Welcome to nazareth's Virtual Open HOuse!

Thank you very much for your interest in Nazareth Academy High School
and for joining us for our Virtual Fall Open House!

Welcome from our President,
Mrs. Denise LePera

Welcome from our Principal,
Mr. James Meredith

Who We Are

Nazareth Academy High School, located on the same beautiful campus as Holy Family University in suburban Northeast Philadelphia, is the only private Catholic high school for girls in Philadelphia. Ranked one of the top STEM high schools in the country, Nazareth Academy is a close-knit sisterhood of young women who achieve excellence in the classroom and strive to be leaders of Christian service in the community.

Welcome from our 2020-2021 Student Council Leadership Team!

Elizabeth "Libby" Corbett '21
President

Molly Taggart '21
Vice President

Tiffany Tang '21
Secretary

Paige Montijo '21
Treasurer

Embracing Faith

Our beautiful and mesmerizing Chapel, situated at the top of our school's main staircase, is the centerpiece and heart of our campus. This is no coincidence. We believe that our Catholic faith is the foundation of all that we do both within and beyond the walls of every classroom. Rooted in the example of the Holy Family, we recognize that while each of us is a unique gift of God, we all share the common task of bringing the love, mercy, and justice of God to our community, our country, and our world.

Click here to read more about our Spiritual Life and Christian Service.

Please contact Ms. Shannon Donnelly, Director of Campus Ministry, with any questions regarding mission, ministry, and community service at Nazareth.

Educating Girls

Our educational process is student-centered and not limited by the walls of the classroom. There are many roads to success, and we strive to help our Nazareth students discover their unique talents and ambitions. One of the hallmarks of a Nazareth education is that our students graduate remarkably well-prepared for college. Click here for more information on our Academic Programs or contact Mrs. Patricia Quinn P'04, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs.

Academic Highlights

• 100% College Acceptance Rate
• College Prep Scheduling (modified block scheduling)
• 8 to 1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• 15 Students is the Average Class Size
• 17 Advanced Placement Courses
• 22 Honors Courses
• Online Electives through Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute
• Academic School Profile for the 2020-2021 School Year
• NAHS Course Catalog 2020-2021

Dual Enrollment Partnership with Holy Family University for College Credit

Nazareth Academy High School has partnered with fellow sponsored ministry Holy Family University to make the transition to higher education easier for students. Nazareth Academy 11th and 12th grade students can dually enroll in General Education courses at Holy Family University, receiving credit on both Nazareth’s and Holy Family’s transcripts without ever leaving campus for less than a third of the cost.

Mrs. Patricia Quinn P'04, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs

Academic Departments

English Department

Health & Wellness Department

Math Department

Science Department

Department Chairperson:
Mrs. Amy McDonald P'22

Take a look at an experiment in our Honors Chemistry lab class with Mrs. Karen Scott P'22, '23.

Social Studies Department

Theology Department

World Languages Department

Academic Enrichment Program

The Academic Enrichment Program is provided for at least one full academic year to students who have a diagnosed learning difference or experience academic difficulty. The student attends one block daily to work in small groups of no more than five students with math and reading specialists as the instructors. During this time, the student aims for greater self-knowledge and more effective ways of successfully navigating her particular learning difficulties. Students in the program receive 2 full academic credits (1 per semester) for freshman year. Click here for more information or contact Ms. Moira Whalen '09, our Director of Academic Enrichment.

Art Department

Music Department

STREAM Initiative

Nazareth Academy High School's STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) program creates awareness, sparks interest, builds confidence, and fosters a culture of innovation in girls while integrating our Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Nazareth Academy High School was recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top STEM high schools in the country. With the current level of STEM integration in our curriculum, our dedicated faculty already prepare our young women to be virtuous leaders, capable of handling today’s concerns and managing future challenges.

Brand New State-of-the-Art Innovation Center

Our new Innovation Center is located in the former Student Dining Room, on the lower level beneath the gymnasium. It is anchored by a major makerspace, an area for students to collaborate and innovate, utilizing advanced technology such as 3-D and laser printers. In this makerspace, an Engineering elective is offered to Juniors and Seniors, and a Foundations of STEM class is held for every freshman student beginning with the Class of 2024.

Click here for the full story on our new Innovation Center and watch the video below for a tour of our Innovation Center created by Mr. Gregory Severino, Innovation Center Director and moderator of Naz Rocketry.

STEM Curriculum

Tour our brand new, state-of-the-art, Innovation Center!

Empowering Girls

Inspiring Our Girls' Hearts and Minds!

At Nazareth, girls engage in hands-on, interactive experiences that enhance our academic program. We offer a variety of clubs and activities that keep our students well-rounded and involved. With more than 40 clubs and activities to choose from, Nazareth offers countless opportunities for students to explore extracurricular activities and to develop leadership skills. Please contact Mrs. Maura Hope, Assistant Principal for Student Life, with any questions about clubs, activities, and student life.

Click here to view our Virtual Clubs & Activities Fair!

Mrs. Maura Hope, Assistant Principal for Student Life

Student Life

Student Leadership

At Nazareth, girls have many opportunities to discover themselves as leaders. Through our many clubs, activities, and athletic teams our girls are empowered to make decisions, plan events, and work collaboratively with their teachers and fellow classmates in an effort to advance the mission of Nazareth. Click here for our Student Leadership Organizations.

Counseling Department

The Counseling Department at Nazareth Academy High School is dedicated to working with our students the minute they arrive on campus. From their first week as freshman when they attend a counseling assembly until that time in senior year when students have finalized their college plans, the Counseling Department is by our girls' side supporting them through this journey. For more information about our Counseling Department, please click here or feel free to contact Mrs. Jessica MacKay, our Director of Counseling, with any questions.

College Counseling

Nazareth Academy High School's College Counseling program supports students as they develop the knowledge and awareness to determine the educational path that is best for their education and their future. College and School Counselors work closely together regarding each student's course selection and activities, with an eye towards the college process. Applying to colleges can at times be an overwhelming task, but with the help of our counselors our girls choose the school that is the best fit for their specific interests and talents. Please contact Mrs. Deborah Glasson, Director of College Counseling, with any questions.

The Arts

Whether it's learning a musical instrument, playing in ensembles, singing in the choir, performing in plays or discovering beauty in fine art, there is plenty opportunity for creative expression at Nazareth Academy. Our educators invest their extensive talents, passion, and knowledge to enrich our students' creative abilities, supporting each student as they learn to hone their interests and skills. By encouraging our girls to develop artistically, we see them finding their own voice and the confidence to express their individual creativity, regardless of innate talent. Click here for more information on the Arts at Nazareth.

Theater Arts

Nazareth has a long-established and vibrant theatrical tradition, nurturing the talents of our creative and passionate students. Girls involved in Theater at Nazareth emerge as young women with emotional intelligence who can possess, articulate, and implement a creative vision. Click here for more information on our Theater Arts Program or contact Mrs. Natalie Graveley '05, Director of Theater Arts.

Visual Arts

Studying the visual arts at Nazareth Academy High School, students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the various aesthetic and disciplinary elements involved in the production of art. Our goal is to provide a basis from which the student will maintain a life-long appreciation of the visual arts. The Visual Arts at Nazareth - photography, ceramics, painting, design, mosaics, and more - let you explore creative processes and develop new perspectives of the world. Click here for more information on our Visual Arts Program or contact Mrs. Bridget Shaw, Art Department Chair.

Music

Music at Nazareth is an integral part of the school's life. All genres of music are celebrated from symphonic works for our orchestra and chamber music for a whole host of ensembles, to the worlds of pop and jazz. At Nazareth Academy High School every student's individual musical interest is an option, and they will be challenged to reach their full potential in that field. Students in our Performing Arts program may opt to major or minor in music or major in art. Students are exposed to an in-depth study of the Fine Arts and receive academic credit for these courses.

Our music students have traveled all over the world to perform, including Germany, Austria, England, Italy, and Switzerland. They have performed at prestigious venues, including the Vatican for the Beatification of the martyred Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the North American Music Festival, Carnegie Hall in New York, and various musical events both internationally and in the United States. Click here for more information on our Music Program or contact Ms. Chmelko '05, Director of Music & Performing Arts.

click here to request More information about Nazareth's music and performing arts departments!

Athletics

The Athletics program at Nazareth Academy High School is a vital part of the school community and offers our student body a balanced curriculum. We believe that athletics are an extension of the classroom. Our student athletes learn about commitment, dedication, hard work, discipline, and teamwork through participation in sports; they represent the Nazareth community with great pride.

Nazareth Academy High School strives to utilize the teacher-coach-counselor model. Along with the Athletic Director, all head varsity coaches at Nazareth oversee the development of their program from the Junior Varsity team to the Varsity level. Our coaches are men and women of compassion who inspire our student athletes to be confident young women.

For any questions about Athletics at Nazareth, contact Mr. Daniel Bradley, Athletic Director. Click here to read more about our Athletics program.

Fall Sports

Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball

Winter Sports

Basketball
Cheerleading
Indoor Track
Swimming

Spring Sports

Lacrosse
Softball
Track & Field

click here to request More information about Nazareth athletics!

Admissions Process

High school can be four of the most formative years in a student's life, and here at Nazareth, we understand the importance of finding the school that is the best fit for your daughter, and we appreciate the investment you are making in your daughter's present and future.

The high school admissions process can often be intimidating and overwhelming, but at Nazareth, we are dedicated to helping students and parents navigate the process and walk with you through each step. We understand that each student is unique - that's what makes Nazareth a special place where each young lady's talents, abilities, and personality can thrive. With that in mind, we take a holistic approach to our admissions process by looking at an applicant's academics, involvement in activities, and personal character.

Click here for our 8th grade admission process for the 2021-2022 school year, including required documents, testing information, and admissions interviews.

We are currently accepting transfer student applications for both January 2021 and the 2021-2022 school year in all grades! Click here for our transfer admission process. Transfer students are also welcomed to join us for a Transfer Student Virtual Shadow Day!

Upcoming admissions events and deadlines:

Admissions documents - due Friday, October 30th
Extracurricular scholarship applications - due Friday, October 30th
Virtual 8th Grade Shadow Days - now through early December
Online 8th Grade Entrance & Scholarship Exam - Saturday, November 7th
7th Grade Shadow Days - March 2021 to May 2021
6th & 7th Grade Practice Test - Saturday, March 6, 2021
Spring Open House - Wednesday, April 21, 2021
5th & 6th Grade Event - Friday, April 9, 2021
7th Grade Beach Bag Bingo - Friday, May 7, 2021

If you have any questions about our admissions process or events, please contact Ms. Ali Derassouyan (Ms. D) '09, Director of Admissions. We look forward to getting to know you and your daughter throughout the admissions process!

Ms. Ali Derassouyan '09, Director of Admissions

Financial Aid and Tuition

The return on a family’s Nazareth Academy investment doesn’t end on graduation day; it begins!

We recognize that choosing an independent private school is a major financial decision for families. Nazareth Academy High School seeks students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and it is our philosophy to keep the school within reach for all of our girls and their families. Having talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds strengthens Nazareth in every way. Click here to view all financial aid, tuition, and scholarship options for families wanting to invest in a Nazareth education and experience. For more information and any questions, contact Mrs. Jennifer McCloskey '03, Director of Finance.

testimonials

Listen to why our students, parents, and alumnae

all love Nazareth a million!

Carly Krieger '21

Ciara Garvey '23

Kaitlyn Pfeifer '23

Mrs. Christina Borkowski P'23

Mr. Robert Loper P'21, '23

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Pirolli P'22

Mrs. AnnMarie Reteneller '24

Ms. Meghan Quinn '04

Dr. Bernice Duesler '83, P'15, '24

Mrs. Dawn Russell '88, P'22

Thank you!

Thank you very much for joining us for our virtual Fall Open House! We hope this provided you an opportunity to see the exciting offerings at Nazareth Academy High School and what makes our school community so special.

If you have any questions, you can visit our Who to Contact List here.

DON'T MISS OUT! Click here to make sure you continue receiving communications from Nazareth moving forward!

We look forward to welcoming you and your daughter to our Nazareth family!

May the Holy Family of Nazareth keep you and your families safe and healthy.