Welcome to SHA!

The Legacy Endures

Since its founding, Sacred Heart Academy has been more than a school—it has been a mission. Established by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart Academy was built on the unwavering belief that young women, when formed in faith and nurtured in purpose, have the power to lead with compassion and make lasting impact in the world. The Apostles, themselves visionary women of faith, were pioneers in all-girls’ education who recognized the transformative power of learning guided by love.

This enduring commitment to excellence and values-based formation has defined Sacred Heart Academy since its founding, shaping generations of students not only through rigorous academics but through the lived experience of its core values.

This year we are preparing for a transition in presidential leadership. Sr. Elizabeth Doyle, ASCJ, will serve as President-Designate during the 2025–2026 school year. 

 

Sr. Elizabeth is already deeply familiar with our school and profoundly connected to our mission. In her role as President-Designate this year, she will focus on supporting key strategic initiatives and collaborating with faculty and staff on projects that strengthen our future. Currently pursuing her MBA at Yale, Sr. Elizabeth brings both academic and leadership experience that uniquely position her to guide Sacred Heart Academy into its next chapter.

This moment marks more than a change in leadership—it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to young women’s education, and a deep commitment to empowering students to lead with love and live with purpose. The presence of continued Apostle leadership assures that the heart of our mission remains strong.

As we look to the future, we do so with confidence. Sacred Heart Academy continues to thrive—not only because of the strength of its programs, but because of the enduring spirit of its founders. With our eyes on the Sacred Heart and our roots in this vibrant tradition, we remain committed to forming the next generation of confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven women.

Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D. – President

Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., is a proud Sacred Heart Academy alumna from the Class of 1971. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Albertus Magnus College, her Master of Arts in Theology from Fordham University, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.

A lifelong educator and dedicated Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Sheila has spent more than thirty years working in Catholic education, empowering young women through faith and scholarship. Before returning to Sacred Heart Academy, she served as Principal of Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2010, she became Sacred Heart Academy’s first President, leading the school with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to its mission.

As President, Sr. Sheila cherishes her role as guardian of the Sacred Heart charism — ensuring that the values of love, service, and faith remain at the center of all that the Academy does. Her greatest joy comes from witnessing students grow into confident, compassionate “Excelsior Women,” prepared to lead with love and live with purpose.

Sr. Elizabeth Doyle, ASCJ – President-Designate

Sr. Elizabeth Doyle, ASCJ, is a proud graduate of Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, a sister school founded by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She earned dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Missouri — a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish — before entering the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

After joining the community, Sr. Elizabeth began her ministry in education at Sacred Heart Academy, where she served as a Spanish teacher and later as Director of Campus Ministry. During this time, she completed a Master’s degree in Spanish at Saint Louis University.

In 2019, Sr. Elizabeth was appointed Principal of St. Raphael Academy in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she served with distinction until July 2025. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Yale University, preparing to assume the role of President of Sacred Heart Academy in the fall of 2026.

Throughout her ministry, Sr. Elizabeth has exemplified the Apostle spirit of faith, compassion, and service. Her deep commitment to empowering young women to lead with love and live with purpose continues to guide her leadership and her vision for the future of Sacred Heart Academy.

Our Mission Statement

Sacred Heart Academy, founded by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1946, is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school for young women. A commitment to excellence and the growth of the whole person are the foundation of our innovative academics, our culture, and our community. Guided by our core values of integrity, compassion, social justice, community, and service, the school welcomes students of all backgrounds and religious beliefs. Our all-girls environment empowers each student to express themselves confidently and pursue their passions with integrity and conviction. Our students become Excelsior Women, inspired to lead and make a difference.

The Excelsior Graduate

Sacred Heart Academy students and alumnae live true to our Excelsior motto – challenging one another to strive ever higher. With this guiding principle and through our distinctive culture of faith, hard work, support, and respect for one another our students become independent, life-long learners. They go on to lead, create, innovate, inspire and blaze their own trails with authenticity. They become Excelsior Women. 

The Apostle Tradition

More than 100 years ago, Blessed Mother Clelia Merloni founded the congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today, this community has over a thousand Sisters serving in 15 countries in ministries that include education, healthcare, social work, legal services, and more.

Blessed Clelia’s charism of love, service, and reparation is embedded in the everyday life and culture of Sacred Heart Academy, through prayer and First Friday liturgies, but also through our curriculum and community outreach.

“Mother Clelia’s virtues are the foundation of the Sacred Heart Academy community, and each day students are living out the charism of Mother Clelia by sharing God’s love with everyone they meet.”
–Mary Sarah Olson ‘19