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

Catholic high school

Sacred Heart Academy

  • LocationHamden, CT
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 316 students

All-female

Official website

Sacred Heart Academy is a Catholic school for girls in Hamden, Connecticut, in the charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its published faith life includes an annual Enthronement Mass, a retreat each year, four years of theology, a required 55 hours of Christian service, and campus ministry groups for respect for life and faith life.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Sacred Heart Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miChurch of the Ascension: 1.3 mi1Saint Rita Church: 1.3 mi2Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church: 2.4 mi3Saint Catherine of Seina Chapel: 2.5 mi4SHA Campus Ministry: 0.3 miSacred Heart Academy (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Church of the Ascension — 1.3 mi
  2. Saint Rita Church — 1.3 mi · 1616 Whitney Avenue, Hamden
  3. Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 788 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven
  4. Saint Catherine of Seina Chapel — 2.5 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.

DSacramental life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

43 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 yearA few times a year (The Enthronement Mass is held each October and a Presidential Installation Mass is on the October 2026 calendar.)
    Sources (2)
    1. History & Traditions | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/about/history-traditions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The First Friday in October, the school community gathers at Mass to enthrone Jesus as the King and Center of our hearts and lives”
      The school community gathers at Mass each First Friday in October.
    2. Calendar | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Presidential Installation Mass & Reception”
      A Presidential Installation Mass is listed on the October 2026 calendar.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (One adoration is listed on the October 2026 calendar.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Calendar | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration C-Day 1:30 Schedule Faculty Mtg.”
      Adoration is listed on the October 2026 calendar.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses are held.)
    Sources (2)
    1. History & Traditions | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/about/history-traditions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The First Friday in October, the school community gathers at Mass to enthrone Jesus as the King and Center of our hearts and lives”
      The school community gathers at Mass each First Friday in October.
    2. Calendar | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Presidential Installation Mass & Reception”
      A Presidential Installation Mass is listed on the October 2026 calendar.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

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

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Four years of theology are required, one course a year; taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Theology Department requires all students to complete four”
      The Theology Department requires four years of theology.
      “years of the required or core theology courses, a retreat experience”
      A retreat experience is required each year.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The theology department offers electives in philosophy.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Department | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/academics/departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Additionally, the department offers electives in philosophy and religions.”
      The theology department offers philosophy electives.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
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

87 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (A retreat experience is required each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “years of the required or core theology courses, a retreat experience”
      A retreat experience is required each year.
      “each year, and a minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service.”
      A minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service is required.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is listed on the Campus Ministry team.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Kathleen Welch Campus Minister 203-287-8181, X341”
      Kathleen Welch is the Campus Minister.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Campus Ministry and Faith Life are listed as faith-based clubs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Organizations | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry | Faith Life | Clelia's Cucina | Local Outreach | Respect for Life”
      Campus Ministry, Faith Life and Respect for Life are listed clubs.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
AService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (A minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service is required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “each year, and a minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service.”
      A minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service is required.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The theology program covers Catholic Social Teaching, including in Theology III.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology Department | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/academics/departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Theology Department offers Sacred Scripture, morality, and Catholic Social teaching.”
      The theology department offers Catholic Social Teaching.
    2. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “doctrines of the Catholic tradition, with focus on conscience”
      Theology III covers Catholic Social Teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (A Respect for Life club and campus ministry program promote respect for life.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We raise awareness and take action to promote respect for life and serve the most vulnerable.”
      Campus ministry runs a respect for life program.
    2. Clubs & Organizations | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry | Faith Life | Clelia's Cucina | Local Outreach | Respect for Life”
      Campus Ministry, Faith Life and Respect for Life are listed clubs.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Voices for Justice is a listed club and campus ministry runs local outreach.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs & Organizations | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Voices for Justice | Women in Business”
      Voices for Justice is a listed club.
    2. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Social Justice drives our efforts as a community to promote peace and justice and celebrate a culture of diversity and service.”
      Social justice is a core value of the community.

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

Strengths

  • Four years of theology are required, and a retreat is required each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Theology Department requires all students to complete four”
      The Theology Department requires four years of theology.
      “years of the required or core theology courses, a retreat experience”
      A retreat experience is required each year.
  • A minimum of 55 hours of Christian service is required.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/uploads/files/Academics/shacurrguide-2026_27.pdf?v=1788198414395 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “each year, and a minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service.”
      A minimum of 55 hours of Christian Service is required.
  • Campus ministry runs respect for life and justice-related programs.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We raise awareness and take action to promote respect for life and serve the most vulnerable.”
      Campus ministry runs a respect for life program.
    2. Clubs & Organizations | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Voices for Justice | Women in Business”
      Voices for Justice is a listed club.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

SHA Campus Ministry

  • Address: 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Enthronement Mass
    First Friday in October
    The school community gathers at Mass to enthrone the Sacred Heart each October.
    sacredhearthamden.org

Service 3

  • Respect for Life
    3rd Tuesday of the month
    Campus ministry group that raises awareness and takes action for respect for life.
    sacredhearthamden.org
  • Clelia's Cucina
    1st and 3rd Wednesdays
    Campus ministry service project that prepares bagged lunches for distribution in New Haven.
    sacredhearthamden.org
  • Sister to Sister
    2nd Thursday of the month
    Campus ministry visits to the retired Sisters at the Manor.
    sacredhearthamden.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 (1)
  1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Academysacredhearthamden.org/student-experience/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Kathleen Welch Campus Minister 203-287-8181, X341”
    Kathleen Welch is the Campus Minister.
    “SHA Campus Ministry encourages students, faculty and staff members, parents, and alumnae to embrace their identity as children of God”
    Campus Ministry serves students, faculty, staff, parents and alumnae.
    “265 Benham Street • Hamden, CT 06514 • 203-288-2309”
    The school and campus ministry are at 265 Benham Street, Hamden.
    “SHA Campus Ministry encourages students, faculty and staff members, parents, and alumnae to embrace their identity as children of God”
    Campus Ministry serves students, faculty, staff, parents and alumnae.

Reach out

Contact details for Kathleen Welch (Campus Minister) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

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.
88 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.96%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.10.2 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 Hartford, CT
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)316
Students in grades 9–12316
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio10.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges96%
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 Hartford

The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of Hartford

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Sacred Heart Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Sacred Heart Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
What is Sacred Heart Academy’s Compass Score?
79 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Connecticut · Connecticut rankings

What would it cost your family?

Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Could you get in?

Enter an SAT or ACT score. Each college with published scores shows whether yours falls in the middle range of students it admitted. A rough guide, not a prediction.