Academy of the Holy Angels Middle School to Open in September

Starting in Sept., young women in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades will prep for success at the Academy of the Holy Angels Middle School. The middle school, which renews AHA’s tradition of educating young girls, will be located on the first floor of Kelleher Hall.

AHA Middle School inspires young women to cultivate a life-long love of learning and empowers them to navigate the challenges of adolescence, find their voice, and share their unique gifts with others.

“We recognize the need exists to provide middle school students with a comprehensive program to prepare them for high school,” AHA president Melinda A. Hanlon said. “We are poised to provide the strong foundation needed for success in high school and help students close any gaps in learning. All-girl education provides girls with every opportunity and AHA Middle School will be a place where girls take the lead.”

AHA Middle School dean Traci Koval and her faculty members will offer middle school students a customized educational experience that includes a firm foundation in core subjects, and opportunities to explore individual interests. Each grade will have a homeroom teacher. Students will take core subjects and “specials,” such as art, music, and physical education, with different teachers. A rich fine and performing arts program will be offered.

While Holy Angels is steeped in Catholic tradition, the Academy serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds.

AHA’s foundresses were committed to meeting the educational needs of immigrant children, and the school now known as AHA was founded in 1879 to provide education to young women. In 1890, the Academy was incorporated as “Institute of Holy Angels: Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies and Preparatory School for Little Girls.” The preparatory school was still in operation when AHA moved from Fort Lee to Demarest in 1965, although the lower school was being phased out so the school’s leaders could focus on expanding the upper school.

AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.

• AHA Middle School’s all-girl setting will allow young women in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to take on all leadership roles so they may become self-reliant, resilient individuals.
• Students will enjoy a customized education that features personalized attention.
• Young women will define themselves, growing as individuals as they pursue familiar interests and explore new educational pathways.
• Each student will receive a solid educational foundation and moral compass in the SSND tradition. 

AHA Middle School will be funded by tuition and fees, and financial aid will be available.

Additional details about AHA Middle School will be available at an informational webinar on Jan. 31.