IHA 2025 Viewbook by Immaculate Heart Academy

BE EMPOWERED

GIRLS WHO CHOOSE IHA ARE DOING MORE THAN PICKING A SCHOOL.

They are taking the first step toward a lifetime of learning, self-exploration, faith development, and powerful friendships. By setting their hearts on IHA, they say to the world that they are ready to become confident, compassionate, and independent young women in control of their own futures.

Everyone at IHA expects to work hard, to play hard, and to excel. In the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in the community, IHA girls respect and support each other. As they conquer challenges, experience growth, and achieve excellence together, they make friends — sisters — they will keep all their lives.

Our positive and demanding single-sex environment empowers young women to focus on developing their unique gifts and pursue their academic, spiritual, artistic, athletic, and social needs. IHA has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education and is the only Catholic school in Bergen County that holds dual accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS). This impressive dual accreditation was obtained in the Spring of 2023 after a year-long self-study process and on-site visit and evaluation by an NJAIS/Middle States team.

See for yourself if you should set your heart on IHA. Read on to find out more.

Kerry Carroll ’04 Principal

Jason Schlereth P’27, ’28 President

Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy enrolls approximately 650 young women in a rigorous academic program that challenges the mind and nourishes the spirit. By instilling in its students a sense of responsibility, confidence, justice, peace, and compassion, IHA prepares its students for life in college and beyond. Our curriculum provides a broad perspective across 10 academic departments, with honors as well as AP courses offered in a wide variety of subjects. In fact, 90% of IHA seniors are enrolled in AP courses.

IHA recognizes the achievements of our students through 10 national honor societies in art, French, Italian, mathematics, music, science, social studies, Spanish, and theatre, as well as overall academic excellence through the National Honor Society. We also enrich the lives and experiences of students through more than 70 clubs and activities, in addition to 16 athletic programs

90% IHA seniors enrolled in APs

12:1 student-teacher ratio

17 average class size

16 athletic programs

IHA offers a quality college preparatory education, complete with innovative courses and programs. Classes include everything from Digital Photography and Theatre Production to Calculus BC, Narrative Medicine, and more.

BE ENGAGED

ACADEMICS

As a Roman Catholic high school under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Newark, IHA is committed to graduating savvy critical thinkers who are confident, independent women excited for their futures. We believe in staying ahead of education trends and in nurturing leadership opportunities throughout all aspects of our school curriculum.

Because IHA is a single-sex college preparatory high school, a strong theme throughout the curriculum and extracurricular activities is the development of the special gifts that women can bring to society. The interests and needs of women in the areas of academics, spirituality, the arts, athletics, and social interaction drive all of the programs offered at IHA. Immaculate Heart offers an intensely rigorous academic program with all core courses offered at College Preparatory Enriched and Honors levels. Enriched classes provide academic challenge above our excellent college preparatory level and help students to prepare for success in honors and eventually AP classes. Additionally, we offer 24 Advanced Placement courses in Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language and Culture, Italian Language and Culture, Physics 1, Physics C, Precalculus, Psychology, Seminar, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. Government and Politics, and U.S. History.

Parents, teachers, and guidance & college counselors are consulted during the registration process to ensure that students pursue courses that not only fulfill basic requirements, but foster interests, academic strengths, and long-term career objectives.

24

AP Courses

“IHA empowers young women to develop a remarkable, life-long toolkit. It equips them with a heart for service, a spirit of community, purposeful leadership, spiritual growth, and intellectual curiosity. I have seen our own IHA graduate tap into this toolkit and courageously step outside her comfort zone to discover her voice and unique strengths. Our current IHA student, too, has found her space to thrive and confidently pursue her own distinct passions and interests. We can confidently attest to the fact that IHA is deeply committed to nurturing our daughters to their fullest potential, preparing them to make a lasting and meaningful impact.”

Jessica Portilla George P’24, ’27 …is a devoted wife and a proud mom of two Blue Eagles, who constantly inspire her to live life to the fullest. She is passionate about coaching and empowering young minds in STEM, just as she was before pursuing her career as a computer engineer in telecommunications.

Our Scholae@theheart Program enhances IHA’s superlative college preparatory curriculum by providing increased opportunities for specialization and recognition in areas that capitalize on students’ strengths and interests.

BE PASSIONATE

SCHOLAE@THEHEART

Immaculate Heart Academy launched its Scholae@theheart Program in the 2022-23 academic year. This program allows students to investigate areas for postsecondary education and receive additional extracurricular experiences to support their discernment and learning. All of the scholae share a common liberal arts core curriculum that provides the foundation and skills that universities expect from top tier applicants. The program serves all students with emphasis classes available at every academic level and provides in-depth study opportunities for all core disciplines.

Students enrolled in one of the six scholae offered at IHA will benefit from guided course selection, exposure to community professionals within the chosen emphasis field, afterschool enrichment opportunities, and the experience of developing a capstone synthesis presentation in their senior year. All successful scholars receive a designation on their transcripts. The initial scholae, named after female saints, include:

· The St. Hildegard Arts Schola

· The St. Clare of Assisi Communications Schola

· The St. Barbara Engineering Schola

· The St. Catherine of Siena Humanities Schola

· The St. Gianna Molla Life Sciences Schola

· The St. Zelie Martin Business Schola

Q: Do students need to apply?

A: Students submit a statement of intent.

Q: Is a certain GPA required?

A: Students of all academic levels can participate in any of the scholae.

Q: Are students “locked in”?

A: No, students can withdraw at any point prior to course selection for 12th grade.

Q: Are students required to join a schola?

A: No, they are completely optional.

“IHA’s Scholae Program recognizes all of the different paths students can take within their potential career fields and caters to each of them. It gives the opportunity for enrolled students to focus on what they are passionate about much earlier than other students. The events within each Scholae@theheart Program show the numerous occupations within a specialized area. With these events, students gain exposure to different successful women within various career fields. This awareness also gives us the power to understand how much impact we can subsequently make. Scholae@theheart molds IHA girls into future change-makers.”

Skylar Blake ’27

…is an active member of the IHA community. She is a proud Eagle Ambassador, member of the Christian Service Board, and part of the Business and Humanities Scholae at IHA. Skylar is also an athlete on IHA’s Spring Track and Field Team, participating as a sprinter. Additionally, she serves as co-manager of IHA’s Model UN social media accounts and is a member of the Black Culture Club. In the 2024-25 school year, she was also chosen to represent Immaculate Heart Academy as an ambassador at the HOBY Leadership Seminar.

PROFILE

BE CREATIVE

The Arts remove boundaries and allow students to explore aspects of life around them in new ways.

THE ARTS

Because we understand that self-expression is a crucial part of personal growth, we place special emphasis on The Arts. At Immaculate Heart Academy, art encompasses everything from video production, drama, music, and photography, to graphic design, and fine art.

A spacious and innovative 2,600-square-foot Art Studio occupies two sunlit rooms with sizable workstations, a picturesque art courtyard, 24 adjustable drawing tables, two Smart Boards with projectors, and nine butcher-block tables. Students in our digital art classes also have use of a dedicated iMac design lab.

IHA’s performing arts program has always showcased the incredible talent of our students on stage and behind the scenes. Our girls and students from area boys’ schools present a drama production in the fall and a musical production in the spring that are both enjoyed and celebrated by the community at large. During the school day, IHA students interested in the performing arts can enroll in our Introduction to Acting, Theatre Arts, or Theatre Production courses.

In addition to The Arts curriculum, a wide range of clubs and activities give students the opportunity to explore visual arts, singing, photography, creative writing, and more.

16 fine/performing arts classes

PROFILE

“Whether on the stage or screen, acting has allowed me to share my passion for the arts in many ways. Acting is more than just performing; it is an honest expression of true emotion through storytelling. IHA’s Performing Arts Program has helped me grow as an actor in more ways than one. Through the musicals, plays, and acting classes, I have been blessed with the opportunity to constantly practice my craft. No matter the situation, each experience provides an opportunity for growth, development, and improvement. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this program as it enables all participants to communicate our passions and feelings through the work that we love.”

Kaylie O’Connell ’27

…has performed in numerous productions at Immaculate Heart Academy, including Mamma Mia!, Sense and Sensibility, and Matilda. Over the summer, Kaylie had the honor of attending the Stonestreet Studios Film Program in association with New York University’s Tisch Program. At IHA, she is the treasurer of the International Thespian Society and a member of the Dog Whisperers Club.

BE DEDICATED

It is our mission to develop every aspect of the individual, including the promotion of healthy competition, dedication, and teamwork.

ATHLETICS

The success of our scholar-athletes at Immaculate Heart Academy is a reflection of the focus, commitment, and team ethic that enrich everything we do. Each year, IHA teams dominate at the league, county, sectional, and state levels, and are recognized with a wide variety of Coach, Player, and Team of the Year awards. In the past decade, more than 1,000 IHA athletes have earned all-conference honors and more than 500 have earned all-county honors. Even more impressive is that our student-athletes perform on and off the field, with some of IHA’s highest GPAs.

Students and athletes alike have access to top-of-the-line facilities at IHA. They train on advanced sports performance and workout equipment in the Vincent Herold Fitness Center, and regularly utilize our full-sized Field Turf™ field and four new tennis courts, renovated in the Summer of 2022. IHA is also excited to enhance our campus with brand new golf simulators that were installed in 2025. Through our Soaring to New Heights campaign, we completed the enhancement of our entire athletic field complex. The surrounding walkway and spectators’ patio, completed in the spring of 2020, offer an elevated view of the field and are ADA compliant so that all fans can access IHA’s athletic complex easily and safely.

Physical fitness is an essential part of IHA’s school day, as students consistently participate in challenging physical education classes. Realizing that nutritious food is a vital part of wholesome living, we also offer students fresh, healthy options from sustainable, local resources through our farm-to-school cafeteria service.

PROFILE

“Being a student-athlete at IHA has helped me balance my responsibilities, as it requires both discipline and time management. It helps me strive for success not just on the field/court, but in the classroom as well, as I actively manage my academics, practices, and team commitments. I am fortunate to work with coaches who are understanding and also push me to be better. Being a student-athlete at IHA is shaping me to be a better collegiate athlete in the future.”

Leah English ’27

…has been part of the IHA Volleyball and Softball Teams since freshman year, and is also a member of IHA’s Eagle Nest Club. During her time playing for IHA Softball, the team has won two county titles, contributing to its record-breaking four consecutive titles. She was awarded First-Team All-County both years, and also awarded Second-Team All-State-Non-Public in her freshman year and Second-Team All-Region in her sophomore year. Leah began playing softball at the age of five and has since been traveling around the U.S. playing for her club team. She hopes to take her talent to the collegiate level in the future.

SPORTS AT IHA

BE GENEROUS

Students put their faith into action, expanding their awareness of God, others, and themselves.

SERVICE

Service at Immaculate Heart is not just something that is required; it is a central part of who we are. IHA students put their faith into action by serving their immediate community and ministering to people in need through interactive service opportunities. By participating in the IHA Service Program, students apply their Catholic Christian values by practicing them in projects that expand their awareness of God, others, and themselves. Based on this call to action, IHA requires students to complete hours in two categories: Social Justice and Volunteerism

Over the last year, our students served a total of 31,000+ service hours. On average, IHA’s young women serve double the amount of hours required of them. The highest achieving class in the 2024-25 academic year was the Class of 2026, with nearly 11,000 hours. Additionally, IHA students have accumulated a total of 1,007 President’s Volunteer Service Awards, with 103 this year alone. The President’s Volunteer Service Award, founded in 2003 by the United States President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too.

“Service at Immaculate Heart Academy is such a formative part of our high school experience. It gives our girls the opportunity to see the importance and beauty of serving God’s children with love both in and outside of school,” said Isabelle Bertussi ’25. “Our mindsets shift, not from what we can do for ourselves, but what we can do for others. Service is one of the driving forces that makes IHA unique and I am so grateful and proud of what our program continues to accomplish!”

PROFILE

“Attending service trips with my church and going on Sacred Heart school charity drives with IHA has taught me the importance of serving those in need. Seeing the smiles of everyone I helped on my service trips and receiving hugs and gratitude from the students at Sacred Heart truly strengthened my passion for service. I am so blessed to be a part of the IHA community as it has introduced me to the value of volunteerism that I will foster for life.”

Zoe DePhillips ’26

…is an Eagle Ambassador and the president of the Student Council executive board. She also serves as secretary of the Christian Service executive board, service coordinator on the National Honor Society executive board, and vice president of finance for DECA. Zoe is co-president of the Eagles Nest Club and is an athlete on the Varsity Tennis Team, and the Winter and Spring Track Teams. Outside of school, she is a youth group leader at her Catholic Church and participates in mission trips. Zoe also enjoys babysitting, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.

BE MENTORED

IHA graduates go on to excel at leading colleges and universities across the nation.

COUNSELING

Four guidance counselors and two college counselors apply a developmental approach to each student’s progress through her four years at IHA. Guidance counselors advise and equip students to realize their future educational goals. They keep students apprised and prepared for standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, as well as Advanced Placement testing. Our guidance counselors are also available to students and parents to aid in both personal and social development.

College counselors maintain ongoing relationships with higher education institutions and act as liaisons to representatives who visit IHA. They work with students for four years, helping them navigate through college applications and the sometimes overwhelming admissions process. They meet with students individually and in groups, and host routine parent meetings to keep parents up-to-date with how to best assist their daughters in the ever-changing landscape of college admissions.

In 2025, Immaculate Heart Academy renovated the guidance and college counseling center with updated offices and a new multi-purpose space that will be utilized by students, counselors, and visiting colleges.

$38 million in scholarships earned by the Class of 2025

100% college acceptance rate

PROFILE

“IHA offers incredible counseling departments that provide support for each student’s unique high school journey. Each of the counselors makes it their main goal to care for the well-being of the students at IHA. Not only do they ensure each individual a successful academic future, but also a healthy emotional and social environment. Whether I am dealing with academic stress or personal challenges, I know I always have a trusted place to turn. The counselors are always here to listen, offer a helpful perspective, and aid students in growing both in and out of the classroom. Due to the efforts of our counseling departments, IHA holds a strong sense of community where each student has their own opportunity to thrive.”

Niamh Hall ’27

…is actively involved in all aspects of Immaculate Heart Academy. She is an athlete on both the IHA Varsity Swim Team and JV Lacrosse Team. Niamh is also a member of the Future Doctors of America Club, the Business Club, Eagles Nest, heartTV, and the Helium Club. After she graduates from college, Niamh aspires to work in the medical field.

The sisterhood cultivated at Immaculate Heart is enduring, and the bonds students form here last a lifetime.

BE CONNECTED

“The teachers, staff, and coaches at IHA truly invest their time and energy into building up independent and intelligent women. My time at Immaculate Heart helped me to develop a strong sense of self, but also how to foster lifelong friendships with supportive women. I truly believe that the sense of community I experienced at IHA has helped me to forge strong relationships both personally and professionally.”

Kathleen Donohue Wright ’07

…is the director of production operations for Macy’s. Her responsibilities include the production of iconic Macy’s events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks as well as localized in-store holiday activations and the Macy’s Flower Show. After graduating from IHA, she attended Fordham University and studied communications and media studies. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, Jimmy.

SISTERHOOD

In a single-sex environment like IHA, there’s no pressure on our young women to fulfill gender stereotypes. They have enhanced access to leadership opportunities, achieve greater academic success, become more confident and assertive, and are more likely to pursue studies in fields traditionally considered male-dominated. We empower our students to believe their hopes and dreams will become their reality.

For 65 years, IHA alumnae have told us, again and again, that the friends they made in our hallways and classrooms are still the closest friends in their lives. Including the Class of 2025 graduates, 11,333 young women proudly call themselves IHA alumnae.

Life After IHA

The IHA environment provides our girls a level of independence, accountability, and confidence that becomes a tremendous advantage in their college years. In a recent survey, more than 90 percent said IHA had given them above-average or superior preparation in effective time management, writing, and critical thinking — the very areas with which so many college students struggle. As one alumna wrote, “The teachers I had at IHA were incredible. They were so caring and dedicated. Although the work load was always hard and heavy, my transition to college was simple.”

The momentum IHA girls bring to their colleges and universities remains with them. More than 50 percent of our alumnae reported taking on two or more undergraduate internships, 57 percent pursued post-graduate coursework related to their degrees, and 22 percent pursued doctoral studies. As one of our teachers recently said, “You can always identify the IHA girl in a meeting. When she speaks, people listen and take note.”

TIMELINE IHA ADMISSIONS

SEPTEMBER—DECEMBER

Schedule a BLUE EAGLE FOR THE DAY visit to see what a typical school day is like firsthand.

Attend an OPEN HOUSE to get a look at the opportunities that IHA offers.

Sit for the HSPT Archdiocesan Entrance Exam.

Complete your ONLINE APPLICATION

Make sure your school submits your TRANSCRIPTS from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

JANUARY—FEBRUARY

DECISION notifications are mailed and emailed.

Attend our ACCEPTED STUDENTS’ RECEPTION.

Enroll as an IHA student by the REGISTRATION DEADLINE.

MAY—JUNE

Take your Math and Language PLACEMENT TESTS.

Meet your future classmates at the ICE CREAM SOCIAL and ROOKIE CAMP.

PROFILE

“I chose to come to IHA because of its strong academic reputation and its community of like-minded young women, where I can be both supported and challenged. The strong sense of sisterhood — where every girl supports each other through thick and thin — stood out to me as I was making my high school decision. I know that IHA is the right fit for me because I believe I will become a stronger student and a more confident young woman, prepared for success in college and beyond.”

Lia Carballo ’27

…is actively involved at IHA and in the local community. Her strong passion for service has earned her the President’s Volunteer Service Award two years in a row. She is also a member of heartTV, the Ski/Snowboard Club, the French Club, and the St. Catherine of Siena Humanities Schola. Outside of IHA, Lia enjoys playing tennis, practicing the piano, and spending time with her friends and family.

• Founded in 1960 as the first regional high school for girls in the Archdiocese of Newark

• Approximately 650 students enrolled

Accreditations and Memberships

Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

N ew Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)

Demographics

60% of students are from public elementary schools, and 40% from Catholic schools

A pproximately 83% of students are Catholic

Students reside in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties in N.J. and Rockland and Orange Counties in N.Y.

11,333 total IHA alumnae

Academics

Student-Teacher Ratio – 12:1

Average Class Size – 17

73% of faculty and staff hold advanced degrees

50+ electives offered

Statement of Class Rank

• C onsidering the quality of the student body and the rigorous college prep course of study, Immaculate Heart Academy does not rank its students.

FAST FACTS

24 AP Courses

A rt History

Biology

C alculus AB

C alculus BC

Chemistry

C omparative Government and Politics

C omputer Science A

C omputer Science

Principles

English Language and Composition

English Literature and Composition

Environmental Science

European History

French Language and Culture

I talian Language and Culture

Physics 1

Physics C

Precalculus

Psychology

Seminar

Spanish Language and Culture

Statistics

Studio Art

U.S. Government and Politics

U.S. History

• 90% of seniors enrolled in AP classes

National Honor Societies

Guidance and College Counseling

4 Guidance and 2 College Counselors

100% College Acceptance Rate

Class of 2025

$38 million in scholarships earned by Class of 2025 graduates

2 National Merit Commended Students

Athletics and Activities

16 athletic programs offered 70+ clubs and activities

Service

31,000+ hours served over the last year

1,007 President’s Volunteer Service Awards since 2015