Academy of the Sacred Heart Revenue and Competitors

Founded in 1818 by Rose Philippine Duchesne, a Religious of the Sacred Heart from France, the Academy of the Sacred Heart was the first free school west of the Mississippi River. As an independent Catholic school, we are governed by a Board of Trustees and share our mission, expressed in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, with 20 schools in the U.S. It is this mission, articulated by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart more than 200 years ago, that distinguishes our education. Sacred Heart schools enjoy an even wider affiliation with the individuals and institutions associated with the Society of the Sacred Heart in 44 countries around the globe, including our newest school in Uganda. The international character of Sacred Heart education helps to foster an important global awareness in our students as we strive to build a more just world. A Sacred Heart education is distinctive in spirit as its goal is to develop thoughtful, critical thinkers who will positively impact their communities and, ultimately, their world. Time and again, we hear that our graduates are well-prepared and that they possess strong study skills, organization skills and time management skills as well as a genuine love of learning. While we are not a parish school nor financially supported by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we are firmly rooted in the Catholic faith. When comparing tuition, most families discover that ours is much lower than that of many of the independent schools in the area (see www.independentschools.org ) and have called us a best buy in private education. 6. How are non-Catholic students included in the community? The Academy welcomes students of all faiths. Currently, 23% of our families are non-Catholic. All children participate in religion classes, liturgies and other prayer experiences. While we teach Catholic doctrine, every faith is embraced and children are invited to share their specific faith traditions. As we commit ourselves to a personal and active faith in God, our primary focus is to look for ways to help our students grow to love, honor and serve God by loving, honoring and serving all people. 7. How is the Academy community diverse? Currently, 6% of our students are of diverse backgrounds. We believe the more diverse the student population is, the better we are able to help educate them to respect, honor and accept one another's uniqueness. In addition, students come from more than 25 zip codes and represent a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. 8. How often do the students have PE? We are are pleased to offer daily physical education classes for students in Primary-Eighth Class. Studies show that students learn better when they are able to exercise physically. Health is also an integral component of the PE curriculum. 9. When is international language introduced? Students begin studying Spanish and French in Fifth Class. In Sixth Class, they choose to pursue either Spanish or French for the next three years. Most Academy graduates are placed in second year language classes in high school, with some testing into third year. 10. Is financial assistance available? Approximately 10% of Academy families receive financial assistance. For the 2008-09 school year, that translates to more than $160,000. Financial assistance, including scholarships, may be awarded to deserving students on the basis of need, as determined by the School and Student Service (SSS, an independent agency which analyzes the applicant's financial data) and supplemented by information from each family's Federal Income Tax Return. Financial aid is distributed to our current families first. Upon acceptance, new families may apply for financial aid on a first-come, first-serve basis, as monies are available. To request a financial aid packet, contact Sister Maureen Glavin, Head of School. 11. Do you offer a multi-child tuition discount? Since we are an independent school and not funded by the Archdiocese, we depend on tuition to cover our operating costs. We are unable to offer a multiple child discount, but financial aid is available for qualifying families. 12. Beyond tuition, what other expenses should I expect? Fees, which cover text books, instructional materials and dues to the Sacred Heart Network of Schools, are charged per child ($115 for Pre-Primary/$305 for Primary-Eighth). In addition, uniform and lunch are not included in tuition. Donations to the Annual Fund, the backbone of our fundraising efforts, provide the much-needed resources to implement the development of programming. While we ask each family to consider a gift of $350 per child to the Annual Fund, often families who have the resources give over and above, while others give as they are able. Above all, participation in any amount, is our ultimate goal. Our operating budget depends on these tax-deductible donations. Like most independent schools, we rely on fundraisers to enhance our educational program. Our parents are key in this endeavor as they help us achieve success through their volunteer time and donations with our four main events: Innisbrook Wraps, Country Fair, Trivia Night and Chemin de Fer (our annual auction). 13. Do you offer an early arrival or late dismissal option? We offer both an early arrival program (6:30-7:40 a.m.) and a late dismissal program (3:45-6 p.m.). Students may be enrolled as a regular participant or use on an as-needed basis.