VillaMaria_Viewbook 2025

DARE TO BE E xt r aordinary VILLA MARIA ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

For more than 150 years, Villa Maria Academy High School has emboldened young women to meet the challenges of the times, opening their eyes to their inherent power to change the world for the better. I invite you to join us— and discover the greatness that God intends for you.

Si ncer ely, Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM, EdD President

ANIMATED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (THE IHMs), ALL THAT WE DO AT VILLA MARIA IS APPROACHED WITH LOVE, CREATIVE HOPE, AND FIDELITY. A friendly smile from a senior that eases the freshman jitters, the daily discipline that paves the path to success, an encouraging word from a teacher that changes your perspective—at Villa Maria, every little moment and every time-honored tradition adds up to something quite exceptional.

Here, true education is about more than grades, leadership goes beyond mere titles, and the sisterhood is anything but superficial.

Villa is a genuine community where young women like you grow into the best version of themselves—leaders with purpose who use their gifts and influence to lift up others.

DEFINE YOURSELF FOR Gr e at er P u r pose

HIGH SCHOOL IS A PIVOTAL WINDOW OF INTELLECTUAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH. IT’S THE TIME TO DEFINE YOURSELF AND YOUR PURPOSE—OR THE WORLD WILL DO IT FOR YOU. With a focus exclusively on young women in grades 9 through 12, Villa Maria’s faculty and staff know how to help you take ownership of your future and your identity as a daughter of God. We’ll challenge you to stretch your mind, open your heart, and summon the courage to become more than you’ve ever imagined.

14

average class size

10:1

student-toteacher ratio

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND HONORS COURSES Villa provides a broad range of Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses for students ready for college-level work or the challenge of a more comprehensive level of study at an accelerated pace.

DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY Select dual enrollment college-level courses are offered at Villa on-site in partnership with Immaculata University. This provides high school students with additional opportunities to earn college credits on Villa’s campus.

I first came to Villa from a college teaching background. At Villa, I found a little piece of heaven. The faculty and staff are really committed to the mission and are passionate about preparing the next generation of incredible young ladies. I promise that you can count on us—any of us—to help you become the very best version of yourself.

Si ncer ely, Leah (Kyoungwoon) Kim-Tomilson Director of Music

ST. TERESA OF ÁVILA SCHOLARS PROGRAM This prestigious program is designed for intellectually curious sophomores, juniors, and seniors who show the aptitude for academic challenge beyond the Honors and AP levels.

Students are invited to apply for admission to the program in February of their freshman year.

LYNCH DESIGN LAB The Lynch Design Lab enables students to create, explore, and gain confidence working with technology. In the lab, students can learn JavaScript, program robots, build websites, create apps, use a 3D printer, explore A-Frame coding, and more.

We’ll provide the academic foundation and mental preparation you need to succeed—so you can spread your wings and soar.

GROW WITH INTENTION Villa’s rigorous academic program emphasizes the learning process over consuming content.

Throughout your courses, you’ll hone your research and problem-solving skills, learn to promote your ideas clearly and persuasively, and cultivate study habits in an atmosphere of mutual support and healthy competition. Our remarkable faculty teach here because they believe in Villa’s mission—and in you. Many possess advanced degrees or professional experience in fields like medicine, law, and engineering, greatly enhancing the spirit of intellectual curiosity in their classes.

GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM It is often said that experience is the best teacher.

Through your courses, clubs, and activities at Villa, you’ll have access to a wide range of learning opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. Maybe you’ll attend a cultural event, engage in local or global travel, participate in a civic activity or social activism, or explore the intricacies of business and industry.

From volunteering on Election Day to studying ecology in Belize, the possibilities are endless!

CONNECT THROUGH SENIOR CAPSTONE The Senior Capstone enables students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired at Villa in the professional world. Students work with a mentor in their field of interest through 25 hours of job shadowing. Olivia observed critical infant care in the NICU at Lankenau Medical Center.

Rachel explored an interest in computer science at Google. Emma contemplated a future in entertainment marketing at Saturday Night Live.

Where will your Senior Capstone lead you?

FOCUS ON THE HORIZON Since the school was founded in 1872, Villa has been at the forefront of women’s education—and today is no different. From exploring the role of artificial intelligence to adopting new instructional approaches, Villa remains responsive to the needs and challenges of the times—without abandoning our commitment to a solid grounding in the fundamentals of the liberal arts.

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion OPENING DAY After spending some time getting to know your fellow classmates at orientation, the excitement kicks up a notch with Opening Day festivities, when the whole school comes together to welcome the year with a picnic and field day. Will your Hurricane Huddle advisory group be part of the Blue Team or the White Team? Will you get into the fray in the tug-of-war, or cheer on your teammates? Will you have fries with that burger? It’s a time to fortify yourself for the challenges and triumphs ahead!

GET CURIOUS Review the full list of course offerings and graduation requirements

LEAD WITH Love IN AN OFTEN CHAOTIC AND IMPERSONAL WORLD, VILLA MARIA OFFERS STUDENTS A SUPPORTIVE ALL-GIRLS EXPERIENCE GROUNDED IN AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS. Surrounded by classmates who become lifelong sisters and a caring faculty, you’ll find a warm and welcoming home for your unique strengths to emerge and real confidence to take root. Here, we celebrate courage, recognizing that we all stumble on the path to growth and greatness.

WHERE GIRLS RULE At Villa, girls rule in every role and every realm.

In an accepting and empowering environment, your thoughts and ideas are taken seriously—and you can let down your guard without judgment.

Dances and joint activities offer opportunities to mingle with students from local boys’ schools without sacrificing the advantages of an all-girls education uniquely tailored to young women’s strengths and needs.

WE’RE IN IT FOR OTHERS Villa students come to understand that we are all leaders with the power to influence and shape the world around us. We have a choice in how we respond to challenges and recognize that true leaders are in it for others. No matter what type of leader you are, at Villa you’ll find meaningful ways to get engaged and find your voice.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND More than 40 activities offer opportunities to explore your passions, make friends, and cultivate leadership skills. With so many to choose from, there’s something for everyone—from American Sign Language to Women in Business and everything in between.

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion SORELLA DAY You won’t know the date until it arrives.

(Neither will the faculty or staff!) The plan is a secret until it unfolds. (The mystery is part of the fun!) But when it happens, you can be sure it will be amazing.

Sorella Day is an unforgettable celebration of our sisterhood that the student council executives and Villa’s director of student activities plan to surprise and delight the entire Villa community.

The All-Girls Advantage Graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely than their coeducated peers to contemplate majors in math, science, or technology.1

93% of girls’ school graduates say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than their coeducated peers and 80% have held leadership positions since graduating from high school.1

Students at girls’ schools have higher aspirations and greater motivation than their peers at coeducational schools. More than 2⁄3 expect to earn a graduate or professional degree.2 Graduates of girls’ schools are more likely to plan to vote in elections and to value keeping up with political affairs and influencing political structures.3 Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools, as reported by the International Girls School Coalition at girlsschools.org/research/ quick-facts 1

Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools, as reported by the International Girls School Coalition at girlsschools.org/research/ quick-facts 2

Dr. Tiffani Riggers-Piehl, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Fostering Academic and Social Engagement: An Investigation into the Effects of All-Girls Education in the Transition to University, as reported by the International Girls School Coalition at girlsschools. org/research/quick-facts 3

COMPETE WITH Honor

THE ATHLETICS PROGRAM AT VILLA MARIA INVITES YOU TO EXPERIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AT THEIR BEST. Here, school spirit runs high, sportsmanship is the standard, and teams that rise and fall together forge steadfast friendships.

Like other aspects of the Villa experience, our focus is on coaching the human first.

At Villa, the faculty and staff encourage us to hold ourselves to a high standard in academics, athletics, and our personal lives. During my time here, I have been blessed to grow in knowledge and love of my Catholic faith and to be challenged academically in a wide variety of subjects that have helped guide me toward my college goals. I have also been able to serve by leading two student organizations that are especially meaningful to me.

When you’re choosing a high school, I think it’s important to go somewhere there is a strong sense that you can really be known by your classmates and nurtured individually by your teachers.

That’s what I’ve found here at Villa.

Si ncer ely, Elise Cheely ’26 Favorite Villa Tradition: Daisy Chain Future Plans: To become a pediatric nurse practitioner at CHOP

BASKETBALL | CHEER | CROSS COUNTRY | FIELD HOCKEY | GOLF | INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD | LACROSSE | PADDLE | PICKLEBALL | ROWING | SOCCER | SOFTBALL | SWIMMING AND DIVING | TENNIS | TRACK AND FIELD | VOLLEYBALL | CHARACTER COUNTS Athletics at Villa use sports as a vehicle to cultivate life skills and values, emphasizing growth, spirituality, teamwork, and peak mental performance. Villa athletes routinely excel in the classroom as well as on the field, with many maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Long-tenured faculty, coaches, and staff—including a full-time athletic trainer—guide, inspire, and support our athletes. A focus on mental performance helps Villa develop athletes of distinction.

A FORCE OF NATURE As a member of the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies (AACA)—the only all-girls athletic conference in Pennsylvania—the Villa

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion PEP RALLIES AND HOMECOMING Pep rallies for each sports season are a favorite way to celebrate our athletes, boost school spirit, and continue the year’s schoolwide competition between the Blue Team and the White Team that began on Opening Day. In addition, each October we welcome our Villa alumnae and their families back to campus for Homecoming. In between cheering on the Hurricanes in their field hockey, soccer, and volleyball matches, there’s food, music, and fun for all, including kids’ activities and student-guided tours.

Maria Hurricanes are part of PIAA District 1.

Membership in the PIAA allows our athletes to pursue the highest levels of competition while holding our program to strict standards. Our highly successful teams—which boast nearly 100 State and District 1 Championships—routinely attract talented athletes who self-select Villa and go on to compete at the collegiate level.

BE WELL All students at Villa learn to care for their health and wellness through curricular and co-curricular offerings that emphasize balancing the well-being of mind, body, and spirit. In our dining hall, alongside the famous Villa cookies, you’ll always find healthy, fresh, delicious options on the menu.

CREATE TO Inspi r e

THE CREATION AND APPRECIATION OF ART IS CENTRAL TO THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE. Whether you’re an advanced or aspiring artist, Villa Maria’s exceptional fine arts faculty will challenge your critical thinking abilities, encourage self-reflection, and help you cultivate the courage you need to take your creative abilities to new heights.

Discover how the fine arts can elevate your soul in our worldclass academic programs and extracurricular activities.

At Villa, my daughter was able to discover herself and her strengths. Not only has Villa helped her grow into an international award-winning violinist and a well-prepared student, it’s also given her the confidence to step out of her shell. Now she’s a leader and president of the orchestra. I never imagined she would do that.

My daughter found her passion in music and is following her heart in the field of music education. Villa offers so much beyond academics, and there are plenty of ways to find your own passion, too.

Si ncer ely, Natch Valdeviezo P’25

ART In our extensive visual arts program, you’ll learn techniques in drawing, painting, graphic design, watercolor, and 3D work while displaying your pieces in the community and at Villa’s Fine Arts Festival. Our students have taken part in summer art institutes around the country, while graduates have majored in creative fields at a variety of colleges and universities, including Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, Savannah College of Art and Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, Princeton University, and more.

DANCE The growing range of dance offerings at Villa includes everything from a beginner-level course covering multiple genres to audition-based companies. In addition to the many opportunities to perform and compete, you can choose whether to use your participation in dance to satisfy your physical education or your fine arts requirement.

MUSIC Villa’s best-in-region music program provides exceptional instruction, diverse ensembles, and rich performance opportunities—meeting the needs of both accomplished musicians aiming for top music

schools worldwide and beginners just starting their musical journey. In addition to engaging coursework in music theory, technology, and history, students can further develop their skills through weekly private lessons during the school day with acclaimed faculty in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral instruments.

The Villa Maria Conservatory: Founded in 2025, this is an exciting new program offering any young musician in grade 5 and up next-level musical instruction. Students have the opportunity to learn from top-tier faculty in a dynamic, in-depth environment unlike any other in the region.

THEATER Through Villa’s theater program, you’ll discover the elements that go into creating an experience for a live audience. Each year, Villa Theater presents interactive theatrical productions and a musical open to all students. In addition, a rostered theatrical production and design class stages its own culminating performance.

Prefer to stay out of the spotlight? Members of our Light and Sound Crew learn to operate Villa’s state-of-the-art lighting and sound boards; build technical and design skills; and assist with all liturgies, assemblies, and special events.

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion CAROL AND RING The arts aren’t relegated to a specific course or club at Villa. Creativity and music abound across campus throughout the year. Take one of Villa’s oldest and most beloved traditions—Carol and Ring.

Weeks of practice go into the preparations for the moving December ceremony, when the juniors receive their class rings and regale the community with an all-class performance of Christmas favorites.

GET INSPIRED Meet our fine arts faculty, see a full list of courses offered, and more.

SERVE WITH Si ncer i t y AS AN INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL, THE VILLA MARIA COMMUNITY FINDS STRENGTH IN ITS BACKBONE OF FAITH. It’s in the air we breathe, the words we speak, and the way we treat each other as children of God. We embrace and encourage each student on her own unique spiritual journey—regardless of her religious background—as we help her cultivate the values and moral compass that will guide her through life.

Modeled by the IHM Sisters, a sense of gratitude and joyful service permeates our campus.

Our students become active practitioners of the IHM charism—the Sisters’ unique gift—of love, creative hope, and fidelity. At Villa, you’ll be encouraged to discover and use your own Godgiven gifts to benefit others and serve those who are marginalized, to forge a way when there seems to be none, to look beyond what appears to be. Our community’s unselfish “we” mindset will help keep you grounded and empower you with purpose.

CAMPUS MINISTRY Campus Ministry fosters an environment of prayer and spirituality for the school community through liturgical celebrations, prayer experiences, daily Holy Communion, and retreats. The many ways you can get involved include peer ministry, music ministry, altar servers, and the student charism committee.

SERVICE LEARNING AND OUTREACH As a Villa student, you’ll complete independent service hours each year. The service learning approach fosters student learning while cultivating a sense of giving back through

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion KAIROS AND CLASS RETREATS Class retreats throughout the school year offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and a time out from your busy schedule.

Over the summer months, most rising seniors will choose to go away on one of Villa’s three Kairos retreats. Often described as a moving, transformative experience, Kairos serves to further strengthen the sisterhood at Villa.

hands-on opportunities to help others in the community. In addition, Villa supports four annual drives to collect and share resources with those in need as well as student-led service projects on campus.

SOCIAL JUSTICE Several campus committees actively work to promote social justice as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging both at Villa and in the wider world. These groups help us celebrate our diversity, ensure fair treatment of all, identify and remove barriers to equity, bring the community together, and foster a sense of belonging.

The beautiful Parsons Chapel in the Theresa Maxis Student Union building (below) provides a spiritual hub and inspirational oasis right in the center of campus.

ASPIRE WITH Au t h en t ici t y

STUDENTS THRIVE WHERE THEY FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE, AN ENVIRONMENT THAT THE VILLA MARIA COMMUNITY READILY PROVIDES. Here, faculty and staff work in partnership with students’ families to nurture the whole person. Teachers and peers show up to support one another. And counselors stay flexible, making themselves readily available to students from day one.

There is absolutely no question my daughter was well prepared for college.

Her study skills are fantastic, and I attribute that to Villa. The IHMs have a way of teaching that is just exceptional.

My daughter was very happy during her time at Villa. When I first set foot on campus, I felt so much at ease. I knew this was where she needed to be. You just have to experience it for yourself.

Si ncer ely, Millie Slifer Sr. P ’20

At Villa, you will be known, valued, and inspired. Looking to the future and weighing college options will encourage you to consider the “why” over the “where” and to seek out the post-high school experience that makes the best match.

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER Each Villa student is assigned two counselors— a school counselor and a college counselor. The school counselor will work with you through all four years, getting to know and understand you, guiding you, and working together with your college counselor to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. In addition, the daily Hurricane Huddle will help you pursue wellness in all aspects of your life.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR THE FUTURE Villa’s counselors encourage students to look beyond illusions and chart their own unique course that’s right for them and their goals in life. Whether our graduates choose schools close to home or thousands of miles away, they can be found pursuing their dreams at exceptional

Embrace t he Tr adi t ion SENIOR SUMMIT As college and career loom closer on the horizon your senior year, you’ll have the opportunity to step out of your routine to focus exclusively on the future at the Senior Summit. At this off-campus event, dressed in business attire, you’ll gain professional and career insights from a panel of alumnae, participate in breakout sessions, engage in mock interviews, and sit for professional headshots. The day concludes with a luncheon, offering an additional opportunity for you to build poise and confidence.

programs and institutions. At Villa, we’ll help you consider your college options with a critical lens as you become adept at seeking out opportunities that put you ahead on your own chosen path.

THE “I” OF THE HURRICANE Over your four years, the counseling program will serve as the “I” of the hurricane, encouraging you to identify, investigate, imagine, and implement your dreams and goals. As a freshman, you’ll identify your vision for a year of transition and success. Sophomore year, you’ll begin to investigate careers and majors using a college and career search platform. As a junior, you’ll imagine your possibilities as you embark on the college application and selection process. Finally, as a senior, you’ll implement an individualized plan to successfully position yourself for your college and career goals.

SHINE WITH Con fidence OVER FOUR EXHILARATING YEARS, VILLA GIRLS DARE TO TEST THEIR LIMITS, IMAGINE THEIR FUTURES, AND NURTURE THEIR FAITH. They come to our campus in Malvern from 40 different schools in five counties—by bus, by train, by car. They leave as members of one sisterhood—lifelong friends and advocates, each empowered to make her own impact on the world.

Villa’s teachers, coaches, and staff

With Villa Maria’s process-driven intellectual rigor, academic success in college and beyond is a given.

Our graduates feel better prepared for college than their peers. More confident. Ready to embrace new opportunities.

But academic achievement alone isn’t enough for a successful career or a meaningful life.

At Villa, students develop accountability on a campus where it’s impossible to hide. They learn punctuality, poise, and politeness—qualities that will land them that first job or their next promotion. They’re willing to take risks and are resilient in the face of adversity. They develop a level of self-assurance and a can-do attitude as they become young women who accomplish anything they set their minds to academically, professionally, and personally.

Most importantly, our graduates become the best version of themselves, genuine leaders living their lives for a greater purpose.

How will you choose to shine?

helped make bigger goals feel achievable with hard work, dedication, and passion. I try to encourage a similar confidence in the individuals I work with, stressing that the real value isn’t the result, but the daily work you put in that’s making you a better person.

At Villa, you’re going to work hard— that’s a given. But you’re also going to have fun—that’s a given as well. You’ll find so many opportunities that you can grow as an individual. If you’re looking for a well-rounded school that hits everything, Villa is definitely the one.

Si ncer ely, Alivia Orvieto ’20 B.S. Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Division I Beach Volleyball Team Captain, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach; Founder, Orvieto Athletics

Em br ace t h e Tr a di t ion DAISY CHAIN AND SENIOR SING Daisy Chain and Senior Sing are rites of passage rife with hugs and tears. In May, the juniors line Villa’s driveway holding a chain of daisies as the seniors process down the center.

After the gathering moves into the gym, the seniors sing an original song—written and composed by members of the senior class— followed by a volley of songs the classes have rewritten to sing to each other. It’s a beautiful celebration of the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood you’ll cultivate at Villa.

COLLEGE BOUND Check out a full list of recent college acceptances.

DARE TO BE E xt r aor dina ry

Villa is an exceptional place for young women who are eager to find their voice, ready to stretch themselves, and open to discovering God’s great plan for their lives. We’re a community that will DARE YOU TO BE EXTRAORDINARY in your own unique way.

Your sisters can’t wait to welcome you.

Si ncer ely,

Villa

Thank you for your interest in Villa Maria Academy High School. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please call our Admissions team at 610-644-2551 extension 1020. We would love to welcome you into the Villa Maria family and sisterhood!

ADMISSIONS TEAM We invite you to learn more about us and to let us learn about you!

Mrs. Jennifer Rose P ’21 Director of Enrollment Management JRose@vmahs.org

Vi ll a M a r i a Cor e Va lu e s COMMIT TO LEARNING | REFLECT ON EXPERIENCE | CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY | EMBRACE THE TRUTH | ACT WITH INTEGRITY | RESPECT SELF AND OTHERS | LEAD BY EXAMPLE | ACHIEVE THROUGH COMMITMENT

NOTHING HOLDS BACK A HURRICANE!

TRANSPORTATION Find out how you’ll get here

FINANCIAL AID Learn more about help affording Villa

SCHOLARSHIPS Get recognized for your achievements

VILLA MARIA ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL AN ALL-GIRLS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

370 Central Avenue Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 610.644.2551

admissions@vmahs.org vmahs.org