Academy of the Holy Cross Totally Explained

Everything about Academy Of The Holy Cross totally explained

Academy of the Holy Cross

Established:	1868
School type:	Private, Catholic, All-Girls, College Preparatory
President:	Sr. Katherine Kase, C.S.C.
Principal:	Mary Lynne Boss
Enrollment:	Approximately 600
Grades:	9 - 12
Accreditation:	Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, The Maryland Department of Education
Motto:	Women of courage, compassion, and scholarship
Athletic Conferences:	Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, Washington Metro Prep School Swimming and Diving League, Washington Independent School Cross Country
Mascot:	Tartans
Colors:	Lavender and White

Location:	4920 Strathmore Avenue Kensington, MD 20895
Phone:	301-942-2100
Website:	http://www.academyoftheholycross.org/

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

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

Religious Studies	4 credits	Social Science	3 credits
English	4 credits	Art	½ Credit
Language	2 credits	Performing Arts	½ Credit
Mathematics	3 credits	Physical Education and Health	1 ½ Credit
Science	2 ½ credits	Electives	3 Credits

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) - Supermodel

Claire McArdle ('72) - Sculptor

Martha Manning (’70) - Writer

Joan Cushing ('64) – Political Satirist/Composer/Playwright

Helen Hayes attended the AcademyFurther Information

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