Academy of the Holy Cross

The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world. The Academy is located on a 28 acre campus in the town of Kensington in Montgomery County, north of Washington, D.C. The student body is drawn from the surrounding community and reflects the diversity of this major metropolitan area.

The Academy’s college preparatory program reflects a holistic approach to education by fostering the intellectual, physical and moral development of the students. The goal of the educational program is to provide the opportunities necessary for students to achieve their full potential as Christian women in today's society. The curriculum offers students a variety of learning experiences in liberal and creative arts, Math, Science, and career education. As part of the community of faith at Holy Cross, students are encouraged to clarify their Christian values, deepen their relationship with God and others and develop individual responsibilities for promoting justice in the world.

History

The Academy of the Holy Cross was founded in 1868 to promote the education of young women in the ideals expressed by Blessed Basil A. M. Moreau, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. For the first few years, the Academy’s facilities were shared with St. Matthew’s parish school in the District of Columbia. The Academy grew rapidly, but was hindered by lack of money needed to finance a suitable building. In 1877 Sister Mary LaSalette and Father Charles Ignatius White of St. Matthew's set about finding a site. They soon decided on a lot adjacent to Thomas Circle, at 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Students and faculty moved in early in 1879.

Holy Cross’s position as a preeminent school for young women in Washington was clear by the mid-1880s, and by that time the Academy had gained a new superior, Sister Mary Angelica. Sister Angelica was to guide Holy Cross for three decades, until well into the twentieth Century. She oversaw not only the growth and development of the curriculum, but the planning and construction of the Academy’s expansion into a more suitable location on Upton Street. In 1898, the campus had to be renovated to allow room for resident students and the continuously increasing number of applications led to the leasing of a nearby property as an annex. By the beginning of the twentieth century, Holy Cross had clearly outgrown the campus and a better location was becoming essential if the Academy were to remain viable and meet the increasing demands of families in and around Washington. A large unused estate west of Rock Creek Park on Dunbarton Heights was purchased in 1904. This site had no water, sewage service, gas or electricity which delayed building until 1909. In June, 1910, the Academy’s new structure was finished, and housed Holy Cross until the mid-1950s. In 1943, the Sisters of the Holy Cross purchased a large parcel of land in Kensington. It proved to be a wise decision, for by 1953 the Upton Street School was no longer adequate in terms of space for the education of young women in the last half of the twentieth century. In 1956 the Academy moved to Kensington, Maryland, its present home. The gymnasium was added in 1966.

In November 2001, AHC broke ground for an Arts & Sciences building and Theatre. The addition, which connects to the old building, was opened for the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year. The new wing, which nearly doubles the learning space available for the students, include classrooms, labs, art studios, rehearsal rooms and a 400-seat Theatre.

Traditions

*Senior Tea
*Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast
*Father Daughter Dance
*Alumnae Memorial Mass
*Alumnae Reunion
*Kairos Retreat
*Big Sister-Little Sister Picnic
*Powder Puff Football Game
*Senior Project
*Benefit Dinner and Auction

Admissions

The Academy admits approximately 150 new students to the freshman class and accepts transfer students if places are available. AHC seeks highly motivated applicants who are academically prepared and whose talents will enable them to take advantage of the diverse resources the school has to offer. Need and merit based aid is available to those students who qualify.

Athletic teams

*Basketball (2007 WCAC Champions and 2007 Basketball City Title)
*Cheerleading
*Crew
*Cross Country
*Equestrian
*Field Hockey
*Golf
*Lacrosse
*Step
*Soccer
*Softball
*Swimming
*Track and Field
*Tennis
*Volleyball

Clubs and organizations

*Amnesty International
*Archery Club
*Art Club
*Best Buddies
*Book Club
*Cecilians
*Cooking Club
*Cross and Anchor (Yearbook)
*Crosscurrents
*Environmental Club
*Film-Making
*French Club and French Honor Society
*Golf Club
*Guitar Club
*Health Awareness
*Images
*Improv
*It’s Academic
*Kaleidoscope Club
*Kayak Club
*LaVida
*Latin Club
*Math Club
*Model United Nations
*National Honor Society
*Onyx
*Performing Arts Club
*Pina
*Politics Club
*Pro-Life Club
*Ribbons and Bows Club
*S.A.D.D.
*Serendipity
*Spanish Club and Sociedad Honoraria Hispana
*Speech Club
*Spirit Squad
*Stock Market Club
*Tartan Club
*Thespian Society
*Tri-M Music
*Yoga

Graduation requirements

Christian Service Commitment

Each student is required to reach out to others in service projects sponsored by the Student Council, classes and clubs, or initiated through the Theology Department and Campus Ministry. A record of each girl’s service is maintained and recognition is given to her as she completes each level of service. Senior Project

This program enriches the curriculum by enabling seniors to participate in off-campus career placements for three weeks at the end of the fourth quarter. Students work in a variety of career areas including art, business, communications, computer science, drama, education, engineering, health services, mental health services, music, and science. After completing Senior Project, students make a presentation about the experience to their classmates and the student body.

Notable alumnae

*Hilary Rhoda ('05) - Model
*Claire McArdle ('72) - Sculptor
*Martha Manning (’70) - Writer
*Joan Cushing ('64) – Political Satirist/Composer/Playwright
*Helen Hayes attended the Academy
*Ashley Kersey - President of the United States

External links

* [http://www.academyoftheholycross.org/ Academy of the Holy Cross Website]