What are your thoughts about the academic experience at Sacred Heart?
In the Upper School, the students learn to think outside the box and to build on the traditional methods that they have learned in the Middle School. Sacred Heart certainly seems to have "academically" prepared my older daughter for Harvard. Paper writing and test taking seem to be second nature to Sacred Heart students and college is usually easy in comparison.
What does being a member of the Sacred Heart community mean to you?
I think that it means being part of a family that not only includes 91st Street but also Sacred Heart Schools around the world. It is amazing that so many of the traditions, experiences and methods of teaching are similar throughout the world. Taking part in the exchange programs in 10th grade reveals the similarities of the Sacred Heart experience. And the plethora of transfer students from Sacred Heart Schools around the world reinforces the universal experience.
Why did you choose Sacred Heart for your daughters and family?
The first time around, Sacred Heart was not necessarily my first choice. I loved the architecture, the kids seemed happy and those adorable uniforms.... However, I was not Catholic and so I was a little concerned. The second time around I was more educated and although I did look at all the schools again, I found them cold in comparison to Sacred Heart. They were missing something intangible.
What have you learned about yourself by being a part of the Sacred Heart community?
I have learned that I have never spent enough time giving back. I don’t think that this was part of my education when I was educated.
What special characteristics of Sacred Heart make it feel like a second home?
The fact that Dan Scales [Director of Security and parent] knows each girl's name and can say "Good Morning" to each one individually continues the warm greeting that started in the Lower School. The fact that I feel comfortable calling or emailing any teacher with any concern reassures me that my daughter is being taken care of.
Describe the feeling you have when you bring your daughter to school.
I feel that I am bringing them to a place of joy, safety, intelligence and growth.
If there was only one word you could use to describe what Sacred Heart means to you, what would it be?
Enlightenment