Why SHA
Sacred Heart Schools is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School District. The IB is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to education. Committed to our mission to inspire diverse learners to become globally minded, compassionate leaders, we strategically adopted this world-leading best practice and framework.
The IB learning cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection takes learning far beyond memorizing to understanding concepts and connecting the dots. This engages students in their learning and spurs them into action to bring about meaningful change.
At SHA, we believe it is crucial to focus equally on academics and other transferable skills students need to become globally-minded problem-solvers. Beginning freshman year, SHA students start building a toolbox of real-world tools and skills. This work in ninth and tenth grade lays the foundation for success in college-level classes in junior and senior year. In addition to learning all core content, ALL students also gain:
Through IB, we teach students how to research and analyze information and apply their learning across different subjects and to the world outside the classroom. An IB education equips students with the tools they need to become compassionate leaders.
Sacred Heart teachers do not stand in the front of the classroom and impart information for students to memorize and repeat on a test. Instead, our IB teachers guide students through engaging, concept-based learning that fosters inquiry and experimentation and prepares our students for success in college and in the jobs of the future.
Click here to view Sacred Heart Academy’s Academic Profile.
Beyond the Classroom
You’re coming here to learn, but you’ll come away with so much more!
Forever Friends and your Forever Home.
SHA will become your second family! No matter how you choose to get involved at SHA, the girls you're with every day will become your sisters. Your SHA Sisterhood will follow you through four wonderful high school years and remain by your side forever. Our Forever Valkyries (graduates) will tell you that you will meet your lifelong FOREVER best friends at Sacred Heart.
What sets SHA apart from the rest?
- With one of the most successful athletic programs in the state, SHA teams have won 111 state championships. SHA athletes train and compete on campus in state-of-the-art athletic facilities. We have 16 sports, with at least one no-cut sport each season, plus intramurals.
- Sacred Heart is the only high school in Louisville to offer an intentional and integrated leadership development program and a Leadership Certificate of Distinction upon graduation through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute.
- Our teachers are not just dedicated. They are devoted to our students’ success. You’ll find them hosting night-time study sessions, coaching our athletic and academic teams, cheering on their students at sporting and theatre events, and meeting with them during TEAM for extra help. At SHA, students are never on their own. Our Valkyries are uniquely supported in adjusting to high school, building friendships, joining clubs and other after-school activities, and finding their forever at Sacred Heart.
- Sacred Heart’s Accessible Education Center is a home away from home for our students with learning differences. With numerous options for study and testing and the support of three amazing faculty members, our Valkyries receive all the academic support they need.
- SHA’s Student Support Team is here to meet our students' social, emotional, and academic needs. With dedicated social-emotional counselors, two college counselors, academic interventionists, and a student support specialist, each Valkyrie is supported, encouraged, and empowered.
- SHA boasts over 60 clubs and organizations, with new clubs being created by students every year. These clubs are student-led and run, giving our Valkyries ownership, responsibility, and leadership opportunities.
- Sacred Heart has three choirs and a successful and thriving theatre arts program (our fourth no-cut sport!), which produces two full shows annually.
- SHA has successful and engaged academic clubs and teams like Quick Recall, Debate, KYA, and KUNA.
- Students at Sacred Heart participate in a four-year Retreat program that helps instill our core values in each Valkyrie while allowing her to grow in her relationship with God, herself, and her peers. Our service-learning program also introduces students to the gift of Service to Others.
