Student Learning Center and Freshman Transition Program

Research and continued feedback indicate an all-girl environment cultivates students to pursue academic excellence, take social and intellectual risks, and ultimately, help to define their voice. By building the foundation for how and why women should develop their leadership skills, we see our graduates go out into the world and become trail blazers.

Throughout their time at Sacred Heart Academy, students are encouraged to excel by reaching higher, no matter what obstacles stand between them and their success. For those who may face difficulty acclimating to high school pressures, we offer one to one support and personalize their individual journey. 

Our dedicated faculty and staff care about these young women and make it their priority to make them feel confident and accomplished each day. Every person is blessed with a different set of skills, interests and talents and our goal is to help every student unleash their individual potential. 

Come and experience the difference at Sacred Heart Academy. 

Jessica Panzarella

Jessica Panzarella
Director of Student Learning

Student Learning Center 

The Student Learning Center is intended to provide students with the tools necessary to experience academic success inside and outside the classroom.  The individualized instruction presented, and the support provided empowers students to become more independent learners.  We encourage students to be self-efficient, which makes them feel more capable and confident.  Consequently, they become more invested in their learning. Working closely with Guidance and the faculty, the Center strives to provide a system that integrates the affective sphere of education with the instructional component, setting forth a framework for success throughout high school and beyond. 

Freshman Transition 

During the first semester, Freshmen meet in small classes once per cycle to learn valuable skills that will contribute to their academic, social and emotional success at SHA and beyond. Topics covered in this course include: organizational skills, time management, effective note-taking, strategies for memorization and understanding, learning styles, goal setting, test-taking strategies, self-advocacy, and more. During each lesson, students will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice as they work in the classroom in what is referred to as an “Interactive Study.”  During this time, support will be offered to individual students as identified by the Director through the monitoring of grades, informal assessment, or through referrals from faculty.  

Freshman Foundation 

In the second semester of Freshman year, students will delve deeper into their understanding of who they are as individuals and as students. Topics covered in this course include: an exploration of each student’s identity and what makes her unique, strategies for connecting with others through listening, group interaction, presentation skills, skills that lead to effective and appropriate self-expression and skills for building and maintaining healthy relationships.  

Recognizing the profound effect developmental issues may have on one’s ability to be successful in the academic venue, the Freshman Transition curriculum also sets aside class time to explore topics of a social-emotional disposition. Discussions about relationships, anxiety, friendship, experiences of challenge and coping strategies, effective communication, and making sound decisions are conducted by the Pastoral Counselor during designated class time.