Academics
Upper School
Beyond the Classroom
Fostering Personal Growth
The timeless words, “Be Who You Are and Be That Well,” spoken by one of our Founders, St. Francis de Sales, are more than an encouragement to live our best lives. They are the foundation for the knowledge, skills, and virtues taught at Viz as we prepare our young women for the rest of their lives.
While Viz is known for academic excellence, there is more to the high school experience than grades. We truly believe each student that enrolls at Viz has their own special set of talents and gifts, and it is our job as educators to nurture those talents and gifts, in the classroom and beyond. In our supportive, faith-based, all-girl environment, students have the opportunity to expand all areas of interest and broaden their views, whatever they may be. Students gain a well-rounded foundation for future success and build an inner strength that will last a lifetime.
At Viz, our young women are encouraged to grow spiritually and personally as well as academically. Our Upper School students will blossom and thrive as they explore all the opportunities Viz has to offer.
While Viz is known for academic excellence, there is more to the high school experience than grades. We truly believe each student that enrolls at Viz has their own special set of talents and gifts, and it is our job as educators to nurture those talents and gifts, in the classroom and beyond. In our supportive, faith-based, all-girl environment, students have the opportunity to expand all areas of interest and broaden their views, whatever they may be. Students gain a well-rounded foundation for future success and build an inner strength that will last a lifetime.
At Viz, our young women are encouraged to grow spiritually and personally as well as academically. Our Upper School students will blossom and thrive as they explore all the opportunities Viz has to offer.
Spirituality
At each grade level, an enriching spiritual life is an integral part of the Visitation experience. The school’s mission mirrors Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, her acceptance of Jesus in her own life, and her commitment to carry Him to others. Students strive to “Live Jesus” by reflecting Christ’s gentle strength in their daily interactions.
The class day always begins and ends in prayer, with the entire school praying the Direction of Intention together. In all that we do, the words of St. Francis are repeated, “Let us place ourselves in the presence of God.” Students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Sisters gather together regularly for Masses and prayer services throughout the school year. Students also share the experience of retreats, Salesian Leadership Camp, and more to deepen their spiritual life.
The class day always begins and ends in prayer, with the entire school praying the Direction of Intention together. In all that we do, the words of St. Francis are repeated, “Let us place ourselves in the presence of God.” Students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Sisters gather together regularly for Masses and prayer services throughout the school year. Students also share the experience of retreats, Salesian Leadership Camp, and more to deepen their spiritual life.
Service
Service to the community is an essential part of a Visitation Academy education, and we encourage our students to make this a lifelong venture. At the high school level, our service- learning program provides meaningful opportunities to students each semester. In addition, our Campus Ministry provides multiple opportunities for students to participate in collections, food drives, dress-down days, and charitable and advocacy events such as the annual March for Life
Junior year, students embark on an important educational and spiritual service experience, their Junior Apostolic Service Project. Each student dedicates time to the service site of their choosing, volunteering and working with those in need. As seniors, they are asked to build on their junior experience, spending the year doing a “deep dive” –
Junior year, students embark on an important educational and spiritual service experience, their Junior Apostolic Service Project. Each student dedicates time to the service site of their choosing, volunteering and working with those in need. As seniors, they are asked to build on their junior experience, spending the year doing a “deep dive” –
- Recalling what they experienced during their time at their site
- Questioning what social issue(s) cause those people to experience need and want
- Researching one of those social issues
- Asking how God is calling them to respond
- Reaching out to help remedy that social issue
Extracurriculars
Is your daughter a defender of human rights? Future journalist? Aspiring actor? Wherever your daughter’s interests lie, Viz offers a vibrant extracurricular atmosphere with abundant opportunities for her to flourish. We have a variety of clubs and activities that allow our students to expand their interests and passions outside of the classroom.
Here is a sampling of some of the available clubs, programs, and activities your daughter can explore at Viz:
Here is a sampling of some of the available clubs, programs, and activities your daughter can explore at Viz:
- Art Club
- Book Club
- Campus Ministry Club
- Christian Life Community (CLC)
- Crescent (Yearbook)
- Cyber Patriots
- Film Club
- French Club
- Happiness Club
- International Alliance
- Latin Club
- Mock Trial
- National Honor Society (NHS)
- Paper Moon (Newspaper)
- Peace & Justice Club
- Respect Life Club
- Robotics/RoboRebels
- Spanish Club
- Spirit Club
- Student Council
- Thespian Society
- Viz Ambassadors
- Vizions (Literary Magazine)
- Viz Gamers
- Viz TV
- Youth and Government (YAG)
Events
In addition to the numerous programs, clubs, and activities available to students in the Upper School, there are several grade-level and school-wide events for Upper School students that take place throughout the school year.
List of 5 items.
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Upper School Events
- Mother-Daughter Mass and Brunch
- Fall Festival
- Spirit Week
- Homecoming
- Just Because Day
- Viz-Priory Dance
- Father-Daughter Dance
- Field Day
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Grade 9
- Freshman Orientation
- Crescent Ceremony
- Navigating Visitation Academy Day
- Homecoming
- Class Trip to Memphis/Birmingham
- Freshman Retreat
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Grade 10
- Sophomore Retreat
- Sophomore Conversations
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Grade 11
- Junior Retreat
- Junior Ring Ceremony
- Prom
- Junior Apostolic Service Project
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Grade 12
- Kairos Retreat
- Senior Service Project
- Prom
- Commencement
- Maypole
- Alumnae Induction Ceremony
- Senior Lock-In
Arts
Whether it’s in the studio, on stage, or in class, we encourage our students to express themselves and be who they are during their time at Viz. The arts are crucial to the development of a blossoming intellect. For this reason, we empower our young women to explore and foster their creativity through self-expression. In addition to the many choices that are included as part of our Upper School arts curriculum, we also offer the following Upper School-specific artistic opportunities:
- Christmas Concert
- Fall Musical
- Fine Arts Day
- One-Act Plays
- Spring Concert
- Upper School Play
- Winter Play
Athletics
Whether your daughter is a serious young athlete with the desire to master her craft so she can go on to play her respective sport at the college level or simply looking for a way to stay active while also building some team camaraderie and competitive fun, she will find it in the Viz athletics program.
Learn more about our Athletics Program.
Learn more about our Athletics Program.
Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.
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