meet our new leaders!

The Legacy continues

For 80 years, Sacred Heart Academy has empowered young women through faith, academics, leadership, athletics, and sisterhood. 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 celebrate our 80th anniversary and proudly welcome our new President, Sr. Elizabeth Doyle, ASCJ, and Mrs. Margaret-Mary Gethings, Principal. 

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. Elizabeth Doyle, ASCJ – President

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.

Mrs. Margaret-Mary Gethings – Principal

Mrs. Margaret-Mary Gethings is a proud graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. She brings an exceptional 34 years of experience in education, including more than 20 years of school leadership and administration.

Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Gethings has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, student well-being, and the creation of vibrant, supportive school communities. Most recently, she served as Principal of Worthington Hooker School, a thriving K–8 community within New Haven Public Schools. Across her years in education, she has earned a reputation as a community builder, trusted faculty leader, and compassionate advocate for students.

Mrs. Gethings returns to Sacred Heart Academy, bringing with her not only extensive leadership experience, but also a deep and personal connection to the school and its mission. Her understanding of the Sacred Heart tradition, combined with her vision for the future, makes her uniquely prepared to lead SHA into this next chapter as its first lay principal. Mrs. Gethings honors the rich legacy of SHA while inspiring our students, faculty, and community to embrace the opportunities ahead.

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