Upper School: Sophie Scholars

Launched in 2023, the Sophie Scholars Program invites students to transform their passions into purposeful learning. Students apply during Grade 9 and, if accepted, begin their distinction program in Grade 10, pursuing advanced coursework, research, leadership, and service within one of three specialized tracks. At the end of Grade 12, each scholar presents a capstone presentation of their work to faculty, staff, administration, family, and peers. Upon successful completion, students graduate with the distinguished Sophie Scholar recognition.

The Class of 2026 made history as Sacred Heart Academy's first graduating class of Sophie Scholars, marking an exciting milestone in the program's growth and tradition of academic excellence.

Applicants must have a strong and consistent academic record.

The application includes several essays and an endorsement letter. Students’ grades will be continually reviewed as students progress through the program.

Students may apply to more than one program but are only selected for one program at most.

Upon successful completion of the SAAT, MAST, or WIT program, students will be honored at a reception and receive an award from the program chair as well as a custom honor cord to be worn at graduation. 

As founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat possessed a fervent desire to make known the heart of Jesus in the world by recognizing the dignity and talents of each individual. As a child, she was called Sophie, and she was privately tutored during a time when education for women was uncommon. When Sophie began the Society, she included the founding of schools for girls as a central part of their vocation. In these early schools, the sisters, known as the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, believed in the potential of each student to develop wisdom as a gift of the Holy Spirit and as a gift to share with the world.