EMPOWERING
GIRLS FROM THE
HEART
Girls who choose IHA are doing more than picking a school. They are taking the first step toward a lifetime of learning, self-exploration, faith development, and powerful friendships. By setting their hearts on IHA, they say to the world that they are ready to become confident, compassionate, and independent young women in control of their own futures. Everyone at IHA expects to work hard, to play hard, and to excel. In the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in the community, IHA girls Patricia Molloy President respect and support each other. As they conquer challenges, experience growth, and achieve excellence together, they make friends — sisters — they will keep all their lives. Our positive and demanding single-sex environment empowers young women to focus on developing their unique gifts and pursue their academic, spiritual, artistic, athletic, and social needs. IHA has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. IHA is also a member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS). See for yourself if you should set your heart on IHA. Read on to find out more. Jason Schlereth Principal
12:1
student-teacher ratio
18
average class size
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy enrolls approximately 700 young women in a rigorous academic program that challenges the mind and nourishes the spirit. By instilling in its students a sense of responsibility, confidence, justice, peace, and compassion, IHA prepares its students for life in college and beyond. Our curriculum provides a broad perspective across 10 academic departments, with honors as well as AP courses offered in a wide variety of subjects. In fact, 50% of IHA upperclassmen are enrolled in AP courses. IHA recognizes the achievements of our students through eight national honor societies in art, French, mathematics, music, science, Spanish, and theater, as well as overall academic excellence through the National Honor Society. We also enrich the lives and experiences of students through more than 50 clubs and activities, in addition to 15 athletic programs.
EMPOWERING
55 HEART
GIRLS FROM THE
electives offered
17
AP courses
EXCELLENCE
THE HEART OF ACADEMICS As a Roman Catholic college preparatory school under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Newark, IHA is committed to graduating savvy critical thinkers who are confident, independent women excited for their futures. We believe in staying ahead of education trends and in nurturing leadership opportunities throughout all aspects of our school curriculum. Because IHA is a college preparatory high school for young women, a strong theme throughout the curriculum and extracurricular activities is the development of the special gifts that women can bring to society. The interests and needs of women in the areas of academics, spirituality, the arts, athletics, and social interaction drive all of the programs offered at IHA. Challenging classes are offered in all ten academic departments, with honors level courses offered in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages. Additionally, we offer 17 Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government, Computer Science A, English (Language and Composition), English (Literature and Composition), Environmental Science, French Language and Culture, Physics 1, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art, and U.S. History. Parents, teachers, and guidance & college counselors are consulted during the registration process to ensure that students pursue courses that not only fulfill basic requirements, but foster interests, academic strengths, and long-term career objectives.
“My daughter, Katie’17, had a great four years at IHA developing leadership skills and learning to be a strong, independent woman while embracing her faith. I am excited that my youngest daughter, Riley’21, is attending. Even though they are very different young ladies, I know she is having an equally valuable and impactful experience. IHA celebrates the differences in its students and allows each student to be herself and get the most out of her experience.”
Claire O’Toole ...and her family provide the Egan/ O’Toole Scholarship, awarded to one young woman and one young man enrolled in local Catholic high schools in our area.
IHA offers quality college-preparatory education, complete with innovative courses and programs. Classes include everything from TV News Production and Computer Programming to Global Issues, Ecology, and more.
Advanced technology abounds at IHA, from the Information Commons to the science labs.
INNOVATION THE HEART OF STEM
For academically qualified students, we offer an accelerated STEM program. STEM@theheart reflects our commitment to liberal arts education and Christian values by incorporating the four C’s of communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking with advanced study of science, technology, engineering, and math. By partnering with Project Lead the Way, we have incorporated two engineering courses into our curriculum: Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering. Best of all, every IHA student is able to take advantage of the pioneering courses and clubs implemented as part of STEM@theheart. The Information Commons combines the resources of a traditional library with comprehensive digital information management and retrieval capabilities.
“My goal is to pursue a career in the medical field and the STEM@theheart program is designed to help me reach that goal. The classes and workload are challenging but I know that I am learning important life skills that will help me make a difference in people’s lives one day.”
Sanaiya Villanueva’22 … is a student in the STEM@theheart program. She is a member of the Applied Engineering club, CARE, and Future Doctors of America. Sanaiya is an honor roll student and was inducted into the St. Brigid Society as an incoming freshman. She is also a member of the IHA dance team, a competitive gymnast, and an altar server. Sanaiya hopes to use all of the lessons she learns at IHA and through STEM@theheart to achieve her dream of becoming a surgeon.
19
Science and Technology courses
3
honor societies for art, theater, and music
CREATIVITY
THE HEART OF THE ARTS
Because we understand that self-expression is a crucial part of personal growth, we place special emphasis on The Arts. At Immaculate Heart Academy, art encompasses everything from video production, drama, music, and photography, to graphic design, fine art, dance, and musical theater. A spacious and innovative 2,600-square-foot Art Studio occupies two sunlit rooms with sizable workstations, a picturesque art courtyard, 24 adjustable drawing tables, two Smart Boards with projectors, nine butcher-block tables, and eight new iMacs to use in courses that incorporate lessons on digital design and photography. IHA’s performing arts program has always showcased the incredible talent of our students on stage and behind the scenes. Our girls and students from area boys’ schools present a drama production in the fall and a musical production in the spring that are both enjoyed and celebrated by the community at large. During the school day, IHA students interested in the performing arts can enroll in our Actor’s Studio, Theater Arts, Theater Production, or Musical Theater History and Performance courses. In addition to The Arts curriculum, a wide range of clubs and activities give students the opportunity to explore visual arts, fashion, singing, photography, creative writing, and more.
“I picked up a crayon before I learned to walk. Art has been a large part of who I am and who I want to be, and the art program at IHA allows me to truly express myself. The teachers guide the students every step of the way, but, in the end, everyone’s art is still different and unique to them. That’s what I love most about the art program here.”
Elizabeth Pinto-Shaw’21 …is an athlete on the soccer and track & field teams and a member of the National Art Honor Society. She is a member of CARE and actively involved with St. Martin’s Kitchen. She has been taking art classes at the River Edge Cultural Center since she was nine years old, and plans on studying either art history or art education in college. Elizabeth would like to open her own art studio one day, as she wants to teach kids about art and allow them to be free in their imagination just like she was able to do as a child.
The Arts remove boundaries and allow students to explore aspects of life around them in new ways.
COMMITMENT
THE HEART OF ATHLETICS The success of our scholar-athletes at Immaculate Heart Academy is a reflection of the focus, commitment, and team ethic that enrich everything we do. Each year, IHA teams dominate at the league, county, sectional, and state levels and are recognized with a wide variety of Coach, Player, and Team of the Year awards. In the 2018–19 school year, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) named IHA in the top three athletic programs in New Jersey. This was the fourteenth consecutive year that Immaculate Heart Academy was ranked in the top five athletic programs in the state. Even more impressive is that our studentathletes perform on and off the field, with some of IHA’s highest GPAs.
“As a student-athlete, I have an extremely busy schedule between studying for tests and quizzes, practices, and homework. Being involved in a sport has helped me blossom as a student, friend, and person. Having to juggle all of these responsibilities has helped me learn discipline and perseverance. It is not the one race, goal, or score that matters, it is about what you learned when it’s all over.”
Students and athletes alike have access to top-of-the-line facilities at IHA. They train on advanced sports performance and workout equipment in the Vincent Herold Fitness Center, and regularly utilize our full-sized Field Turf™ field and four newly renovated tennis courts. Through our active Soaring to New Heights campaign, we are presently renovating and enhancing our entire athletic field complex. The project broke ground in June 2019 and the new turf field was completed for the 2019-20 school year. The surrounding walkway and spectators’ patio, to be completed in the spring of 2020, will offer an elevated view of the field and be ADA compliant so that all fans can access IHA’s athletic complex easily and safely.
Giavanna Baquerizo’20 … is committed to receiving a strong education while also competing as a member of the IHA Swim Team since her freshman year and is one of the senior team captains for the 2019-2020 season. She began swimming when she was six years old and she has been on a year-round team ever since. At IHA, Gigi is also a member of the Traffic Safety Squad. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, through which she participates in a wide variety of service opportunities.
Physical fitness is an essential part of IHA’s school day, as students consistently participate in challenging physical education classes. Realizing that nutritious food is a vital part of wholesome living, we also offer students fresh, healthy options from sustainable, local resources through our farm-to-school cafeteria service.
3.50
average GPA for student-athletes
SPORTS AT IHA Basketball
Ice Hockey
Swimming
Bowling
Lacrosse
Tennis
Dance
Skiing
Track - Winter
Cross Country
Soccer
Track & Field - Spring
Golf
Softball
Volleyball
It is our mission to develop every aspect of the individual, including the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
Students put their faith into action, expanding their awareness of God, others, and themselves.
COMPASSION THE HEART OF SERVICE
Students at Immaculate Heart Academy regularly put their faith into action by serving their community and ministering to people in need through a wide variety of service opportunities. By participating in the IHA Service Program, students apply their Catholic values by practicing them in projects that expand the students’ awareness of the image of God in others and themselves. In the past year, IHA’s young women gave more than 45,000 hours of service, the most in recorded IHA history. The total hours had a calculated economic impact of $1,192,000. Members of the Class of 2020 are the service leaders of the school, completing nearly 4.5x the requirement on average with 15,250 hours—3,000 more than what is required of the entire school! There are more than 150 students in leadership roles within the Service Program at IHA, almost a quarter of the entire student body. In 2018-19, our young women:
125
Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipients
• Volunteered at more than 50 organizations • Completed almost 3.5x the service required of them • Sponsored more than 15 student-led service groups • Provided 343 Christmas gifts to children in need • Provided Easter baskets to 225 children in need • Gave more than 1,200 hours volunteering with those with special needs • Gave more than 1,200 hours volunteering with the elderly • Volunteered 932 hours to feeding the hungry • Were honored as recipients of 125 President’s Volunteer Service Awards • Cooked 130+ meals for local assisted living • Collected more than 50 children’s books for local underprivileged students • Wrote hundreds of letters to detainees • Volunteered more than 100 hours of swim lessons for students with special needs • Gave 200+ hours teaching Religious Education classes at local parishes • Dedicated more than 1,000 collective hours to Camp Acorn • Wrote more than 600 letters of encouragement to their IHA sisters throughout the course of the year • Gave 2,790 hours to directly benefit IHA
+ $33 MILLION
Class of 2019 scholarships
YOUR FUTURE
THE HEART OF COUNSELING Four guidance counselors and two college counselors apply a developmental approach to each student’s progress through her four years at IHA. Guidance counselors advise and equip students to realize their future educational goals. They keep students apprised and prepared for standardized tests, such as the SAT I, SAT II Subject Tests, and ACT, as well as Advanced Placement testing. Our guidance counselors are also available to students and parents to aid in both personal and social development.
100% college acceptance rate
College counselors maintain ongoing relationships with higher education institutions and act as liaisons to representatives who visit IHA. They work with students for four years, helping them navigate through college applications and the sometimes overwhelming admissions process. They meet with students individually and in groups, and host routine parent meetings to keep parents up-to-date with how to best assist their daughters in the ever-changing landscape of college admissions.
IHA graduates go on to excel at leading colleges and universities across the nation.
SISTERHOOD THE HEART OF IHA
In a single-sex environment like IHA, there’s no pressure on our young women to fulfill gender stereotypes. They have enhanced access to leadership opportunities, achieve greater academic success, become more confident and assertive, and are more likely to pursue studies in fields traditionally considered male-dominated. We empower our students to believe their hopes and dreams will become their reality. For 55 years, IHA alumnae have told us, again and again, that the friends they made in our hallways and classrooms are still the closest friends in their lives. The sisterhood effortlessly cultivated at Immaculate Heart is enduring, and the bonds students form here last a lifetime.
Life After IHA The IHA environment provides our girls a level of independence, accountability, and confidence that becomes a tremendous advantage in their college years. In a recent survey, more than 90 percent said IHA had given them above-average or superior preparation in effective time management, writing, and critical thinking — the very areas with which so many college students struggle. As one alumna wrote, “The teachers I had at IHA were incredible. They were so caring and dedicated. Although the work load was always hard and heavy, my transition to college was simple.” The momentum IHA girls bring to their colleges and universities remains with them. More than 50 percent of our alumnae reported taking on two or more undergraduate internships, 57 percent pursued post-graduate coursework related to their degrees, and 22 percent pursued doctoral studies. As one of our teachers recently said, “You can always identify the IHA girl in a meeting. When she speaks, people listen and take note.”
10,368 IHA alumnae
“Going to IHA gave me the confidence and courage to really figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. The teachers create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to speak up and take risks. It was easier to find success in a creative field because of the four years I spent here, learning to value my own voice.”
Tracey Wigfield’01 … is a comedy writer, producer, and actor who won an Emmy® Award, along with Tina Fey, for writing the series finale of 30 Rock. She was the creator and showrunner of the sitcom, Great News, which ran on NBC for two seasons. Previously, Tracey was a co-executive producer, writer, and actress on the FOX and HULU comedy, The Mindy Project. Tracey was named one of Glamour magazine’s “35 Under 35 Women in Hollywood,” and gave birth to her first baby, a girl, in December 2017.
Carly DePhillips’18 & Ellie DePhillips’21 Sisters in life and @theheart.
IHA ADMISSIONS T
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SEPTEMBER—DECEMBER
BLUE EAGLE FOR THE DAY “Coming to IHA to shadow a student during my Blue Eagle for the Day visit was a great opportunity. I experienced what the classes, teachers, students, and overall atmosphere are like. My visit helped me to be confident that this was the perfect school for me and that it’s where I wanted to attend for the next four years!”
Schedule a BLUE EAGLE FOR THE DAY visit to see what a typical school day is like firsthand.
Attend OPEN HOUSE to get a look at the opportunities that IHA offers.
Sit for the HSPT Archdiocesan Entrance Exam.
Make sure your school submits your TRANSCRIPTS from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Complete your ONLINE APPLICATION.
Mia Grossman’21 …is the Student Council Secretary, an honor roll student, and a member of the St. Brigid Society. She is a member of Future Doctors of America, CARE, ACT, Culture Club, and Spanish Club. Mia loves taking part in various community service opportunities offered at IHA, and is involved in the performing arts both inside and outside of school.
JANUARY— FEBRUARY
DECISION notifications are mailed and emailed.
Attend our ACCEPTED STUDENTS’ RECEPTION.
Enroll as an IHA student at REGISTRATION DAY.
MAY—JUNE
Take your Math and Language PLACEMENT TESTS.
Meet your future classmates at the ICE CREAM SOCIAL.
FAST FAC • Founded in 1960 as the first regional high school for girls in the Archdiocese of Newark • Approximately 700 students enrolled
Accreditations and Memberships — Blue Ribbon School of Excellence — Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools — New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)
Academics
— Spanish Language and Culture
— National Art Honor Society
— Student-Teacher Ratio – 12:1
— Statistics
— Science National Honor Society
— Average Class Size – 18
— Studio Art
— 73% of faculty and staff hold advanced degrees
— U.S. History
— Spanish Honor Society (Reina Sofia Chapter)
— 55 electives offered
• 50% of upperclassmen enrolled in AP classes
17 AP Courses
Class of 2019
Guidance and College Counseling
— Biology
— 2 National Merit Finalists
— Calculus AB
— 8 National Merit Commended Scholars
— 4 Guidance and 2 College Counselors
— Calculus BC
— 4 National Hispanic Scholars
— 100% College Acceptance Rate
— Chemistry
• Statement of Class Rank – Considering the quality of the student body and the rigorous college prep course of study, Immaculate Heart Academy does not rank its students.
— More than $33 Million in scholarships earned by Class of 2019 graduates
— Average student-athlete GPA – 3.50
Demographics
— Comparative Government
— 54% of students are from public elementary schools, and 46% from Catholic
— Computer Science A
— Approximately 90% of students are Catholic
— English (Literature and Composition)
National Honor Societies Sponsored by IHA:
— Students reside in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex, and Morris Counties in N.J. and Rockland and Orange Counties in N.Y.
— Environmental Science
— French Honor Society
— French Language and Culture
— International Thespian Society (ITS)
— 10,368 total IHA alumnae
— Tri-M (Modern Music Masters)
— English (Language and Composition)
— Physics 1
— Mu Alpha Theta (National Mathematics Honor Society)
— Physics C
— National Honor Society
— Psychology
Athletics and Activities — 15 athletic programs offered — More than 50 Clubs and activities
Service in 2018-19: — Over 45,000 total hours of community service — 125 Presidential Volunteer Service Award Recipients
FROM THE HEART Phone: 201.445.6800
www.ihanj.com
Immaculate Heart Academy 500 Van Emburgh Ave. Township of Washington, NJ 07676