocate to Florissant. .

1828 / The Jesuits draw the Society back to its cradle foundation in St. Charles.

1900s 2000s

1835 / The Society erects a brick convent and school in St. Charles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1841 / Rose Philippine Duchesne travels to Sugar Creek, Kansas and spends a year with the Potawatomi Indians, realizing a lifelong dream of working with Native Americans.

1852 / At age 83, Rose Philippine Duchesne dies in St. Charles.

1940 / Pope Pius XII beatifies Rose Philippine Duchesne.

1951 / Ground is broken for the Shrine of Blessed Rose Philippine Duchesne.

1972 / Last class of high school seniors graduates. In the fall, boys are admitted for the first time in the early grades.

1986 / Pre-Primary classes for 4-year-olds begin.

1988 / St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is canonized by Pope John Paul II.

2006 / The school returns to its single gender roots; 7th and 8th grades are divided into all-boys’ and all-girls’ classes.

2011 / Single gender classes extend to 6th grade.

2017 / Little Acorns, program for 3-year-olds, is launched.

French is re-introduced in the Lower School.

A dedicated Lower School science lab is opened.

A 1:1 laptop program is employed in 7th and 8th grades.

2019 / Single gender classes extend to 5th grade.

2020 / 1:1 laptop program extends to 6th grade.

2022 / Mr. Tim Horner becomes 46th Head of School and first male head.

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors since 1818.

THE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

Founded by a saint and claiming an over 200-year history of nurturing excellence in young people, the Academy continues to educate to:

FAITH– A personal and active faith in God.

INTELLECT– A deep respect for intellectual values.

AWARENESS– A social awareness which impels to action.

COMMUNITY– The building of community as a Christian value. GROWTH– Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Academy graduates are young men and women who are courageous and confident leaders well-prepared for the challenges of high school, college and beyond. Through their Sacred Heart education, they reveal the love of God by serving others and are making a difference in their communities and, ultimately, the world.

“Thank you all for preparing us for the rest of our lives. I was certainly ready academically, but what stands out to me is the maturity that the Academy taught me – how to be respectful, how to talk to adults, and how to have relationships with one another. Thank you!”

Tommy B, Class of 2016