Visitation School

Convent of the Visitation School provides an excellent education within a Catholic environment permeated by Salesian spirituality and the living tradition of the Visitation Sisters. Under God's guiding hand, Visitation Sisters, trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, parents and students are committed to the following:

• Gentle, nurturing formation of faith and morality of students in the Salesian community toward reverent worship; responsible, global engagement; the cultivation of loving relationships; and respect for God's creation and for the diversity and dignity of all people.
• Guidance of the holistic growth of each student from infancy toward adulthood through innovative teaching and learning that honors the educational philosophy of the Sisters and includes intentional fostering of leadership within a coed lower school and all-girls middle and upper schools; a challenging college preparatory program; vibrant and varied co-curricular opportunities; broad exposure to the arts; engaged citizenship; and inspiration to pursue lifelong learning.
• Robust governance — derived from a long, stable, independent history — characterized by expert and wide consultation, judicious discernment, Church and community collaboration, and sound fiscal policies.

With today’s easy access to information, students require more than the breadth of knowledge that schools emphasized in the past. In our dynamic, globalized world, students need to be critical thinkers and innovative explorers. They need to be creative, and adaptable. They need to collaborate and communicate effectively. And they need to be self-reliant and resilient.

That is why at Visitation we say education is Non Scholae, Sed Vitae – not for school, but for life. We guide our students in their formation, an intentional process of individual growth that shapes intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual development.

To help our students, from the littlest to the seniors, prepare for this changing world, our rigorous curriculum and enlightened instruction model provide versatile learning opportunities, encourage responsible independence and ensure deep engagement with classmates and faculty, which is at the heart of a Visitation education. Our academic and co-curricular programs provide opportunities for personal expression and leadership while nurturing the close, caring bonds that characterize the Vis experience.

Underpinning all this is a faith legacy that emphasizes the Salesian virtues of gentleness, patience, humility, and liberty of spirit. Students learn to joyfully live out the maxim of Saint Francis de Sales: “Be who you are and be that well.” Visitation students go forth into the world prepared to change it for the better. They go forth competent, courageous, and caring. And we rejoice in their future, and the chance we have had to be part of their extraordinary lives.

Convent of the Visitation School acknowledges that diversity can be described in a variety of ways. After consulting with the Visitation Monastic Community, students, faculty, alumnae, staff, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees, we have prayerfully discerned that diversity is an opportunity for theological understanding and acceptance.

Visitation School provides a warm, welcoming environment. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential components to an excellent education and developing global leaders. At Visitation this work stems from our deep roots, is fueled by the passion of an exceptional community, and is of ongoing importance for our school every day. Visitation is a place where many voices, experiences, perspectives, positions and identities come together, yet we still remain united through our Salesian heritage and humanity.

Visitation offers a remarkable breadth of opportunities: French, Spanish and Chinese starting in Montessori preschool; robotics starting in grade five; robust arts, athletics and service-learning programs; plus a full array of specialist teachers augmenting our classroom faculty. Our 60-acre campus is home to a STEM center, a ballet studio, a professional-caliber theater, a stunning art suite, an outdoor classroom and superb athletic facilities. The result is a wonderful richness of options with many chances for each student to find and nurture new talents.