Strategic Plan

List of 3 items.

• Love Jesus: Preserving and Growing our Catholic and Salesian Charism

  Prayer and Reflection
  Daily prayer and reflection are incorporated into the school day to foster spiritual growth and community. Each day begins with a centering moment, inviting students, faculty, and staff to connect with their faith and values. This practice encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and a more profound sense of purpose in daily life.
  
  Distinct Divisions, Shared Indentity
  In the three distinct divisions of our school, students are guided by faith-based learning that emphasizes compassion, service, and community. As they progress, students take on leadership roles, engage in service projects, and explore how their personal and academic growth connects to a life of purpose and reflection. Each division nurtures these values uniquely while maintaining a shared identity rooted in our school’s spiritual tradition.
  
  Little Virtues
  

  Each month, students focus on a specific virtue, such as humility, kindness, or patience, highlighted through schoolwide or divisional Masses and daily interactions. These virtues are brought to life through monthly themes and student reflection speeches, where students share personal insights and experiences. This approach encourages students to embody these values daily, fostering personal growth and a deeper sense of community.
  
  Service and Leadership
  

  Students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of service and leadership, with numerous opportunities to engage in projects that focus on building a better community. Through service initiatives, leadership roles, and outreach programs, students learn to apply their values in ways that make a meaningful impact. This focus on service cultivates a deep commitment to others and prepares them to be compassionate leaders in the world.
  
  Retreats, Adoration, and Reconciliation
  

  Viz offers a rich spiritual life through age-appropriate retreats, monthly adoration, and opportunities for reconciliation. These experiences provide students with moments of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth, deepening their faith journey and guiding them in their relationship with God and understanding of the Catholic faith.
  
  Founders Week and Catholic Schools Week
  These special celebrations highlight our school’s Catholic identity and Salesian heritage. During Founders Week, we honor the legacy of St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane de Chantal, and the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary through activities that deepen our connection to their mission. Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique role of Catholic education in 

  fostering faith, academic excellence, and service with events that bring our entire school community together in gratitude and reflection.
  
  Student Pilgrimage to Annecy France in June 2024
  In the summer of 2024, students embarked on a pilgrimage to Annecy, France, tracing the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, the founders of the Visitation order. Immersing themselves in the rich Salesian charism, they deepened their understanding of the spiritual legacy while exploring the sacred sites tied to these saints. Joined by fellow students from Visitation schools in Minnesota and Georgetown, the journey fostered both spiritual growth and a sense of unity within the broader Salesian community.
  
  Community Pilgrimage Planned for July 2025
  Visitation Academy is offering a special pilgrimage to France from July 11-20, 2025, inviting participants to walk in the footsteps of Saints Jane de Chantal, Francis de Sales, and Margaret Mary Alacoque. Led by Sister Mary Grace McCormack, VHM, along with school leaders, this journey provides an opportunity to deepen one's spiritual understanding of the Salesian charism and connect with the roots of the Visitation order. Open to members of the Visitation community, this pilgrimage promises a unique and meaningful experience of faith and history.

• Love Learning: Student-Centered Pedagogy

  Fellowship Program
  

  The Fellowship Program is an experiential, hands-on learning initiative that enhances and broadens the traditional classroom experience. It offers students the chance to explore their passions, interests, and skills through real-world applications, encouraging them to discover new talents and deepen their knowledge. By fostering a sense of purpose, identity, and community, the program supports personal growth and prepares students to make meaningful contributions in and beyond the classroom.

  
  Outdoor STEM Learning Space
  

  Our state-of-the-art outdoor learning space is designed to foster a love of learning by integrating STEM and creative activities into a natural environment. This space encourages students to explore hands-on projects that inspire curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation. Outdoor play is essential to development, supporting physical growth and creative thinking in ways that enrich the overall educational experience.

   

  Enrichment and Electives
  

  Our enrichment and elective programs allow students to explore their passions beyond the core curriculum, fostering a love for lifelong learning. Students can discover new interests and develop unique skills through diverse options, including cooking, STEM, art, music, and physical activities. These experiences encourage creativity, curiosity, and a deeper engagement with learning, supporting students in finding their own paths to personal growth and fulfillment.

   

  Global Education
  

  Global education is woven throughout our three divisions, providing students with a rich understanding of the world and their place within it. From early cultural awareness activities and language studies to global partnerships, service projects, and international travel opportunities, students engage with diverse perspectives and global issues. These experiences help cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to be active, informed citizens in an interconnected world.

   

  Entrepreneurial Studies
  

  Our Ellen Thomasson Malecek Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ETMELP) equips students with essential leadership skills and a strong entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in the 21st century. Students learn to innovate, collaborate, and take initiative through hands-on projects, problem-solving, and real-world applications. These programs foster creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking, empowering students to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.

   

  Makerspace and Food Science Kitchen
  

  Our Makerspace and Food Science Kitchen offer students immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark creativity and innovation. In the Makerspace, students explore engineering, design, and technology through robotics, 3D printing, and woodworking projects. The Food Science Kitchen provides an opportunity to learn culinary arts and the science behind food and a better understanding of foods from around the world, promoting cultural awareness, nutrition, and sustainable practices while developing essential life skills.

   

  Teaching Excellence Professional Development Program
  

  Our professional development program for faculty is designed to enhance and advance student experiences by equipping educators with innovative teaching strategies and the latest educational practices. Teachers are empowered to create dynamic, engaging, and student-centered learning environments through ongoing training, workshops, and collaboration. This commitment to professional growth ensures that students benefit from enriched learning experiences that are both relevant and impactful.

   

• Love One Another: A Culture of Connection and Growth

  Comprehensive Counselors
  

  Our comprehensive counselors in all three divisions play a crucial role in meeting our students' social and emotional needs. They guide students through each stage of their educational journey, offering support tailored to their developmental needs and helping them navigate challenges. This holistic approach includes college counseling, ensuring students are well-prepared for the next steps in their academic and personal growth.

   

  Girls on Board Approach
  

  We are proud to be the only school in the United States to incorporate the Girls on Board Approach, an initiative from European schools. This unique program empowers our students to navigate friendships and relationships with confidence and empathy, fostering a supportive community. We help girls build resilience, communication skills, and a sense of belonging by teaching them how to understand and manage their social dynamics.

   

  MOSAIC and Diversity Program
  

  Our MOSAIC program, Making Our School an Inclusive Community, provides students with a safe space to feel heard, respected, and valued. In addition to student support, The Diversity Core Team Leaders offer professional development training for faculty, equipping teachers with tools to promote inclusivity and address diverse perspectives in the classroom. Together, these efforts help create a schoolwide environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a strong, unified community for students and staff.

   

  Student Mentoring Programs
  

  Our student mentoring programs take full advantage of our unique school structure, spanning three-year-olds to twelfth graders across three distinct divisions. These programs create opportunities for older students to mentor younger ones, fostering leadership, responsibility, and community building. Connecting students across grade levels encourages positive relationships, personal growth, and a sense of unity throughout the school.

   

  Learning Specialists
  

  Our comprehensive Learning Specialist program is designed to meet the needs of students with learning differences, providing tailored support to help them succeed academically. Through individualized strategies, interventions, and teacher collaboration, our Learning Specialists ensure that each student receives the guidance they need to thrive. This approach fosters an inclusive learning environment where all students can reach their full potential.

   

  Campus Ministry Program
  

  Our Campus Ministry program nurtures the spiritual development of our students by offering opportunities for prayer, reflection, and service. Through retreats, Masses, and community outreach, students are encouraged to deepen their faith and put their values into action. The program fosters a sense of connection to our school’s spiritual mission, promoting a compassionate, service-oriented mindset within the community.

   

  Extracurricular activities
  

  Our extracurricular programs, including Visual and Performing Arts, Athletics, and various clubs, allow students to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom. In Visual and Performing Arts, students can engage in visual arts, theatre, and music, allowing creative expression and skill development. The Athletics program offers a wide range of sports that promote teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness, while other extracurricular activities encourage leadership, collaboration, and personal growth.
  
  Alumnae Connections
  

  Our alumnae are connected to Visitation in many ways: through the Alumnae Association, various networking and social events throughout the year, as speakers and mentors in our fellowship and entrepreneurial programs, and more. Our Crescent Connection networking platform allows alumnae to connect back to school and to one another by reading about events and current happenings at Viz, finding alumnae in their hometown, mentoring and employment opportunities, helping with Greek life options, and more. Visitation welcomes alumnae back onto campus to speak with our Entrepreneurial students and participate in our Fellowship Program, which offers a hands-on learning program that complements and expands the traditional classroom curriculum.