Sacred Heart

The Society of the Sacred Heart has been educating girls and young women for more than 200 years, since St. Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the order in 1800 “for the sake of one child.” At Duchesne Academy, we draw upon the full force and range of our Sacred Heart heritage to help our girls form wise hearts and sharp minds.

Why does Sacred Heart Education Make Us One of the Best Private High Schools in Houston?

Watch this video to learn about Sacred Heart and what makes this education unique.

The Goals are meant to express 5 aspects of an integrated life: a lively faith, which continues to develop as we grow; lifelong learning and using that knowledge to serve others; an awareness of the needs of an increasingly globally connected world and a desire to serve it; a realization that we are made to live in community; and a commitment to continue to grow humanly, acknowledging our journey to learn from our strengths and weaknesses to grow into wholeness.

— SHARON KARAM, RSCJ

Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria at Our Girls School, Houston

Our curriculum, our culture, and our worldview are guided by the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Duchesne's single-sex education ensures that our classes and community offer the support, challenges, and freedom that help girls forge dynamic lives.

Goal I:
Active Faith

 

Duchesne Academy is committed to educate to a personal and active faith in God.

 

Goal II:
Intellectual Values

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Duchesne Academy is committed to educate to a deep respect for intellectual values.

 

 

Goal III:
Social Awareness

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Duchesne Academy is committed to educate to a social awareness which impels to action.

 

 

 

Goal IV:
Building Community

 

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Duchesne Academy is committed to educate to the building of community as a Christian value.

 

Goal V:
Personal Growth

Duchesne Academy is committed to educate to personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

 

History of our Private School in Houston, Texas

In September 1960, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart opened our doors to the first 55 girls on what had been the 15-acre Bering family estate. Purchased by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, the property included the "White House," a colonial home built in 1937, which housed the entire school. The property was heavily wooded and contained large areas of azaleas, as well as a log cabin and swimming pool.

The next 50 years brought many adaptations and evolutions. The extension of Chimney Rock Road resulted in the loss of some of our original acreage but also introduced the opportunity to reevaluate our land and building usage. In the mid-1990s, a new White House was constructed along with a new Lower School building and the beautiful Burguières Chapel of the Sacred Heart. Today, the number of students has grown to more than 700, and we have expanded to encompass the full pre-kindergarten through grade 12 continuum.

While Duchesne Academy still boasts of a tranquil campus and a sense of seclusion in the Memorial area, it is now a dynamic presence of 21st-century learning firmly rooted in our 200-year-old Sacred Heart values.