Beyond the gates of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School whispers a legacy of faith, knowledge, and resilience. Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School stands as a testament to the enduring power of women’s education. Founded in 1799, it is one of the oldest Catholic girls’ schools in the United States. The school’s story begins with “The Three Pious Ladies”: Alice Lalor, Maria McDermott, and Maria Sharpe. These women, invited by Father Leonard Neale, the president of Georgetown College, embarked on a mission to educate young women. They began in a humble one-room house near Georgetown College.
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School quickly blossomed. Its growth intertwined with prominent figures like Father Joseph-Pierre Picot de Clorivière. A French nobleman and architect, Clorivière donated his inheritance to the school. He oversaw the construction of four buildings. His contributions earned him the title of Georgetown Visitation’s “second founder.” The school’s curriculum expanded. Students delved into geography, history, mythology, and the sciences. They also studied languages and music. Sister Ann Gertrude Wightt further elevated the school’s prestige by establishing annual public examinations.
Even amidst this growth, a shadow loomed over Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. The school was involved in the institution of slavery. The school benefitted from the forced labor of enslaved people until emancipation in 1862. This difficult history is now being acknowledged by the school. They are working to digitize records pertaining to enslaved people. The Georgetown Visitation Digital History of Enslaved People Archive will offer a glimpse into this often-overlooked part of the school’s past.
Despite this challenging legacy, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School continued to flourish. In 1872, a new four-story building with mansard detailing became the main academy. This Victorian Italianate structure became an iconic part of the school’s identity. The school adapted to changing times, closing its junior college program in 1964 and the boarding school in 1975. The spirit of innovation continued with Sister Mary de Sales McNabb. A Georgetown Visitation alumna, she developed courses in science and computers and also served as Mother Superior.
Tragedy struck in 1993. A fire ravaged the historic Starkweather Academy Building. However, from the ashes rose Founders Hall. The campus saw further revitalization with the addition of the Catharine E. Nolan Center for the Performing Arts and the Sarah and Charles T. Fisher Athletic Center. Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School has continued to evolve. From a one-room schoolhouse, it has grown into a modern institution with state-of-the-art facilities like Berchmans Hall and the Saints Connector, which includes the McNabb Innovation Lab. Throughout its long history, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School has remained committed to its founding mission: empowering young women through education.