This week we hear from Eighth Class students who have been recently accepted to their high schools of choice. The decision of which high school to attend can be challenging, especially considering the number of superb secondary schools in the area. Students agree they feel the Academy prepared them well for high school and supported them through the admissions process.
Academically, ASH helped prepare me for high school. With small class sizes, teachers are able to focus on one student or a group of students. That helped me learn better and I was able to become an independent learner. When I am struggling, my teachers always take their time to explain it to me again or in a different way.
The process of selecting a school was hard, but the Academy and my family helped me. I have grown to be independent and confident in my own decisions. Going to open houses, touring, being able to ask questions and look for myself made me feel ready to pick a high school. The most important factors that I was looking for when choosing a high school were ones that aligned with the Academy. I wanted a school that felt like a family, just like the Academy. I love being at a small school and getting to know everybody in the halls.
I know how to communicate with people of all ages and this skill will help me in the future when I am looking for a college or a career. I chose Visitation Academy because it met all the criteria that I was looking for in a high school.
— Sophia W. ’26, Visitation Academy ’30
The Academy helped me in many ways when I was applying to SLUH. I felt very prepared when I was taking the entrance test and didn’t struggle with the questions. I was able to get help from Coach John to practice for my high school interview, and when I was at the interview I wasn’t as nervous as I would have been otherwise.
I felt St. Louis University High was the right choice for me because I had a good idea of how things go through my brother who goes there. The most important factor for choosing my high school was making sure they had a happy and welcoming community. Overall, I felt that ASH did a wonderful job getting everyone prepared for choosing their schools.
— Jackson V. ’26, SLUH ’30
Academically, the Academy has taught me how to think critically, work through challenges, and learn from my mistakes, making me a stronger and well-prepared learner. Being taught how to respect adults and my peers, volunteering, and being a student ambassador at ASH have all made an impact on how I am socially prepared for high school. Lastly, spiritually I am prepared for high school by understanding the importance of keeping an active and personal relationship with God and reflecting on how I can grow each day. ASH has prepared me for high school in these ways so that I can be confident and succeed in the future, even past high school.
Some of the most important factors for me when choosing a high school were based off the Five Goals of the Sacred Heart. Faith, the first Goal was important to me because I am Catholic and wanted to continue to grow my faith at school. Intellect, the second Goal, made an impact on my decision because I wanted to continue learning in a school that would provide me with a strong education. Service, Goal 3, was important for me as I wanted to make sure that there were opportunities for me to give back to the community and help others. Community, Goal 4, had the largest impact when choosing a high school because I wanted to be welcomed and supported wherever I went. Finally, personal growth, Goal 5, was something that mattered to me because I wanted to be challenged to be my best self every day. These factors when choosing a high school all mattered to me a lot, and shows how the Goals of the Sacred Heart impact your life even outside of the Academy.
— Kaylin T. ’26, Villa Duchesne ’30
