INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY
About IWA
Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word Academy empowers the next generation of women leaders by encouraging each student to become a woman of faith and a citizen who is knowledgeable, creative, ethical and responsible. Your experience at IWA will be transformative as you explore opportunities to embrace your faith, find your voice, and think critically. We ensure an innovative approach to learning that is collaborative and focuses on areas that are important and relevant to today. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, and those who work with them, are called to a charism that seeks to “transform people and the community by promoting human dignity in all forms.� For almost 90 years, IWA has journeyed with the Sisters in this mission.
Our MISSION
The mission of Incarnate Word Academy is to challenge young women of faith to achieve their God-given potential as academically successful Women of the Word, following the example of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, by promoting human dignity, thereby empowering themselves and others to make a positive impact on our world.
Our VISION
Incarnate Word Academy, a Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in the greater St. Louis area, will graduate the next generation of compassionate, empowered leaders, by welcoming a diverse community, offering academic excellence, spiritual growth and technological competencies at a competitive cost.
Challenging ACADEMICS
At Incarnate Word Academy, we take the notion of “college-prep” very seriously. We have embraced a model of scheduling that encourages active student engagement, collaboration, and experiential problem solving. Known as the Flexible Modular Schedule, it is a defining characteristic of life at IWA. In the modular schedule, classes vary from day-to-day throughout a ten-day cycle. On some days, an IWA student has classes backto-back. On other days, she may have several “open labs,” which are viewed as an extension of the classroom. During an open lab, a student can take a test, see a teacher for one-on-one help, or work with other students on group projects.
12:1 74% 37 57% Student Teacher Ratio
Faculty & Staff Hold Advanced Degrees
College Credit Course Offerings
Students Enrolled in Honors Courses
College BOUND
IWA graduates begin their college careers with an edge - already knowing how to collaborate, structure time effectively, and initiate discussions with professors. If you ask an alumna if she is prepared for college, she doesn’t just say yes - she says, “Absolutely!” Red Knights can be found on college campuses throughout the country and across the globe. IWA’s combination of modular scheduling and rigorous college-prep and college credit courses help prepare students for life after high school. The college counseling office has established benchmarks designed to achieve college acceptance for every Red Knight. Our college counselors ensure that students are exposed to the full range of college options across the U.S. so that they find their best fit college or university.
THE CLASS OF 2020:
99% $7M 126 92% College Matriculation Rate
in Scholarship Offers
# of Colleges Where the Class of 2020 Were Accepted
Attending a 4-Year College or University
3 days 2 Length of the Senior Kairos Retreat
Campus Ministers
120 Required Hours of Service
5
“Mission Models� Selected Each Month
Growing in FAITH
As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, IWA is committed to the challenge of preserving our heritage while nurturing the spiritual development of a diverse community. We meet this challenge through four years of required theology classes that allow students to: grow in their personal relationships to God, be knowledgeable about their faith, and integrate these beliefs and traditions into their personal lives. Campus Ministry is at the heart of our mission as a Catholic school and plays a key role in building a vibrant faith community on campus. Through the coordination of liturgies, religious events, annual class retreats, and IWA’s service program, our campus ministers actively assist in the formation of the Catholic spirituality of our students, faculty, and staff. Social justice is an integral part of the school’s mission.
CAMPUS MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS • All-School Masses • Reconciliation • Eucharistic Adoration • Mission Models • Class Retreats • Service Program • Additional Service Opportunities • Campus Ministry Homeroom
CCVI
Initials from the Latin Name of our Sponsoring Congregation: Congregatio Charitatis a Verbo Incarnato
The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (headquartered in San Antonio, Texas) sponsor an international network of ministries in health, education, and social justice. Incarnate Word Academy is proud to be one of these sponsored ministries.
Red Knight ATHLETICS
Incarnate Word Academy’s athletic programs strive for excellence on all levels. As a student athlete, you will learn how to excel at your sport and to display the qualities of good sportsmanship. In addition to receiving the athletic training necessary to compete at the college level, you will gain self-esteem, leadership skills, and lifelong bonds with your teammates. When a Red Knight finishes her race or scores the winning goal, the entire IWA community is there to cheer her on!
FALL SPORTS • Golf • Tennis • Cross Country • Softball • Volleyball
WINTER SPORTS • Basketball • Swim & Dive
SPRING SPORTS • Soccer • Track & Field • Lacrosse
YEAR-ROUND SPORTS • Cheer • Dance
Red Knights, the official name of all IWA teams, is a derivation: known as "Incarnites" in the early days of the school, IWA athletes eventually became known as "Red Knights" because of their bright red uniforms.
12 24 Sports Offered
Individual Teams
In The Last 17 Years, IWA Student Athletes Have Claimed
: 68
District Championships
15 4
Team State Championships
Individual State Championships
More than TRADITION
A navy blue jumper isn’t just part of the IWA uniform, it’s also a long-standing tradition – just one among many that are “Uniquely Incarnate.” During her four years at the Academy, a Red Knight looks forward to the opportunity to receive her Junior Ring from a senior, exchange the Rose & Candle, play for her class in the Homecoming Powder Puff Football game, and show her best moves at the Father-Daughter Dance. These IWA traditions are part of our continuing heritage. Our students are forever united by these shared experiences. It’s a bond that no amount of time or distance can break. That’s what draws our alumnae back to campus as revered “Golden Girls” fifty years after graduation – because Incarnate Word Academy holds a special place in their hearts.
FAVORITE IWA TRADITIONS • Ring Day • Rose & Candle Ceremony • Powder Puff Football Game • The “Big Sit” • Father-Daughter • Mother-Daughter • Spirit Week • Mission Week
The Rose & Candle Ceremony dates back to the 1970’s. Unique to the St. Louis area, this ceremony was voted a “favorite high school tradition” in the Riverfront Times, and was also featured in an exhibit at the Missouri History Museum.
7,084
Cans of Food Collected by the Class of 2020 During the Spirit Week Food Drive
86 1951 4
Years of Using the Original Design of the IWA Ring
First Father-Daughter Dinner Banquet
Pleats on your Navy Blue Jumper
2/3
of Graduating Seniors Name Ring Day as their Favorite IWA Memory.
Co-Curricular PROGRAMS
From Animé Club, to Respect Life Club, to the “Sitcom Sit-Down” Club - there’s almost certainly a topic to spark your interest. Can’t find a club you and your friends like? Don’t worry - you can start your own! Each club meets often and participates in group discussions, field trips, and special events. In addition to clubs, there are a number of student-led organizations focusing on scholarship, leadership, and service. Through involvement in this unique combination of opportunities outside the classroom, Women of the Word are empowered to reach beyond themselves as they take on new interests and chellenges.
9o%
Of All Students Participate in at Least One Club or Sport.
17
Clubs Available - or Start Your Own!
4
Scholarship, Service & Leadership Organizations
7
Countries Visited During Student Trip to Europe
Fine & Performing ARTS
If you’re passionate about the arts, Incarnate Word Academy is the place for you. We offer a music program with three levels of performance opportunities, a drama program with three yearly productions, as well as vibrant dance and visual arts programs. There are plentiful opportunities for every Red Knight to pursue and display her talents. Our state-of-the-art facilities in art, dance, music, and theatre afford a plethora of creative spaces for students to rehearse and perform in subjects ranging from studio art to ceramics, piano to choir, acting to play production, and beginning Broadway dance to advanced dance technique.
1,900
Square Feet in our Newly-Expanded Art Studios
3
Theatre Productions Each Year
92%
Of All Students Take Classes in The Arts.
1/3
Of All Students Participate in the Spring Musical.
Fostering WELLNESS
Incarnate Word Academy empowers the mind, body and spirit of every young Woman of the Word. We provide the tools and resources necessary for every Red Knight to find balance in her ever-busy life. From Yoga Club to the Family Program, our main goals are: to empower and motivate students to take control of their lives, to give students time to reflect on their passions, aspirations and challenges, and to provide opportunities for students to gain self-awareness. The bonds established between IWA students, teachers, administrators, and alumnae provide a welcoming environment where girls are supported and encouraged to thrive at every level.
YOGA CLUB:
The mission of Yoga Club is to promote wellness of the mind, body, and spirit through physical yoga postures, mindfulness, and guided meditation. Yoga is a much-needed respite from the chaos of our modern, busy lives. Each club meeting includes a yoga practice or guided meditation led by the club president or moderator. We will dim the lights, kick off our shoes, and enjoy the beauty and serenity that is Yoga.
FAMILY PROGRAM:
The Family Program allows students to meet friends they might not otherwise encounter in the classroom or in their own social circles. Assigned to one of four “houses” (each named for a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word,) every family is made up of several students from each grade level who meet regularly in an effort to promote wellness, unity, and friendship. Whenever you need a little support, a member of your IWA “family” is always on hand to lead the way.
Your NEXT STEPS
Time and time again, our students tell us their campus visits sealed the deal for them at IWA. To help you find the experience that's right for you, we offer several visit options - both in-person and online. Want to visit IWA in-person? For current 8th grade students, we offer full-day Future Red Knight visits, as well as a shorter, after-school option that we call the “Red Knight Experience.” Both of these in-person options will pair you with an IWA student ambassador who is eager to show you everything IWA has to offer! Want to get an in-depth view of our campus from the comfort of your own home? Try our new 360 virtual tours, which will walk you through our beautiful campus and share information about our three academic buildings and outdoor spaces.
Visit Us:
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE.
1.
Decide on the Visit Opportunity That’s Right for You.
2.
Register for Your Visit at: iwacademy.org/VisitIWA
3.
Have a Blast When You Visit IWA!
4.
Apply to IWA Online: iwacademy.org/Application
QUESTIONS: Contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@iwacademy.org - or - 314.725.5850 ext. 1149