Welcome
AN EDUCATION FOR THE HEAD AND THE HEART
The Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls, founded in 1876, and Hardey Preparatory for Boys, founded in 1935, serve children in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Together, we are a vibrant learning community dedicated to the education of both the head and the heart. On behalf of the Schools, I invite you to learn more about us.
Our educational mission is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart and the work of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat who first articulated her educational vision in 1800. It was her belief, as it is ours, that children who first learn they are loved and valued are in the best position to acquire knowledge and then learn to use that knowledge not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of all humanity. In this common mission, we are part of a network of Sacred Heart educational institutions around the world, including 21 schools here in the United States.
As a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, we are also proud to be part of the strong tradition of independent schools dedicated to excellence in academics. Our low student/teacher ratio - 9:1 - reflects our commitment to providing a learning environment that is challenging and supportive to a variety of learners. Our belief in the effectiveness of single sex classrooms - which children begin to experience in first grade - further illustrates our focus on each child as an individual.
Even as we honor our heritage as schools in the Roman Catholic tradition, we celebrate our diversity. Our families originate from 36 different countries and represent every major religion. About 20% of our students enroll with the help of scholarships and financial aid. While we are families from all kinds of backgrounds, we come together as one caring community.
As a Sacred Heart educator for more than 16 years, I believe that our mission of helping students to not only develop intellectually, but learn that each person is an essential actor in building a world of peace and justice, is more important now than ever. I encourage you to visit us here on Sheridan Road where you will be able to see first-hand the benefits of a Sacred Heart education.
Sincerely,
Nat Wilburn
Head of Schools
