5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada
11300 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada
11300 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
1849
2022
515
40
JK to 12
9 to 12
Coed, Girls, Boys
Coed
Day
eSchool
English, French, Spanish
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
15 to 20
15 to 20
In-class adaptations
$13,820 to $19,360
Yes
Yes
13%
0%
1 to 12
9 to 12
$7,120
$10,000
34
10
0%
0%
78%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
The school describes its campus as iconic, and to be sure, it really is. The school was founded in 1849, and the campus shows its age in all the best ways. The location is iconic as well, in the heart of Halifax and across from the historic public gardens. As those things signal, Sacred Heart is a part of the historical culture of the city, and arriving here each day delivers its own frisson of excitement. As with any school of this vintage, much has changed, and today the program is iconic in other ways. The provision of single gender education through Grades 7 to 12 is one of them, offering the best of both worlds. As a member of a global network of schools, the gaze is international, with emphasis on social justice and social action. While there are many longstanding traditions and events, the school also distinguishes itself as cutting edge, both in the curriculum it offers—the broad Advanced Placement offering, for one—but also through its delivery, with lots of hands-on, project oriented, collaborative learning. That said, the biggest draw for many is simply the spirit of the school. There is a keen desire to get students involved in a wide range of activity, including a robust program of service learning, while also engaged within the daily life of the school. Sacred Heart has a proven ability to deliver all of it.
View full reportHTS Online is an e-school for students in Grades 9 to 12, with a 42-year history of providing an exemplary education. The school offers a personalized, interdisciplinary, and experiential curriculum that enables students to develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. HTS Online provides a careful blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning that gives students maximum flexibility. A distinctive feature of the school, something you’ll rarely find in an online school, is its immersive and intimate community. This is cultivated through weekly school-wide assemblies celebrating student achievements, a house system, a mentorship program, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the school’s alumni.
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"My daughter's teachers demonstrated an understanding of my daughter's unique learning style, her interests and her potential."
Anna Stuart - Parent (Mar 08, 2021)
Our daughter joined Sacred Heart School as a shy student whose early years experience robbed her con...
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"They all have a sense of pride in the school, and they talk about their experiences with joy and feel secure as soon as they walk through the doors each morning. "
Jennifer Derwey Deane - Parent (Mar 08, 2021)
My partner and I are parents of 3 girls. When our youngest daughter was ready to begin Primary we we...
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"SHSH creates the conditions that challenge him to do his best academically, where the primary goal is learning and preparation for university..."
Gord Cooper - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We have four children at Sacred Heart School of Halifax (SHSH). If I think about our eldest son, who...
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"Founded in 1849, Sacred Heart School of Halifax teaches the whole child — mind, body, spirit. Our iconic campus in the heart of Halifax offers co-ed education for JP-Grade 6 and single-gender education for Grades 7-12. Sacred Heart has earned a stellar reputation for the quality of our academics and university preparedness, and through leadership and community action, our students are well prepared to conquer the world. As part of a global network, we educate to a strong moral code prescribed by our Five Goals."
"At HTS Global Online Campus, we offer the same exceptional education and personalized attention as our traditional on-campus programs, but with the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Our personalized approach to learning goes beyond the current online educational experiences being offered, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need to succeed."
"Sacred Heart School of Halifax is different and we’re proud of it. We believe in Faith, Hope, and Love as guiding principles and as a result, we’re more like a family than a school. In addition to our tailored education, we are the only school in the region that offers single-gender education on a co-ed campus and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program in high school. And, our unique heritage and traditions give us a special character that can’t be duplicated anywhere in this region."
"HTS Online revolutionizes online learning by centring our learning experience on community,
connection and support. Our vision for a personalized learning environment is a commitment to know and support each of our learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will allow them to thrive in the world. With a careful blend of synchronous and asynchronous modalities and a curated co-curricular program HTS Online students develop passions that ignite them beyond the classroom."
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"Strong academics combined with a tailored approach in a nurturing and supportive environment is Sacred Heart’s calling card. Our academic excellence is thanks to an outstanding faculty who are passionately committed to their students’ success. And as a Catholic school that welcomes all faiths, families also appreciate our spiritual grounding and emphasis on love."
"Our mentorship program, guidance counsellors and post-secondary pathway supports put the learner first, promoting student growth and achievement. Our dedicated technology integrator helps develop digital competencies and citizenship, while institutional partners provide micro-certifications and workshops to students. Our schedule provides flexibility; students can earn up to 10 credits per year, and they will be taught by certified educators who are among the most innovative in their field."
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"Sacred Heart is the only high school in Atlantic Canada that offers the AP Program instead of the IB Program. Families, and especially students, prefer AP because it allows students to pick and choose ONLY those subjects they excel in and want to concentrate on, they don’t have to take a year-long program of all advanced courses. Widely accepted around the globe, students in AP can earn first-year university credit(s) before they even enter university — an excellent head start."
"Providing a learning community and experience that highlights connections and relationships between students, faculty and families, beginning with our Launch Week in August. Our weekly school-wide assemblies celebrate student achievement and wellness. Students are part of our house system and connected to a community of alumni. Our uniform shirt contributes to a collective identity when meeting synchronously for their daily classes, mentor groups, or small group sessions."
"It may surprise some families to discover how seriously we live our Five Goals. Yes, we provide an academically excellent education, but also a deeply meaningful one based on our founder St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision that education transforms society. We are dedicated to faith, intellectual values, social justice, building community, and personal growth and these can be seen throughout school life day in and day out."
"HTS Online revolutionizes online learning by centring our learning experience on community, connection and personalized mentorship. Our vision for a personalized learning environment is a commitment to know and support each of our learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will allow them to thrive in the world. It is a community that proactively supports each other, connects in real-time, and provides opportunities to develop holistically, even outside the classroom."
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Dear staff, students and families,
Welcome inaugural staff, students and families to our HTS Online community. 2023-2024 will be a remarkable year in our school’s history — the first cohort of students and staff, the first year of being an online community, and the first year of redefining learning as a team of passionate learners, adult and young. It will be our year of many firsts and one that will be the beginning of something extraordinary.
The HTS Global Online Campus is a division of the HTS Learning Network which has its home campus in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. HTS is a not-for-profit, registered charity, with an incredible 41-year history of providing an exemplary educational experience to learners in Ontario with an extraordinary alumni network making an impact around the world. The Board of Governors and I, alongside many experts in our vast HTS network, have been building this vision for an exceptional online learning experience. HTS is a leader in learning, intentionally charting pathways that are rooted in personalized, interdisciplinary, and competency-framed learning that supports all our graduates to develop as intellectually agile problem-solvers, with a strong moral compass willing to make a difference in the world. The power of personalized learning is not in what we teach or how we teach it — the power comes from deeply knowing and understanding who we teach. This is the HTS difference and promise.
As a member of our HTS Online learning community, you can count on:
Academic excellence and character development.
Student agency through a personalized instructional design.
Community — a learning environment and experience that centres connections, collaboration, self-awareness and commitment.
Student Well-being and Flourishing — unwavering support of every learner’s academic, social and emotional well-being as they pursue their goals.
Welcome, we can’t wait to learn, celebrate and make memories with you.
Yours in Learning,
Helen Pereira-Raso
Head of School
Progressive
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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Students develop a strong foundation of academic excellence, through good study habits, solid organizational skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence. We also use an Advanced Placement (AP) program in Senior School.
HTS Online provides a curriculum that exceeds the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Students graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is supplemented at HTS with additional graduating requirements. Students also have the option of completing AP courses. Our commitment is to provide an exceptional student-centred academic program, enriched by micro-certifications, interdisciplinary learning, experts in residence, workshops and programs that enhances our learners’ journey beyond their academics.
Equal Balance
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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No
Not applicable
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Not applicable
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Not applicable
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
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In our JP program, play is encouraged, yet purposeful, and structured learning is enriching, exciting, and fun. We nurture the best in your child while laying the foundation for spiritual, emotional, and social growth.
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning during the school day, with opportunities for 1-1 support, small group sessions and flexible scheduling.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A rigorous learning environment that integrates disciplinary knowledge, and key competencies that transcend disciplines and invites every learner to explore the challenges in their school, community and the world. Rigour at HTS Online lives in the complexity of our investigations, asking great questions that lead to deep inquiries, labs and the application of knowledge and skills.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our learning ecosystem is grounded in a commitment to healthy minds, bodies, and relationships in order for students to achieve their personal best. At HTS Online learning is a joyful and lived experience, where learning by doing is the most transformational. Learners are curious, competent and able to direct their learning. HTS Online graduates are problem solvers, impactful, intellectually agile and citizens of character.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
1 - 12
9 - 12
13%
0%
$7,120
$10,000
78%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Sacred Heart students are kind to their peers and teachers, intellectually curious, and socially conscious young women and men who show their school spirit in ways that are relational and constructive. Sacred Heart seeks students who want to be engaged in learning and who seek to develop their unique extracurricular gifts and talents. Becoming who one is meant to be is the key to success at Sacred Heart, and this requires self-awareness, interior listening, kind and constructive feedback, and a global outlook.
The ideal HTS Online learner is: • Adaptable • Curious and intellectually agile • A strong communicator • A great collaborator • A citizen of character • Flexible, disciplined to meeting expectations, works well independently and in group settings, desires agency and choice, in their learning.
Prospective families can complete the online application which is easy, free, and takes very little time. Once the Admissions Department receive the application, they will be in touch to arrange an in-person or online tour, and an appointment for the child’s admissions assessment.
1. Complete the application online
2. Submit a character reference letter from a Teacher/Coach/Mentor, report cards and any transcripts.
3. Create and submit a Video submission
4. Formal candidate interview
