Academy of the Sacred Heart School

What secrets whisper from the walls of the Academy of the Sacred Heart? Let’s uncover them together. Right here, at 4521 St. Charles Avenue, stands the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. This institution is woven into the very fabric of New Orleans. Founded in 1867 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, its story echoes the city’s own journey through time. Did you know the Academy’s roots trace back to a time before the Civil War? In 1867, the first Sacred Heart school in New Orleans, Mater Admirabilis, opened its doors in the historic Vieux Carré. As the city evolved, so did the school. It relocated uptown to the grand Calhoun-Peters mansion in 1887, becoming the Academy of the Sacred Heart “The Rosary”. The mansion itself, a Greek Revival masterpiece from 1847, witnessed the school’s transformation. Though replaced by the current Colonial Revival structure in 1900, a relic from the old mansion remains: the majestic wrought-iron fountain, complete with a swan atop. The Academy’s journey continued with expansions in 1906 and 1913. Later, a gymnasium and buildings for the younger students were added. More recent additions, the Jena Street wing in 1998 and the Mater Campus in 2005, expanded the Academy’s footprint and modernized its facilities. Even today, the Academy of the Sacred Heart thrives, educating young women from pre-K to 12th grade. It stands as a testament to its enduring legacy and the vision of St. Philippine Duchesne, who, in 1818, first brought the Society of the Sacred Heart to New Orleans. The Academy of the Sacred Heart, with its rich history and its dedication to education, remains a vibrant part of New Orleans. Its red and white colors symbolize not just a school, but a lineage of empowered women who have shaped, and continue to shape, the city’s cultural tapestry. It is more than just a school, it is a story. A story of growth, resilience and a commitment to shaping young minds.