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

Catholic high school

Villa Maria Academy High School

  • LocationMalvern, PA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 417 students
  • SponsorSisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs)

All-female

Official website

Villa Maria Academy High School is a Catholic college preparatory school in Malvern, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Students take theology in every grade and are required to attend a school-sponsored annual retreat. The campus ministry lists daily prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch, and schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are held throughout the year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Villa Maria Academy High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Patrick Roman Catholic Church: 0.5 mi1Malvern Retreat House: 0.7 mi2Campus Ministry, Villa Maria Academy High School: 0.3 miVilla Maria Academy High School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 104 Channing Avenue, Malvern
  2. Malvern Retreat House — 0.7 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 (Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.”
      Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year; no frequency is stated.
      “Students who are part of the Liturgy Committee plan and prepare the readings and hymns for schoolwide masses”
      The Liturgy Committee prepares the readings and hymns for schoolwide Masses.
  • 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 (Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is listed among the practices of faith.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
      The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Schoolwide liturgies are celebrated; the mission and ministry leaders listed are not priests.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.”
      Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year; no frequency is stated.
    2. Faculty & Staff Directory - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/about-villa-maria/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Ms. Stephanie Taylor Director of Mission and Ministry”
      Stephanie Taylor is listed as Director of Mission and Ministry.
      “Sr. Mary Jo Ely IHM Assist Director Mission and Ministry/Theology Teacher”
      Sr. Mary Jo Ely, IHM, is listed as assistant director of Mission and Ministry and a theology teacher.
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 (The catalog states that four years of theology are required for graduation, and the theology course list shows a course in each grade from 9 to 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings: Theology - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/course-offerings-theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Four years of Theology are required of our students for graduation, including attendance at the annual class Retreat.”
      Theology is required for graduation over four years.
  • 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 (Honors Apologetics is offered in grade 12. Christian Morality is also taught in grade 11.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings: Theology - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/course-offerings-theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Honors Apologetics course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine the truths of the Catholic faith at a deeper level”
      Honors Apologetics, a grade 12 theology course, is offered.
  • 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

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Retreats are held for freshman, sophomore and junior classes, and Kairos retreats are held for rising seniors in the summer.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All-class retreats held during the school year offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and a timeout from busy schedules. Kairos retreats for rising seniors are held during the summer months.”
      All-class retreats are held during the school year, and Kairos retreats are held for rising seniors in the summer.
      “Members help to plan and execute freshman, sophomore, and junior class retreats by writing and presenting talks and facilitating discussions and activities.”
      The Peer Ministry group helps plan and lead freshman, sophomore and junior class retreats.
    2. Events and Traditions - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/student-life/events-and-traditions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat”
      The school calendar lists a Freshman Retreat in October.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two staff are listed in mission and ministry: the Director of Mission and Ministry and an Assistant Director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/about-villa-maria/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Ms. Stephanie Taylor Director of Mission and Ministry”
      Stephanie Taylor is listed as Director of Mission and Ministry.
      “Sr. Mary Jo Ely IHM Assist Director Mission and Ministry/Theology Teacher”
      Sr. Mary Jo Ely, IHM, is listed as assistant director of Mission and Ministry and a theology teacher.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (The Respect Life Club and Peer Ministry are listed as faith-based student groups; the Liturgy Committee, Music Ministry and Student Charism Committee are also listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Activities - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club is a faith-filled community dedicated to upholding and honoring the sacred dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.”
      The Respect Life Club is a faith-based pro-life student club.
      “Peer Ministers serve the school community by leading retreats for the underclassmen.”
      Peer Ministry is a student group that leads retreats for underclassmen.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration and daily Communion services before lunch.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
      The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
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

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Annual service-learning hours are a graduation requirement; it is recorded as some service.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mandatory events/experiences for graduation – Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 School-sponsored annual retreat School-wide days of service Annual service-learning hours”
      The catalog lists an annual retreat, school-wide service days and annual service-learning hours as mandatory; the hour total is not stated on this page.
    2. Service Learning - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Required service learning takes Villa Maria out of the classroom and into the community to help others.”
      Service learning is required and takes place in the community.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The Social Justice theology course draws on Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings: Theology - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/course-offerings-theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “drawing on the body of Catholic social teaching in modern times”
      The grade 11 Social Justice theology course draws on Catholic social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Activities - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club is a faith-filled community dedicated to upholding and honoring the sacred dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.”
      The Respect Life Club is a faith-based pro-life student club.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs and Activities - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “I & B participates in the Ignatian Teach In for Justice Conference in D.C. which is the largest Catholic social gathering for high school and college students in the U.S.”
      The Inclusion and Belonging Committee takes part in the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C.
    2. Outreach - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/outreach · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Villa students fill baskets with food for complete holiday meals, including non-perishable items, purchased turkeys and pies.”
      Students run annual outreach projects, including a Thanksgiving food collection for families.

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 graduation over four years, and the school's annual class retreat is part of that requirement.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings: Theology - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/course-offerings-theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Four years of Theology are required of our students for graduation, including attendance at the annual class Retreat.”
      Theology is required for graduation over four years.
  • Retreats are held for freshman, sophomore and junior classes, and Kairos is offered to rising seniors.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All-class retreats held during the school year offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and a timeout from busy schedules. Kairos retreats for rising seniors are held during the summer months.”
      All-class retreats are held during the school year, and Kairos retreats are held for rising seniors in the summer.
      “Members help to plan and execute freshman, sophomore, and junior class retreats by writing and presenting talks and facilitating discussions and activities.”
      The Peer Ministry group helps plan and lead freshman, sophomore and junior class retreats.
  • Campus ministry lists daily prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
      The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
  • Service learning is required, and the theology course for grade 11 draws on Catholic social teaching.
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Learning - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Required service learning takes Villa Maria out of the classroom and into the community to help others.”
      Service learning is required and takes place in the community.
    2. Course Offerings: Theology - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/course-offerings-theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “drawing on the body of Catholic social teaching in modern times”
      The grade 11 Social Justice theology course draws on Catholic social teaching.

Concerns

  • The daily services listed are Communion services, which are not Masses.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
      The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Villa Maria Academy High School

  • Address: 370 Central Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Parsons Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: vmahs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, vmahs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, sites.google.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 8 location not published

Service 2

  • Inclusion and Belonging CommitteeOff campus
    Ignatian Teach-In for Justice conference
    Takes part in the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., and runs a school Social Justice Week.
    vmahs.org
  • Thanksgiving food collection
    November
    Students fill food baskets for families, distributed through outreach programs in West Chester and Norristown.
    vmahs.org

Faith formation 2

  • Peer Ministry
    A group of seniors who plan and lead prayer experiences and freshman, sophomore and junior class retreats.
    vmahs.org, vmahs.org
  • Student Charism Committee
    Students work with the faculty charism committee to bring the IHM charism into school life.
    vmahs.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Respect Life Club
    A faith-based club that promotes respect for human life from conception to natural death through prayer, fellowship and outreach.
    vmahs.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Liturgy Committee
    Students plan the readings and hymns for schoolwide Masses and serve as readers, altar servers and cross bearers.
    vmahs.org
  • Music Ministry
    Students who sing or play at liturgies.
    vmahs.org

Retreats 2

  • All-class retreats
    During the school year
    Retreats for spiritual reflection held during the school year for each class.
    vmahs.org
  • Kairos retreat
    Summer, for rising seniors
    Retreats for rising seniors held during the summer months.
    vmahs.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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministry - Villa Maria Academy High Schoolvmahs.org/mission-and-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
    The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
    “Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.”
    Schoolwide Eucharistic liturgies are celebrated throughout the year; no frequency is stated.
    “Practice of faith is encouraged through daily prayers, recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Communion services before lunch.”
    The campus ministry lists daily prayers, the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Communion services before lunch.
    “Parsons Chapel is located at the entrance of the Theresa Maxis Student Union building.”
    Parsons Chapel is on campus, at the entrance of the student union building.
  2. Graduation Requirements - Academic Catalog 2026-27sites.google.com/vmahs.org/academic-catalog-26-27/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “370 Central Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355 (610) 644-2551”
    The school's address and main telephone number.

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.
100 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.5.9 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 Philadelphia, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)417
Students in grades 9–12417
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio5.9 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 Philadelphia

The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Villa Maria Academy High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Villa Maria Academy High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Its sponsor is Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs).
What is Villa Maria Academy High School’s Compass Score?
82 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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