SACRED HEART SCHOOL

CELEBRATES 55^th ANNIVERSARY

      Sacred Heart School, Danville’s oldest non-public school, has been educating students in Danville and the surrounding areas for fifty-five years.  The school opened September 9, 1953 under the direction of Father Vernon J. Bowers with the assistance of four Sisters of Mercy from Merion, Pennsylvania, who instructed 67 students in eight grades. The original school was located at 334 West Main Street, which is now the current site of the Mary M. Blount Library of Averett College.

     In the 1960’s, Sacred Heart became the first school in Danville to achieve integration during the tense years of the civil rights movement. The increased enrollment mandated the school expand its facilities. The school purchased nine and half acres of land located on Randolph Street, now renamed Central Boulevard. On this property, a new school and convent were built.

     During the 1970’s, the school experienced growth in enrollment and teachers due to the addition of a kindergarten and a junior high school. As a result, additional rooms were added to the school. 

     The 1980’s brought the addition of preschool programs for three and four-year olds to Sacred Heart. An after-school program was initiated to accommodate working families.

     In the 1990’s, renovations and expansions took place. A regulation- size gym, junior high wing, and middle school wing with two computer labs were added to the school.

     Since the year 2000, an adjoining church has been built. A new playground has been constructed and a five-day pre-school has been added. Most recently, an athletic field has been completed.

      In 2006, the school received the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.  In addition to receiving the 2006 NCLB Award, the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce awarded SHS the 2006 Award for Exceptional Educational Achievement.  SHS received the first annual Danville Pittsylvania County Community Spirit Award for its community service program.

     The faculty, staff, and parents are proud of the accomplishments of the school; however, we are most proud of the former students who have excelled outside the halls of Sacred Heart intellectually, professionally, and spiritually.

     The success of Sacred Heart School was built on the firm foundation of outstanding academics, faith based values, and strong discipline laid by the Sisters of Mercy in 1953. Sacred Heart School continues to uphold these standards by striving to provide an appropriate environment for students to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. A strong curriculum employing a variety of learning approaches prepares the student for his/her role in the world.  The educational process is enhanced by the cooperative efforts of students, teachers, administration, parents, and the governing body.  Spiritual training is targeted developing the individual student’s personal faith experience.

     The basic curriculum, which exceeds the Virginia Standards of learning (SOL), includes art, Spanish, music, computer, and physical education. All classes in the upper grades are at an advanced level. Service to school and community is an integral part of education; therefore, all students are involved in ongoing service projects.

     By emphasizing God’s word and celebrating His presence through prayer, liturgy, and service to others, SHS provides an educational environment in which the basic beliefs of Christianity are visibly present. 

     Sacred Heart School is an inclusive environment of a wonderful variety of students, faculty, staff, and parents who share a vision to educate the whole child.   

     We invite you to visit Sacred Heart School.  From the moment you walk through the doors, you will notice something is different, and that difference is what is inside. Please contact our Director of Admissions, Mary Jane Coble, for a tour by calling the school office.