VIEWBOOK 2026-2027

WHAT SPARKS YOUR FIRE?

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.

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.

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History 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. For generations, IWA has provided young women with an education rooted in faith, academic excellence, service, and personal growth.

Your experience at IWA will be transformative as you explore opportunities to embrace your faith, find your voice, think critically, and develop the confidence to make a positive impact on the world around you.

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, and those who work with them, are called by a charism that seeks to “transform people and the community by promoting human dignity in all forms.” For over 94 years, IWA has journeyed with the Sisters in this mission, carrying their values and legacy forward for each new generation of young women.

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T A I W E F A I L Academics The academic environment at Incarnate Word Academy is thoroughly engaging. We offer a challenging college-preparatory curriculum, a highly accessible faculty, and a modular schedule that allows you to immerse yourself in the breadth and depth of a subject and interpret it through the lens of your specific interests and objectives. IWA’s combination of modular scheduling, rigorous collegeprep courses, and college credit classes ensures that our students are well-prepared for life after high school. Every step of the way, our college counselors are on hand to help each student find the perfect college fit.

Modular Schedule Incarnate Word Academy’s unique modular schedule runs on a rotating ten-day cycle with 16 short periods—called “mods”—each lasting 20 minutes. Most classes span two consecutive mods, giving students flexible blocks of time for learning. Built-in “open labs” provide opportunities to meet with teachers, collaborate on projects, or take assessments during the school day.

Because Red Knights don’t just follow schedules —they design them—this college-preparatory schedule balances academics, fine and performing arts, athletics, clubs, and family life while fostering confidence, independence, and initiative in line with our mission to form disciplined, confident, and well-rounded young women.

At IWA, learning goes beyond the classroom. A challenging college-preparatory curriculum, dedicated faculty, and our unique modular schedule give students the flexibility to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and grow in confidence, independence, and leadership.

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100 Percent College Matriculation Rate

STEM Comprehensive Program Includes Computer Science, Engineering and Health Occupations

44 Honors & College-Credit Course Offerings

90 Percent Students Participate in an Extra Curricular Activity

11:1 StudentTeacher Ratio

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ROOTED IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY At IWA, faith is at the heart of who we are.

Rooted in the mission and charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God, serve others, and recognize the dignity of every person. Through prayer, Mass, retreats, service, and shared traditions, faith is woven into the IWA experience, building a community where young women grow in faith, compassion, and purpose.

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Faith Development 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 with God, to be knowledgeable about their faith, and to 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 services, annual class retreats, and IWA’s service program, our Campus Ministry office actively assists in the formation of the Catholic conscience of our students, faculty, and staff.

Social Justice is an integral part of the school’s mission.

All-School Masses “Mission Model” Program with 5 Mission Models Selected Each Month Mission Trips Service Program with 120 Hours of Required Service Per Graduating Student Sisters in Prayer

House Program Reconciliation Eucharistic Adoration Additional Service Opportunities Class-Level Retreats Including a 3-Day Kairos Retreat During Senior Year Woman of the Word Capstone Project

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Leadership

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Athletics Incarnate Word Academy’s athletic programs strive for excellence at all levels. As a studentathlete, you will have every opportunity to develop your skills, excel in your sport, and demonstrate the qualities of good sportsmanship. As a member of a team, you will gain self-esteem, leadership skills, and lifelong bonds with your teammates. The confidence achieved through success in attaining individual and team goals is reflected in the poise, maturity, and humility of a Red Knight studentathlete. When you cross the finish line or score the winning goal, the IWA community will be there to celebrate with you.

Fall Sports Golf Tennis Cross Country Softball Volleyball

Winter Sports Basketball Swim & Dive

The Arts If you’re passionate about the arts, IWA gives you the opportunity to create, perform, and discover your talents. Students can explore music, theatre, dance, and visual arts through a variety of classes, performances, productions, and creative experiences designed to help them grow as artists.

With three levels of music performance opportunities, three theatre productions each year, vibrant dance and visual arts programs, and dedicated creative spaces, students have countless opportunities to express themselves, take the stage, showcase their work, and bring their creativity to life.

Spring Sports Soccer Track & Field Lacrosse

Multi-Season Sport Dance

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Traditions A navy blue jumper isn’t just part of the IWA uniform; it’s also a longstanding tradition—just one among many that are “uniquely Incarnate.”

During her four years here, a Red Knight looks forward to the opportunity to receive her Junior Ring from a senior and light the Rose & Candle, play for her class in the Homecoming Powder Puff Football game, and share her best moves at the Father-Daughter Dance. These IWA traditions are part of our cherished heritage. Our students are forever united by these shared experiences 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” Homecoming Parade

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Father-Daughter Mother-Daughter Spirit Week Mission Week Just Because Day

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All-Girls’ Sisterhood When you visit IWA, you will notice a feeling of warmth, genuine care, and community. This sense of belonging connects generations of Women of the Word.

It is the IWA sisterhood that is formed by four years of shared experiences that help you make memories that last a lifetime.

STEM: Girls’ school grads are six times more likely to consider majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math compared to girls who attend coed schools.

Stronger Involvement: Girls’ school grads, compared to their coeducated peers, are more frequently active in volunteer work.

Higher Confidence: Girls’ school grads enter college with 10% higher confidence in math and computer skills than coed peers.

Higher Aspirations: 2/3 of students at all-girls schools expect to earn a graduate or professional degree.

IWA is a place where girls take center stage. They occupy every seat in student government, every spot on the Esports team, and every position in every club. In fact, every aspect of IWA – from the classroom to the chapel to the curriculum – is designed for girls.

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Incarnate Word Academy

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