Convent of the Sacred Heart

The school is guided by the mission of its foundress, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, and is committed to five core goals: faith, intellect, action, community, and personal growth. It aims to educate the whole child, fostering an environment where students are cherished, supported, and encouraged to develop into confident, articulate leaders who act with integrity. The educational approach emphasizes analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, resilience, and ethical judgment.

The academic program is divided into three stages: the Lower School, which focuses on developing a unique voice; the Middle School, which emphasizes discovering personal capabilities; and the Upper School, where students emerge as articulate leaders. The curriculum integrates a strong foundation in the humanities with interdisciplinary STEM studies, supported by a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students also have access to global studies and college counseling services.

Graduates are prepared to navigate a future filled with hope, joy, and purpose, with many alumni attending prestigious universities such as Harvard and the University of Virginia. The school reports that 100,000+ hours of community service have been completed by students over the past 25 years. Additionally, the athletics program has achieved 16 championships in the last five years, including both NYSAIS and AAIS titles.

The school provides a financial assistance program that covers more than just tuition, including technology needs, after-school programming, private instrument lessons, and costs associated with athletics and college applications. The school employs learning specialists to support students, and the financial aid process is designed to understand each family's unique circumstances through the Clarity Application.

The school accepts applications for students from Pre-K through Grade 12, with a deadline of December 1st. The admissions process includes both online and in-person components, such as open houses, classroom experiences, and applicant days of service, designed to help the school understand each applicant's individual gifts. The school adheres to the principles of good practice established by the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York.

The school maintains a comprehensive calendar system that includes major school holidays, all-school events, and division-specific schedules for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Families can subscribe to iCal feeds for personal digital calendars, and the school provides printable vacation calendars for the academic year. Key dates, such as the H.E.A.R.T. Summer Outreach Program, are tracked alongside admissions events and board meetings.

The school operates two primary locations in Manhattan: the main academic campus at 1 East 91st Street and the Athletics and Wellness Center at 406 East 91st Street. The Athletics and Wellness Center is the largest of its kind in Manhattan and features facilities for aquatics, athletic training, and performance. The academic campus houses specialized spaces including a library, STEAM labs, and a FutureLab.

Students participate in over 60 student-led clubs and organizations, including a nationally recognized Speech Team. The school emphasizes community engagement and social impact, with students involved in service projects like Project Cicero and Meals on Wheels. Additionally, students have opportunities for public speaking, after-school electives, and international experiences through the global network of Sacred Heart schools.