150th Anniversary

Celebrating 150 Years

For 150 years, Visitation School has educated students in the Salesian philosophy inspired by our founders, Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal -- educating both the minds and hearts of our students. We stand in gratitude to those who came before us while boldly imagining our future: legacy leads the way. 

At the request of Bishop Thomas Grace, an intrepid band of six Visitation Sisters left their convent in St. Louis in 1873 and traveled up the Mississippi River by steamship to found a Visitation School in St. Paul. They arrived in August and opened a school in September, enrolling 29 girls. Today Visitation school is thriving, now located on a sprawling 65-acre campus in Mendota Heights and enrolling nearly 600 students from Montessori Pre-K through grade 12.

Throughout the 2022-23 school year, we will celebrate our 150th anniversary. All areas of our community will creatively honor this milestone. Please save the dates August 11-13, 2023. Join us as we commemorate 150 years of Visitation School. 

Share your story and get involved!

This is an exciting time, as every single member of the Visitation community - past and present - can take pride in our progress. We invite you reflect on your personal memories of Visitation School and share them with our community.