Visitation Academy is a community that exists to educate children and young women and to receive and share Jesus as Mary did in her visitation to Elizabeth.
In an environment that values excellence in scholarship, spirituality, leadership, and service, this Visitation Community encourages students to develop their unique gifts.
As students learn to Live Jesus with gentleness, humility, joy, and freedom, they are prepared to continue to grow and to respond to others, the Church, and the global community.
– St. Francis de Sales
Prepare to BE amazed when you walk the halls at Viz. You will immediately get a distinct feeling. It’s subtle, but it’s unmistakable.
“Be who you are and be that well.” These timeless words from St. Francis de Sales - challenging each person to develop their distinct gifts - underpin a Visitation Academy education.
Since our inception in 1833, Viz has been devoted to developing and celebrating the strengths found within each young woman who walks through our doors. Through a distinct educational philosophy and a challenging curriculum that stimulates curiosity and instills lifelong learning skills, we encourage young women to explore and develop their unique gifts and fulfill their God-given potential.
Each Visitation Academy student seeks to integrate the Salesian virtues of cheerful optimism, joy, and gentle strength into every aspect of her life. She embraces each member of God’s creation as Mary greeted Elizabeth - with profound respect and love.
Our students thrive in an environment that allows them to BE: challenged academically, stimulated creatively, encouraged athletically, inspired personally, supported emotionally, filled spiritually, and appreciated and loved for their unique, authentic selves.
Welcome to Visitation Academy. The place to BE for an all-girl education.
Be
ACADEMICS
Our students are eager to discover new talents and fulfill new dreams. We help students develop the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
In our close-knit, all-girl community, students grow in self-esteem and confidence inside and outside the classroom. Each student is known - by her teachers, classmates, and principal - and we give her unique abilities the environment they need to grow and flourish.
Laying a Strong Foundation where you are
Our students are creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers. They think globally and engage with diverse cultures and ideas. They work collaboratively. They express ideas clearly and respectfully, both in writing and speaking.
At Viz, you will gain the foundation necessary to succeed at whatever you choose.
- St. Jane de Chantal planted.”
AP/CC Course Selection | Writing Center | Entrepreneurial Program
Makerspace | Food Science Kitchen | Global Travel Opportunities
Building Critical Skills Jump Start Your College Career
At Viz, we help students build the skills to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Through core classes in theology, English, health and wellness, mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, world languages, and a wide array of interesting and challenging electives across disciplines, Viz students can expand their horizons in unimaginable ways.
Beyond the classroom, young women have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through a variety of programs, including the Ellen Thomasson Malecek Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, which provides Viz students access to mentors and resources to develop the skills necessary to be successful entrepreneurs and the Visitation Academy Fellowship program, which gives students the opportunity to explore potential career pathways, grounding their academics in real-world work experiences that are meaningful to them.
Learning to think like a scientist and an engineer underlies Visitation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. Students apply their learning outside the classroom through robotics, competitions, and other opportunities.
Student success is the only success that matters. Our faculty is dedicated to working with students to ensure they are fully prepared and confident as they face their next assignment, their next year in school, and beyond. Small class sizes ensure that our caring faculty knows each student personally, while the daily schedule reserves time for students to meet with their teachers to address individual educational needs.
• Juniors and seniors undertake college-level coursework through our affiliation with Saint Louis University’s 1818 College Credit program and the College Board’s Advanced Placement program.
• College-level courses available include computer science, English, mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, and world languages.
• Advanced Placement and College Credit courses ensure students have a wide variety of opportunities to choose from.
Preparing for the Future
At Visitation Academy, we help each student achieve her potential. Our college counseling program’s individualized, holistic approach helps match each student with the right college for her interests, aspirations, and life goals.
Our students are accepted to and attend a wide range of leading universities and colleges across the country and around the globe, earning substantial scholarships. Visitation Academy graduates become Rhodes Scholars, published authors, acclaimed artists, federal and state judges, and leaders in business, medicine, and law.
College acceptance is a match to BE made, not a prize to BE won.
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Tailored Teaching
A Visitation education equips young women with the knowledge, virtues, and skills to thrive in the world ahead. Across all areas of academic study, faculty members share a focus on our students and their engagement with our curriculum. We are invested in a student-first approach that emphasizes the creativity and problem-solving skills students will rely on for a lifetime.
Viz faculty works closely with students to supplement classroom learning with real-world skills you won’t find in a textbook. Viz girls develop strong skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Strong Salesian values are the foundation of our educational philosophy. We motivate students to Live Jesus by exemplifying the same humility, joy, gentleness, and thoughtful concern for others as St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
Together, our faculty helps young women discover and embrace their unique gifts.
BeInspired
Inspired SPIRITUALITY SALESIAN
Visitation Academy is rooted in the Roman Catholic faith and strengthened by Salesian Spirituality inspired by the founders of the Visitation Order, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
Salesian Spirituality is known for its universality and down-to-earth practicality. Because it is rooted in an understanding of human nature and the movement of God’s grace in each individual’s life, it is a spirituality that people of all ages, cultures, and religions can embrace.
Just as St. Francis practiced the Little Virtues daily, students are encouraged to live the virtues of gentleness, humility, patience, thoughtful concern for others, balance, simplicity, courtesy, graciousness, joyful optimism, and genuine love, contributing to Viz’s respectful, loving community of faith.
The Visitation educational philosophy:
• Fosters a personal friendship with God, which leads to a faith-filled vision of life.
• Integrates a strong academic course of studies with a Salesian spiritual dimension.
• Builds faith communities that call their members to understand the value of diversity and to respect the dignity of each person.
• Promotes the development of liberty of spirit, which empowers students to make life-giving choices.
• Embraces and models gospel values of peace and justice in order to be catalysts for positive change.
• Encourages an awareness of and care for the gifts of God’s creating hand.
Direction of Intention | Retreats | Campus Ministry | Salesian Leadership Camp Liturgical Choir | VISTORY | Gummy Worms, M&M’s, and Honey Drops
Built by Love and Faith
The History of Visitation Academy in St. Louis
1844-1846 N. Broadway
1846-1858 9th Street
1858-1892
1844-1846 - Two separate Visitation Convents and their associated schools operated in St. Louis, Missouri. The original St. Louis foundation, sent in April 1844, educated day scholars on 6th Street while the group of Sisters from Kaskaskia educated boarding students on N. Broadway.
1846-1858 - The two Visitation communities reunited in one building and operated one school that educated day students and boarding students on 9th Street between Marion and Carroll Avenues.
1892-1962
1962-Present
1858-1892 - Visitation relocated their growing Academy and Convent to a newly constructed building on Cass Avenue.
1892-1962 - Following the city’s westward expansion, the Sisters moved to Cabanne Avenue and erected the Visitation Convent and Academy, dubbed the Chateau on Cabanne.
1962-Present - Visitation Academy established its current location on Ballas Road.
Inspired by the de Sales’ family crest, one of the founding group of Sisters bestowed the first gold crescent on a Viz student in 1838, beginning the longstanding tradition of Viz graduates receiving a gold crescent at graduation.
Cass Ave.
Cabanne Ave.
Ballas Rd.
Founded in 1833 in Kaskaskia, IL, by a group of eight Sisters from the Georgetown Visitation Monastery in Washington, DC, at the invitation of Bishop Rosati, Visitation Academy is the Sisters’ testament to the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, whose love and wisdom form the foundation of our teachings. The Sisters are united in their mission to receive and share Jesus, just as Mary did in her visitation to Elizabeth. Their gentle, prayerful spirit permeates campus, serving as an example for students and faculty.
Through the Sisters’ forward vision and thoughtful guidance, Viz continues to thrive. They have secured the Catholic future of Viz for generations to come through the Association of Christian Faithful (ACF).
This organization, composed of former faculty, alumnae, and past and present parents and grandparents, serves side-by-side with the Sisters, continuing their educational and religious ministry.
BeInvolv
EXTRACURRICULARS ATHLETICS SERVICE ARTS ed
CreativeBe
Visual and Performing Arts
Singing, writing, dancing, and drawing - these are some of the ways which we express our inner selves to the world. At Visitation, we believe that the arts are crucial to developing a blossoming intellect. Because of this, we empower our young women to foster creativity through self-expression.
Arts Curriculum
• Two-Dimensional Art
• Three-Dimensional Art
• Mixed Media
• AP Art and Design
• Photography
• Independent Study in Art
• Introduction to Technical Theatre
• Advanced Technical Theatre
• Speech Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Introduction to Acting
• Advanced Acting
• Theatre Practicum
• Ninth Grade Choir
• Vivette Voices
• Chamber Choir
• Creative Writing
• Dance
“Behold God in all things.”
-
St. Francis de Sales
ActiveBe
Athletics
Visitation Academy sports foster leadership, teamwork, and a spirit of camaraderie. Athletes become teammates, and teammates become friends. Individual efforts lead to team success. Lifelong friendships are formed.
From the serious young athlete hoping to master her craft to the student simply looking for some competitive fun, opportunities abound. We encourage our students to reach their full potential on the field or court.
We offer an inclusive athletics program in which at least one sport per season is “no-cut.” Seventyfive percent of our young women play at least one sport each year, and fifty percent play two or more.
Viz teams have won an astonishing 20+ state championships in team sports and 10+ individual state championships.
• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Racquetball
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
noun:
1. A Visitation Academy student
2. A young woman who is full of life; vivacious origin:
From the French Vive Jesus, meaning Live Jesus
Challenge Cup | Spirit Week | Homecoming
College Signing Day | Red and White Banquet | Owl Mascot
Or maybe you aren’t 100% sure where your interests lie and want the chance to explore.
Clubs and activities allow Visitation students to discover and pursue interests outside the classroom. Our diverse variety of extracurricular opportunities ensures Visitation students can find something that fits their interests. Opportunities abound at Viz. Students are encouraged to take them and make them their own.
• Ambassadors
• Art Club
• Christian Life Community
• CyberPatriots
• Diversity Club
• French Club
• Mock Trial
• National Honor Society
• PaperMoon (Newspaper)
• Peace & Justice
• Respect for Life
• Robotics
• Spanish Club
• Student Council
• Thespian Society
• Vizions (Literary Magazine)
• Youth and Government
• And Many More!
Generous
Service
As young women learn to give from the heart, they grow in compassion and respect for others. In the words of St. Francis de Sales, “Their hearts are changed.” They serve their community with sincere joy and boundless love.
Salesian service to the community is an essential part of a Visitation Academy education. Besides providing meaningful
service opportunities to all students each semester, our service-learning program facilitates our Junior Apostolic Salesian Service Program, an intense service commitment in the spring of each student’s junior year. These opportunities develop students’ capacity for and interest in service, leading to a lifetime of positive community involvement.
“Happy are they who walk in the way of God’s love. Their hearts are changed.”
- St. Francis de Sales
“Visitation’s Salesian Spirituality taught me to serve God and others by doing ‘small things with great love.’ This has affected how I think about almost everything I do - when you realize that no act is too small to be filled with love, it transforms the way you approach even the smallest daily actions. Suddenly, these actions are filled with a love that is so much more profound than the actions themselves! It really makes me think about how I can Live Jesus ‘in every thought, word, and action,’ as we so often say at Viz.”
- Colleen Dulle ‘13
“I worked at a homeless shelter for pregnant women and impoverished mothers. Working there was incredibly humbling because I realized that not everyone gets the same opportunities as others. These people had very little but were still the nicest people with joyful attitudes. Volunteering there was a wonderful experience!”
- Reilly Hill ‘24 VISTORY | Live Jesus Retreats | Christmas Family Adoptions Salesian Service Opportunities | Junior Apostolic
Are you ready to BE who you are and BE that well?
Visitation Academy in St. Louis is part of the Visitation Salesian Network (VSN), which includes additional Visitation schools in various areas of the country.
Guided by the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, the Visitation Salesian Network is dedicated to forming minds and hearts in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
