Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Incarnate Word Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Incarnate Word Academy

  • LocationSaint Louis, MO
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 235 students

All-female

Official website

Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women in Saint Louis, Missouri, run in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The school celebrates Mass and offers the sacrament of Reconciliation monthly in its chapel, with adoration offered in the chapel as well. Theology is required for four years, every student has a retreat each year of high school, and two student groups (Sisters in Prayer and the Respect Life Club) are listed.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Incarnate Word Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Ann of Normandy Catholic Church: 0.8 mi1Saint Ritas Catholic Church: 1.6 mi2Our Lady of the Presentation Church: 2.2 mi3Saint Augustine Catholic Church: 2.5 mi4Christ the King Catholic Church: 2.6 mi5All Saints Catholic Church: 2.8 mi6Campus Ministry Room and school chapel: 0.1 miIncarnate Word Academy (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Ann of Normandy Catholic Church — 0.8 mi
  2. Saint Ritas Catholic Church — 1.6 mi
  3. Our Lady of the Presentation Church — 2.2 mi
  4. Saint Augustine Catholic Church — 2.5 mi · 1371 Hamilton Avenue, Saint Louis
  5. Christ the King Catholic Church — 2.6 mi
  6. All Saints Catholic Church — 2.8 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

68 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (Holy Mass is celebrated monthly for the school community, on Holy Days of Obligation, and on other occasions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We celebrate Holy Mass monthly, on Holy Days of Obligation, and other significant occasions.”
      Holy Mass is celebrated monthly for the school community.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered monthly in the chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered monthly in our Chapel”
      Reconciliation is offered monthly in the school chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Adoration is offered twice each cycle in the chapel. The school does not define the length of a cycle.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration is offered twice each cycle in our Chapel”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered twice each school cycle in the chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis minister to the community.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are grateful to the priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, who minister to our community”
      Priests of the archdiocese minister to the school community; no chaplain is named on this page.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Theology is 4.0 credits, the same as the 4.0 credits of English, which is taken in four years. The school says every student takes four years of theology.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/academics/guidance/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4.0”
      Graduation requires 4.0 credits of theology.
    2. 4 Year Plan | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/academics/guidance/4-year-plan · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “four years of Theology, one semester of Speech”
      Four years of theology are required.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The mission page says mission integration relates to spiritual development and inclusion within the curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission/Core Beliefs/Vision | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/about-iwa/missioncore-beliefs-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At IWA this relates to spiritual development, inclusion within the curriculum, and community outreach.”
      Mission integration relates to spiritual development and inclusion within the curriculum.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Every class (freshman to senior) has a required class retreat each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all students are REQUIRED to participate in their class-level retreat each year”
      Every student is required to attend a class-level retreat each year.
      “Freshmen: One-day retreat Sophomores: Two-day retreat Juniors: One-day retreat Seniors: Three-day Kairos retreat”
      Class retreats are scheduled for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus ministry professional is named: the Director of Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Leadership | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/campus-ministry-leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mary Kate Garner Director of Campus Ministry mgarner@iwacademy.org”
      Mary Kate Garner is Director of Campus Ministry, with the published school email.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Two faith-based student clubs are listed: Sisters in Prayer and the Respect Life Club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sisters in Prayer is a faith-based club open to all students who desire to grow in their relationship with God”
      Sisters in Prayer is a faith-based student club open to all students.
      “The Respect Life Club at Incarnate Word Academy is dedicated to upholding the dignity of every human life”
      The Respect Life Club is a student-led pro-life club.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Morning, lunch and afternoon prayers are led during school-wide announcements.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning, lunch, and afternoon prayers are led by members of Student Council and the Campus Ministry Homeroom during school-wide announcements.”
      Morning, lunch and afternoon prayers are led during school-wide announcements.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Required service totals 120 hours before graduation (20 for freshmen, 20 for sophomores, 60 for juniors including a service project, and 20 for seniors).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning Program | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/service-learning-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Total Required Prior to Graduation: 120 hours”
      Service learning totals 120 required hours before graduation.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (The Respect Life Club lists a March for Life trip to Washington, D.C.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club at Incarnate Word Academy is dedicated to upholding the dignity of every human life”
      The Respect Life Club is a student-led pro-life club.
      “including Respect Life Month and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      The Respect Life Club raises awareness through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Theology is required for four years, and every student takes a class retreat each year.
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/academics/guidance/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4.0”
      Graduation requires 4.0 credits of theology.
    2. Retreats | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all students are REQUIRED to participate in their class-level retreat each year”
      Every student is required to attend a class-level retreat each year.
  • Two faith-based student clubs are listed: Sisters in Prayer and the Respect Life Club, which includes the March for Life.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sisters in Prayer is a faith-based club open to all students who desire to grow in their relationship with God”
      Sisters in Prayer is a faith-based student club open to all students.
      “The Respect Life Club at Incarnate Word Academy is dedicated to upholding the dignity of every human life”
      The Respect Life Club is a student-led pro-life club.
      “including Respect Life Month and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      The Respect Life Club raises awareness through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
  • Service is required: 120 hours before graduation.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning Program | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/service-learning-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Total Required Prior to Graduation: 120 hours”
      Service learning totals 120 required hours before graduation.
  • Daily prayer is led during school-wide announcements.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning, lunch, and afternoon prayers are led by members of Student Council and the Campus Ministry Homeroom during school-wide announcements.”
      Morning, lunch and afternoon prayers are led during school-wide announcements.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Room and school chapel

  • Address: 2788 Normandy Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63121
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, Campus Ministry Room

View on map ↗

Source: iwacademy.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, iwacademy.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Service 2

  • March for Life tripOff campus
    Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., listed by the Respect Life Club.
    iwacademy.org
  • Service learning program
    Service through approved nonprofit organizations, with hours logged through the school's service program.
    iwacademy.org

Faith formation 2

  • Eucharistic adoration in the chapelOn campus
    Adoration offered twice each cycle in the school chapel.
    iwacademy.org
  • Monthly ReconciliationOn campus
    Sacrament of Reconciliation offered monthly in the school chapel.
    iwacademy.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Sisters in PrayerOn campus
    Once each cycle
    Faith-based club open to all students. Meets in the Chapel or the Campus Ministry office.
    iwacademy.org
  • Respect Life Club
    Student-led pro-life club that prays, learns about life issues through Catholic social teaching, and supports pro-life organizations.
    iwacademy.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
    Students, faculty and staff who are practicing Catholics may serve; students may be commissioned in senior year.
    iwacademy.org

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats
    One-day retreats for freshmen and juniors, a two-day retreat for sophomores, and a three-day Kairos retreat for seniors. Every student attends each year.
    iwacademy.org, iwacademy.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Faith Formation | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “We celebrate Holy Mass monthly, on Holy Days of Obligation, and other significant occasions.”
    Holy Mass is celebrated monthly for the school community.
  2. Campus Ministry Leadership | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/faith/campus-ministry-leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mary Kate Garner Director of Campus Ministry mgarner@iwacademy.org”
    Mary Kate Garner is Director of Campus Ministry, with the published school email.
    “The Campus Ministry Room serves as a sacred and welcoming space for prayer, reflection, and community.”
    The Campus Ministry Room is used for prayer and reflection.
  3. Contact Us | Incarnate Word Academyiwacademy.org/link-two · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “2788 Normandy Drive Saint Louis MO 63121”
    The school address is 2788 Normandy Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63121.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
98 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.100%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.2 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of St. Louis, MO
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)235
Students in grades 9–12235
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio9.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges100%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of St. Louis

The Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archbishop of St. Louis

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: archstl.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Incarnate Word Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
What is Incarnate Word Academy’s Compass Score?
89 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Incarnate Word Academy Compass Recommended?
Yes. Incarnate Word Academy meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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