WE BELIEVE
that a transformational education is made even stronger when students truly know and embrace their God-given gifts.
Whether boys and girls in our Lower School or young women in our Upper School, Villa Duchesne students learn in a community where academics and spiritual development are inextricably linked. As a result, their minds are stretched, and their hearts are inspired, deepening the relevance and resonance of every lesson.
Because when we educate the whole student in this way, they develop both the academic knowledge and self knowledge to change the world.
So what is at the heart of Villa? We can’t wait to tell you!
WE SEEK TO UNDERSTAND
At Villa Duchesne, we encourage personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. We seek to not only attain knowledge but to deeply understand the world and our fellow humans so that we may make a meaningful impact through faith and love.
“Even our youngest students are encouraged to dig deep and think big. In discussion-based, small classes where students feel known and safe, they learn personal responsibility, ethical decision-making, and accountability. And this is all while having fun—in the classroom, in the Epic Woods, in our incredible visual arts classes, and any time there’s a lesson to be learned.”
— DR. PETER M. SCHROEDER, PRINCIPAL JK3–6
“When students enter seventh grade, our job is to give them the freedom to continue growing and instill the wisdom to do so responsibly. In every lesson, they’re learning self-discipline and taking responsibility for their education and their lives. They become confident, self-assured learners and inspirational, transformational leaders.”
— MRS. JEANNIE STEENBERGE, PRINCIPAL 7–12
In my classes, we don’t just read things and then take tests. We always talk about what we are learning together, and then we do something hands-on. We’ll learn a concept in science, and then test it out in the Makerspace. My sister is in JK. She learned about embryology, and her class got to hatch their own chickens. And now, we get to take care of the chickens!” — CAMERON K., GRADE 4
WE BUILD COMMUNITY
Community building is at the heart of Villa Duchesne. We forge meaningful friendships and seek to be positive forces in our local and global communities.
We believe that tuition shouldn’t be a barrier to joining our community.
25 % MORE THAN
54 STUDENTS FROM different zip codes attend Villa. of our families currently participate in our Family Individualized Tuition program.
“My son’s teachers model what it means to be a part of a community and help each student feel like they belong. There is truly a feeling of togetherness and unity across the entire school.” — SARAH K., PARENT OF MAX, GRADE 1
“The Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria help our students grow—individually and collectively—to be a positive force in a broken world. The Goals and Criteria inspire a social awareness they’ll carry with them forever. They’ll always be part of the Villa Duchesne community and the global Sacred Heart community, and they know they have a role to play in the world.” — MR. JOHN POWELL, THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
“I love the idea of cor unum—one heart. That is how it feels here at Villa, like we are all part of one heart. We are there for each other, at sports games, show choir, dance performances, and plays, and during traditions like Congé and Field Day. Relationships are so important here.” — KATE H., GRADE 12
“I like trying new things, and I don’t worry too much if I get something wrong at first! Our teachers challenge us academically, but they love us no matter what. They help me see that God loves each of us and values our individuality.” — MAEVE O., GRADE 8
When students regularly encounter the love of God, they learn to accept their gifts and embrace challenges. This reduces the stress of trying to be anyone other than exactly who they are and creates learners who are confident and courageous in their convictions. When our Lower School students study the saints and our Upper School students go on retreats, they are learning that love and faith are not separate from their education; love and faith are integral to their experience as a student here.”
— MRS. JEN MACARTHUR, CAMPUS MINISTER
WE HAVE FAITH
ESPACIO
Each day, our entire community pauses for five minutes to connect with ourselves and the many faith traditions of our community. This brief time of silence and prayer allows us to go about the rest of our day with purpose and balance.
MASS & PRAYER
Our shared faith allows us to encounter Christ in each other. We pray daily, and we celebrate Mass regularly. We express our immeasurable gratitude, take time to pray for those in need, and honor those who have gone before us. Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne’s love of God and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Holy Spirit is a gift we honor joyfully every day.
FEAST DAYS
We have a personal and active faith in God that serves as the foundation for all that we do. Strong and secure in our faith, we express gratitude, practice self-awareness, and seek to find our purpose. Here are some of the ways we practice our faith:
On Feast Days, we learn about and honor the positive impact that one person can have in the world. For example, on the Feast of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, we honor the founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart who gave us a model of faith that is grounded in love.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
In the fresh air and surrounded by the beauty of nature, we relax, breathe deeper, and feel God’s love. On our campus grounds, in our school garden, and on our school nature trail, students connect to their academic, spiritual, and social emotional lessons amongst animals, birds, and plant life.
WE ASK HARD QUESTIONS
We have a deep respect for intellectual values. We seek to become confident learners and creative problem solvers who persevere through adversity. We ask hard questions, whether academic or philosophical, and actively pursue opportunities for growth.
“The relationship between student and teacher shouldn’t be purely transactional. Education can only be transformational if it is rooted in relationships. Students need to feel safe asking hard questions and trying and failing with the support of adults who know them and believe in them.” — MRS. CHRIS PALAZZOLO, GRADE 3 TEACHER
“I love our campus! I feel safe and protected here. There are so many peaceful places in nature and fun classrooms where I can think big and dream big.” — CAELEY W., GRADE 10
“The things happening in our world and our hectic schedules are creating stress, anxiety, and apathy in young people. At Villa, we support our students by teaching them that they are part of something significant and meaningful. They truly have the power to impact the world in a positive way. They become eager learners, critical thinkers, and successful changemakers.” — MRS. STACY HENNING, DEAN OF ACADEMICS
CO-ED LOWER SCHOOL
When Lower School students spend their formative years of social and emotional development in a diverse environment of boys and girls, they form strong friendships, develop better self-esteem, and gain the skills to be prepared for a world where everyone embodies important roles.
GIRLS UPPER SCHOOL
The middle and high school years are pivotal for girls because of their rapid development academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. When young women in grades 7-12 are taught by educators well-versed in how girls learn best, they develop the characteristics they need to be leaders in a world that sometimes doubts the value of female leadership. They develop courage, confidence, grit, and humor. They understand and believe in the enormous potential and power of being a girl.
7:1 student to teacher ratio
15 students in an average class
Villa Duchesne teachers can connect with and understand the gifts and talents of each student. As a result, our students come to appreciate the unique gifts they each bring to the world.
I see my daughter becoming the kind of person the world needs.
Villa Duchesne provides the time, focus, and context to imbue her education with meaning, so that she can go on to live a life of success and purpose. I know that she won’t just be experiencing the world, she’ll be changing it.”
— VALERIE H., PARENT OF CATY JANE, GRADE 10
WE LOOK BEYOND
We pursue a social awareness which impels us to action. We see the dignity in all and advocate passionately with open hearts to make the world a better place.
“My favorite part about this year was helping our sister Sacred Heart school in Uganda. I love seeing friends on the other side of the world and knowing that we care about the same things!” — RAE H., GRADE 3
“We visited the United States-Mexico border to witness the challenges that immigrants face and to talk with border patrol agents about protecting our borders in a humane way. It’s complex, and I am so glad we went, because when we know more, we can take action. These experiences at Villa inspired me and gave me confidence as I entered college.” — VALERIA R., ’21
WE WELCOME YOU
When you join Villa Duchesne, you begin your Sacred Heart journey.
Whether as a junior kindergartener ready to explore in the classroom, a middle schooler climbing new academic heights, or a high schooler gazing at the college horizon, you become part of a global Sacred Heart community. Closer to home, you become part of a community of shared values that call us all to Seek to Understand, Build Community, Have Faith, Ask Hard Questions, and Look Beyond.
