Boys will be boys, and girls will be girls. There is no doubt that boys and girls are different. They think differently, grow differently, and communicate differently. They even learn differently! With this in mind, SACRED HEARTS ACADEMY is designed JUST FOR GIRLS and is STEAMING ahead with an educational approach and environment geared towards how they think, grow and communicate. Each experience – whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the court– is intentionally designed to develop each student’s strengths and aspirations while fostering confidence.
This focus on all-girls education encourages them to become scientists, techies, engineers, artists, mathematicians, athletes, and leaders. Staying on-trend, the ACADEMY is charging into exciting territory for its girls! With academic and extracurricular programs centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), SACRED HEARTS ACADEMY is shaping the future of girl’s learning.
Why STEAM?
STEAM is a holistic educational model that is interdisciplinary in nature. It also encompasses Language Arts, Humanities, Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, and Media. “Our emphasis on STEAM reflects a growing trend not only in education, but in society as well,” said ACADEMY PRESIDENT Dr. Brandy Ann Sato. “We want our students to become imaginative change makers who transform our communities through outside-of-the-box thinking.”
STEAM prepares students for success in today’s society, helps them to innovate for the future, engages them in learning, leads them to greater achievement, and is just fun!
Prepares Students for Success in Today’s Society
The world is rapidly changing with a focus on technological innovations that will revolutionize how we live, work, and play. More and more, students will need to rely on creativity, critical-thinking, innovation, and problem-solving to navigate through their daily life and requirements of their career.
Innovation Is Important for the Future
Facing constant changes and complexities, students need to be innovative. They need to ask the right questions by focusing on what is happening, how it is happening, and why it is happening. Students at SACRED HEARTS ACADEMY approach real-world problems with a STEAM mindset that allows them to discover unique ways of solving problems.
It Engages Students in Learning
“No longer do students learn with teachers only lecturing from the front of the classroom. Our students flourish in a personalized learning environment that focuses on their interests and enhances their skills. This is how girls learn best,” remarked Sato. “STEAM education integrates both the creative and logical thought processes in order to holistically address the world’s complex challenges.”
STEAM is also a beneficial approach because it relies on a student’s natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. Rather than just memorization, STEAM activities have students ask difficult questions, delve deeper into the subject area, and take an approach that reflects a new way of thinking.
It Leads to Greater Achievement
Research shows that STEAM is the best educational approach that leads to greater student achievement. STEAM also enhances literacy and mathematical skills while greatly enhancing cognitive development. Furthermore, eighty-two percent of students who were confident in STEAM also felt confident in school, and 95 percent of teachers report that hands-on learning, like STEAM activities, builds students’ confidence.
It’s Just Plain Fun!
Because the STEAM approach extends beyond lectures and memorization, it encompasses hands-on experiences, experimentation, demonstrations, and play. STEAM activities engage all types of learners and lead to those “aha” moments when connections are made and learning becomes fun.
It’s a WEE Thing
The youngest students in the EARLY LEARNING CENTER (ELC), ages 3-5, already thrive in the STEAM areas. Cynthia McIntyre ‘91 says, “Our biggest goal for the ELC is for our students to develop a love of math and science through play-based activities that builds their confidence and provides a solid foundation for their future.”
One of the most exciting programs is the WEE Engineering Program. These girls learn daily by asking and answering questions through hands-on exploration. This integrates creativity with concrete academic learning through technology.
Technology is interwoven throughout the ELC curriculum with iPads and Apps utilized in daily activities. Stories, puzzles, and more come to life on student iPads. In addition, SACRED HEARTS ACADEMY is proud of their Robotics Labs, one housed in the Lower School and another specifically designed for the ELC. They will allow students to expand their STEM skills. This will further solidify how technology helps students understand the world around them.
STEAMing to a Finale
It all comes together in the Upper School, where STEAM and the college-preparatory academic program blend seamlessly together. The ACADEMY’s unique approach to education and the breadth of offerings allow these students to develop their interests and passions. This personal approach to their education allows them to demonstrate independence and responsibility, while acquiring the resiliency needed for college and life.
The planned Creative Media Wing will give students a dedicated area to hone their skills in a state-of-the-art recording studio, customized classroom, and soundstage stocked with the latest technology and tools to hone their craft – whether it be social media, newscasts, documentaries, films, and digital art.
Bailey Leong ‘26 is excited about the Creative Media Wing. “I will use this space to integrate our newscasts, podcasts, and our award-winning Ka Leo newspaper to amplify our voice in the community.” The school’s STEAM programs in the Upper School will extend into advanced areas, including coding, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The ACADEMY is 100-percent focused on girls, starting in the ELC and continuing through grade 12. “It is an unbeatable environment where we not only focus on academic growth, but on their future. Our students come to campus each morning excited to have fun,” Sato concluded. “With an emphasis on STEAM, we are inspiring girls.”
