Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a private, Roman Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school located in La Cañada Flintridge, California. Founded in 1931 by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the academy serves students in grades 9-12 as both a day and boarding school. Situated on a historic 41-acre hilltop campus overlooking the San Gabriel Valley, the school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and holds membership in the National Catholic Educational Association.

History

The institution was established in 1931 when the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose acquired the former Flintridge Hotel, a luxurious resort built in the 1920s by prominent Los Angeles developers. The hotel's original architect, Myron Hunt, who also designed the Rose Bowl and the Huntington Library, created the Mediterranean Revival-style main building. During World War II, the academy's boarding program expanded significantly, and the school contributed to the war effort through various student-led initiatives. Over subsequent decades, the campus saw substantial growth with the addition of key facilities like the St. Joseph Center and the Aquinas Hall, adapting to modern educational needs while preserving its historic core.

Campus

The 41-acre campus is perched in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills, offering panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The centerpiece is the historic Myron Hunt-designed main building, which houses administrative offices, classrooms, and the ornate St. Francis Chapel. Other notable facilities include the St. Joseph Center for science and technology, the Aquinas Hall for visual and performing arts, and the Mother Margaret Hall gymnasium. The grounds feature extensive athletic fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and serene gardens, including the Rosary Garden and the Sacred Heart Courtyard. The residential boarding facilities are integrated within the main academic buildings, fostering a close-knit community.

Academics

The academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum grounded in the Dominican tradition of prayer, study, community, and service. The academic program includes over 20 Advanced Placement courses across disciplines such as STEM, humanities, and world languages. Signature programs include the Global Studies certificate, a robust Visual Arts department, and a comprehensive Performing Arts program in partnership with institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The school's Shrader Family Library serves as a central academic hub, and students regularly engage in service-learning projects throughout the Los Angeles area. Graduates consistently matriculate to top-tier universities, including the University of California system, University of Notre Dame, and Georgetown University.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Tologs, compete in the Mission League of the CIF Southern Section. The school fields varsity teams in over a dozen sports, with notable strength in cross country, track and field, soccer, volleyball, and swimming. The Mother Margaret Hall gymnasium and the on-campus aquatic center are primary athletic venues. The cross country team has won multiple CIF State Championship titles, and athletes have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I level for schools like Stanford University and the University of Southern California. The athletics program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and the development of the whole person.

Notable alumnae

Academy graduates have achieved distinction in diverse fields such as entertainment, law, science, and public service. In the arts, notable alumnae include actress Megan Follows, known for her role in the CBC Television series *Anne of Green Gables*, and actress Michele Greene of L.A. Law fame. In public service and law, alumnae include Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl and former United States Ambassador to Finland Barbara Barrett. Other distinguished graduates include Olympic swimmer and medalist Jillian Dickson and prominent business leader Kathryn C. Turner.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1931 Category:Private high schools in Los Angeles County, California Category:Girls' schools in California Category:Roman Catholic secondary schools in California Category:Dominican Order schools in the United States Category:Boarding schools in California