Frequently Asked Questions

The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS), which SHA is a member of, provides research-based analysis of the merits of all-girls education. The ICGS highlights the following:

• “Girls’ schools are places where girls take center stage. They occupy every seat in student government, every spot on the math team, and every position in the robotics club. 
• “Girls’ schools educate girls to become global changemakers — the women we need to help solve the world’s biggest challenges.
• “Girls’ schools are leading the way in STEM education for women in the world.
• “Girls’ schools prepare girls to become women who rise to the highest levels of leadership.” 

At SHA, we see the incredible power of girls’ education every day. Our students are their authentic selves. They are confident in sharing their ideas through thoughtful dialogue. They advocate for themselves and others. Through intentional programming and unwavering support from their peers and teachers, SHA students are empowered to be their best. 

Read the ICGS’ webpage, “Why Girls’ Schools.” 

Lower School: Kindergarten - Grade 4
Middle School: Grades 5-8
Upper School: Grades 9-12

SHA was ranked the #1 All-Girls Catholic School in Pennsylvania in 2024 by Niche, a well-regarded web source that provides school ratings and information about schools, colleges, and neighborhoods. 

7:1. Our teachers know our students well!

We have many programs that set us apart. Highlights include: 
Lower School:

• Multi-Age Classrooms to customize education
• STEM Beginning in K to stimulate creative thinking
• Wellness Program to develop character & confidence
• French Beginning in K to promote fluency
• Robotics Club to teach programming
• After-School Clubs to pique interests
• Cross-Divisional Programs to develop connections
• Public Speaking to gain confidence
• Monthly Field Trips to broaden horizons
• Before- and After-Care included
• Track Club to encourage movement

Middle School:

• Global Citizens Program to broaden vision
• Domestic Exchange Program to bolster independence
• Network Service Trips to strengthen stewardship
• Wellness Program to develop character & confidence
• Competitive Robotics Club to teach programming
• French Requirement to build fluency
• STEM to develop critical thinking
• Numerous Leadership Opportunities to grow leaders
• Field trips to expand classroom learning
• Inclusive Athletics Policy to encourage participation
• Guaranteed Access to all Arts to advance self-expression

Upper School: 

• International Exchange Program to expand perspectives
• Sophie Scholars Program to immerse in specific subject areas
• Goal III Distinction Year-Long Service Program to champion service
• Villanova Dual Enrollment to experience college and earn credit
• U. of Delaware EntreX Program to explore entrepreneurship
• Diocesan Scholars Program to earn college credit at no cost
• Wellness Program to develop character & confidence
• Numerous Leadership Opportunities to prepare for life
• 100% Matriculation to Top Universities to achieve success
• Inclusive Athletics Policy to encourage participation
• Guaranteed Access to all Arts to advance self-expression
   

The SHA School Calendar can be accessed at the top, right of the SHAbrymawr.org website, under “Calendars.” 

In Lower School, applicants take the Student Learning Assessment, which provides a comfortable and informative introduction to SHA and our teachers while engaging the girls in activities. The classroom teacher will perform assessments during your daughter's Shadow Day visit. 

In Middle School, applicants complete the Student Interview/Assessment during the Shadow Day visit. A conversation with our admissions team will allow your daughter to ask questions and allow us to get to know her as a student and person. Students will also complete short Math and Language Arts assessments, guided by our faculty, to provide a writing sample and current academic overview of their learning.

For Upper School, SHA utilizes the HSPT for admission and merit scholarship consideration. Applicants are invited to take the HSPT at SHA on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. For your convenience, a student's online application to SHA also serves as her exam registration. If your daughter cannot join us for either exam, Sacred Heart Academy offers the option to submit HSPT results from another school. Additionally, students will come for a Shadow Visit, interview with our Admissions staff, and complete a writing prompt during their visit We also ask for a Math and Language Arts recommendation, and school records to be submitted.

Kindergarten: $8,500; Fees $250 
Lower School: Grades 1-2: $8,500; Fees $350; Grades 3-4: $16,872; Fees $350
Middle School: $19,735; Fees $550
Upper School: $24,463; Fees $800
Learn more on our “Tuition & Affordability” page.

SHA’s Financial Aid Program is designed to make a SHA education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of School funds. Sacred Heart Academy is proud to partner with Clarity, a user-friendly financial aid application platform, to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information each family shares on their application, which includes income, expenses, assets, and debts. The Clarity application can take as little as 30 minutes. Learn more on our “Tuition & Affordability” page.

34% of our students practice other faiths. SHA fosters a community that acts in the interests of equity and justice and demonstrates compassion for all. We welcome students of all religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

Upper School students may participate in an exchange within the International Sacred Heart Schools, composed of 150+ schools in 41 countries and/or within the Network of Sacred Heart Schools composed of 25 schools in the United States and Canada. Grade 8 students may exchange within the Network. SHA students typically spend two or three weeks with a family at another Network school during the school year, spring break, or summer. The program is reciprocal with exchange students staying with SHA families. 
 

SHA students have ample opportunities to serve as leaders. In fact, most students assume one or more leadership roles during their time at SHA. By leading a group, students develop lifelong skills in relationship building, critical and creative thinking, public speaking, and negotiation which prepare them for college and beyond. Leadership roles exist in each of the following: 

Upper School: The Beat (newspaper), Big & Little Sisters, Black Students Union, Chez Vous (literary magazine), Class Offices, Committee of Games, Community Service Corps, Karios, National Honor Society, Peer Leadership, Sacred Heart Mission Effectiveness, Student Council, Student Liturgy Team, Team Captains (Athletics), The Gate (yearbook). 

Middle School: Big & Little Sisters, Class Offices, Committee of Games, Community Service Corps, National Junior Honor Society, Peer Leadership (Grade 6), Sacred Heart Mission Effectiveness, Student Council, Student Liturgy Team, Team Captains (Athletics), The Gate (yearbook).

Lower School: Reading Buddies, Weekly Prayer Service Leaders, STEM Group Leaders, Red & White Team Captains, After School Club Leaders.
 

Our religious programming includes weekly chapel, school Masses, Advent and Lent daily communion prayer services, Espacio, sacrament preparation, and Upper School Kairos Retreat. Learn more. 

SHA students come from 40+ zip codes in Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, and Philadelphia counties, as well as some parts of New Jersey and Delaware. 

One hundred percent of our students matriculate to top colleges and universities each year. In the last three years, some schools include Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Notre Dame, and University of Virginia. Learn more.

Sacred Heart Schools trace their roots back to 1801 when first school opened in Amiens, France. The first Sacred Heart School in Philadelphia was established in 1865 on Walnut Street. The school was also located in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, and its current location in Bryn Mawr, since 1978. 

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The school hours are 8:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. for all divisions. For Lower and Middle School, before-care begins at 7:30 a.m. and after-care is available until 6:00 p.m.
 

School districts within a 10-mile radius of SHA provide busing; view the list on our Admission page. The School District of Philadelphia provides busing for students through grade 8. 

SHA provides van shuttle service in the morning and afternoon for students who use the Septa Regional Rail or Route 100 train lines.

Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m. SHA provides supervision for LS and MS students. Upper School students may exercise Wise Freedom in various locations throughout the campus.  

Extended Care is available for students in grades K-4 at no charge. Extended Care (until 6:00 p.m.) is available for Middle School students (grades 5-8) for $10/day. 

The school uniform varies by division and can be purchased through Flynn O’Hara. In Lower School, students wear plaid tunics and green sweaters. In Middle and Upper School, students wear plaid kilts, white polo shirts, blazers (formal uniform days), and SHA sweatshirts. Students in grade 12 may wear gray kits as part of their uniform. All students may wear white or red sneakers. 
 

AP courses are offered beginning in 10th grade. Tenth-grade students can take 1 AP,  11th can take 2 AP, and 12th can take 3 AP classes.

Yes, beginning in grade 9, students and families learn about the intricacies of the college search, application, and selection processes through a comprehensive college counseling program. Individual student and family meetings with the Director of College Counseling, Alan Paynter are available to support the college process. A comprehensive College Boot Camp in late August, before the start of school, helps seniors with the Common Application, essay questions, and college application preparedness. More so, more than 50 college admissions representatives visit SHA every fall to meet with students in grades 12 and 11. Watch the video.
 

SHA students in traditional grades 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 learn in Multi-Age Classrooms — small groups for Language Arts and Math, grouped according to students’ learning styles and strengths. Teachers continually evaluated students’ skills acquisition based on assessments and adjusted groups accordingly.  MAC students also combined across traditional grade levels for STEM and some other subjects, which promoted collaboration and leadership skills. The multi-age classroom model is a testament to forward-thinking education and best practices in teaching younger students. Watch the video. 

Carla Jantos MacMullen has been the Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr Head of School since July 2022. Read Mrs. Mac’s Welcome letter. 

Sacred Heart is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools composed of 25 schools in the United States and Canada. These groups connect SHA students to a greater community and offer exchange, academic, and service programs unmatched by other area schools. SHA is also a part of the International Network of Sacred Heart Schools -  with 150+ schools in 41 countries with 1 shared Mission. Upper School students benefit from our global network including international exchange programs. 
 

Yes, Sacred Heart's Goal III: social awareness that impels action is exemplified in the students' extensive and meaningful service to those in need in nearby communities and the city of Philadelphia. Extending further, many SHA students participate in national service programs supported by the Sacred Heart Network.

Upper School students must fulfill 25 hours of service each academic year; Middle Students must complete 10 service projects. Lower School students engage with various social issues as a community throughout the year. All students also engage in service reflections during Religion class, developing an understanding of the world and compassion for all. More so, twice annually, all students and faculty participate in a Day of Service, assisting local nonprofits and social agencies.

The service ethos is found in all constituency groups at SHA, fostering a community dedicated to serving others before self. Faculty and staff, parents and families, the Board of Trustees, and the Alumnae Association plan service events throughout the year to bolster our proud heritage of service.
 

Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (SHA) educates to a Mission embodied in Five Goals & Criteria — the same as all Sacred Heart Schools in the North American Network.

Goal I: A personal and active faith in God
Goal II: A deep respect for intellectual values
Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action
Goal IV: The building of community as a Christian value
Goal V: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
 

Upper School: Fall - Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Tennis, and Volleyball; Winter - Basketball and Swimming; Spring - Crew, Lacrosse, Track & Field

Middle School: Fall - Field Hockey; Winter - Basketball; Spring: Lacrosse and Track & Field

Lower School: Fall and Spring - Track & Field Club
 

SHA is a member of the Athletics Association of Catholic Academies League (AACA), a highly competitive league across three counties. Our teams take part in numerous non-league matchups to complement their AACA schedule. SHA is also a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

SHA’s Red & White Teams, Field Day, and Spirit Week go hand-in-hand. Red & White teams earn points throughout the year for participation at athletic, service, and extracurricular activities, under the direction of the Committee of Games, an elected student board. Teams also compete during Spirit Week and face off at the annual Field Day. SHA alumnae remain faithful to their Red and White teams for life! Learn more about SHA Traditions. 

Yes, all Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (SHA) parents are all members of the SHA Parents' Association with the mission of further enhancing the caring community at SHA through special programs and events, as well as raising funds. Members may volunteer to chair or serve on various committees, act as elected members of the SHA Parents' Association Board, or simply enjoy any and all events.