Welcome to the Convent of the Visitation Upper School

We are proud of the young women in the Upper School who grow and thrive in the Visitation learning community with its tradition-- since 1893-- of academic excellence, rooted in Salesian Spirituality, the gift of the Sisters of the Visitation which is daily integrated into the life of the school community through prayer,  practiced virtues, campus ministry, religion classes and the Salesian Network.

Visitation Upper School’s comprehensive course offerings are taught by well-qualified and dedicated teachers and enriched by students who enter into these courses with enthusiasm and focused attention to learning.  These teachers and students create a learning community which prepares young women to meet not only the demands of college but also the rapidly changing and morally complex world beyond our Visitation community.  Classes are small, averaging fewer than 18, allowing for in-depth teacher/student partnerships in which every student is actively involved.  In addition, our strong student support system, including a guidance counselor, homeroom advisors, a dean of students  and college counselors  ensures that every student will be well-known and provided with nurturing guidance.

Visitation’s Upper School curriculum provides a thorough preparation in each academic discipline while allowing students the opportunity to pursue areas of special interest. Students learn to think critically, to write effectively, and to challenge themselves with both breadth and depth in every discipline. College preparatory, honors, and advanced placement level courses are designed to offer an appropriate level of rigor for each student , and each student is guided to select courses that will help her to achieve her personal best.

Visitation students create an atmosphere in and out of the classroom in which academic challenge is sought and scholarship prized. Student achievement is high, and graduates regularly return to campus to thank the faculty for their excellent preparation for college.  A remarkable 99 percent of our graduates go on to college and consistently excel in national exams.

SAT and ACT scores have significantly surpassed the national mean scores for females giving credence to the assertion that girls in single gender schools maximize educational opportunities and exceed expectations. In addition to achieving well-rounded intellectual competence, Visitation students becoming increasingly aware of their global citizenship and  hone leadership skills through an integrated program of leadership development and service opportunities – skills and knowledge they need not just for school, but for life.

Upper School co-curricular activities include theater, the school newspaper, yearbook, Student Council, CHOOSE, Peer Mentors, Leadership Committee,  STAND (diversity), Math Team, Robotics Team,  Mock Trial Team, Literary Magazine, Environmental Club, and  Voices for Justice. Thirteen varsity and junior varsity athletic teams offer the chance to excel physically and to compete in the Tri-Metro Conference. Annual trips are offered to places like France, Spain, and Guatemala. Activities with St. Thomas Academy include various classes, orchestra/band, theater and social functions.  Please click here for a complete list of Upper School Extracurricular activities.

Renee Genereux
Director of the Upper School