Sisters of St. Francis
of Penance and Christian Charity
In the United States since 1874
"Trusting in God and open to risk
we walk with courage"
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Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity In the United States since 1874 "Trusting in God and open to risk we walk with courage"
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Buffalo Academy of the
Sacred Heart (SHA)
Educating Young Women
(Visit their website at Sacred Heart.) Just three years after their arrival in
the United States, the Sisters of St. Francis founded the Buffalo Academy of the
Sacred Heart to provide an education rich in the sciences and humanities for the
daughters of immigrant families. The Sisters' vision was to provide a
value- based education focused on educating the "whole person" and
challenging young women to become leaders in their communities. As interest in women's education
increased, the Academy outgrew its original site in downtown Buffalo on Washington Street
and
a new building on Main Street in Eggertsville was completed in 1930. Today's curriculum is college
preparatory and includes accelerated and advanced placement courses in each
discipline. Sacred Heart Academy alumnae have matriculated at many of the finest
local and national colleges and universities. The Class of 2005 was awarded close to $10 million in college scholarships. The academy has integrated computer
technology into the curriculum and has two fully equipped computer labs offering
student access to the Internet, CD-ROM, and laser disc technology. The school
also has its own Internet Web site. Plans include a long-distance learning lab
partially funded by a foundation grant. Christian values and the Franciscan
mission of service are reflected in student activities, including: Amnesty
International, campus ministry, service club, ecology club, respect life, and
others. Since its inception in 1994, the "Footprints" community
service program has provided over 40,000 hours of service by the students. The academy is well known for its music
and sports programs. Community building is part of the fabric of life at Sacred
Heart, where traditions and meaningful rituals build and strengthen a sense of
community. The Chamber Singers have won first honors in women's choir, jazz
choir, and madrigal choir competition. As athletes, the students have done
exceptionally well in area sports.  I know we were confident, generous and filled with hope, such rich
gifts as we look at them in the light of 20th century problems. I believe the
graduates of the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart have improved life
everywhere they've been." - Alumna '49
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