The Academy of the Holy Cross

The Academy of the Holy Cross is a Catholic high school for girls located in Kensington, Maryland. Girls at The Academy of the Holy Cross, don't just attend a school, they are part of a family - reaching back to our founding in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Washington, DC. Today, our beautiful 28-acre campus in Kensington, Maryland is home, where Tartans learn in a supportive environment utilizing the latest technologies available.

Our girls are exceptionally prepared for college and beyond not only in the classroom, but also through guidance programs preparing them to be self-advocates and leaders. Recognizing that education today must include a global focus, we offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, where our students learn beyond facts and figures to how issues around the world affect us all. The IB is offered in addition to a full, rigorous curriculum that includes Honors and Advancement Placement courses.

Our entire program aims to develop both the mind and heart of each girl as she appreciates her personal gifts and recognizes her mission to make God's love present. Girls are encouraged to hone their talents, but also to reach beyond their comfort zone. They grow and excel in many ways outside of classes, from championship athletic teams and award-winning arts performances to extensive service opportunities, a vibrant and active Campus Ministry and innovative clubs.

High school is an important time for a student and her parents. Many changes take place during these adolescent years. Holy Cross welcomes and encourages parents to become involved in our community. Tartans are considered to be any member of the Holy Cross community! After graduation, the Academy has a large network of Alumnae waiting to welcome them. Alumnae activities take place throughout the year. “Once a Holy Cross Girl. Always a Holy Cross Girl.” As our mission states, “The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion, and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual, and intellectual challenges of the world.”

Our community of scholars, artists, athletes, faculty, parents, and friends flourishes within an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Beyond the classroom, fields, and stage, Holy Cross young women are involved in Holy Cross Social Justice and Campus Ministry programs that allow them to develop a deeper sense of spirituality and purpose in the world. A Holy Cross education empowers each young woman to become her best self.

Holy Cross faculty are passionate, hardworking and possess an innovative spirit. Our faculty act as mentors and coaches, encouraging our girls every step of the way on their educational journey. Our Signature Programs include Project Lead the Way Engineering, the International Baccalaureate Programme, Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit college classes, online learning opportunities and our Senior Project.

When a girl and her family enrolls at The Academy of the Holy Cross, they become part of the larger Holy Cross family that extends around the world. The Academy traces its roots to Le Mans, France where Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau lived a commitment to Christian education and established the Congregations of Holy Cross sisters, brothers and priests. Blessed Basil’s philosophy links directly to the Academy’s mission today. Our connection links us to prestigious institutions such as University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, Holy Cross College, Saint Edward’s University, and Stonehill College. As The Academy of the Holy Cross celebrates 150 years of educating women of courage, compassion and scholarship, we reflect on a history rich in excellence and look forward to a future filled with success. Our School Beliefs:

• We believe that the quality of The Academy of the Holy Cross is measured by the courage, compassion, and scholarship of the students, the alumnae, the faculty, the administration, and the staff.
• We believe that our Catholic Identity is rooted in Catholic teachings which establish core values that sustain our community.
• We believe that academic excellence occurs when all students are held to high standards within the framework of a rigorous curriculum.
• We believe that the purpose of education is to foster the intellectual, moral, and physical development of the whole person.
• We believe that the traditions and philosophies of the Sisters of the Holy Cross provide young women with a Christ-centered faith community that invites and encourages a deepening relationship with God and others and a firm commitment to the creation of society founded on justice, love, and peace.
• We believe that experiencing an intellectually, economically, and ethnically diverse community is necessary in the creation of tolerant individuals who will work for justice.
• We believe that Holy Cross women lead where they stand. Holy Cross women embrace challenges and take action for the common good.
• We believe that single-sex education of young women creates unique opportunities for them to develop as learners, leaders, compassionate individuals and forces of change in the world.
• We believe that an environment that is safe, clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing is conducive to respect for all persons who study and work here.
• We believe that communication should be respectful, timely, responsive, and authentic.