Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School Frontenac,

A Catholic education in the tradition for boys and girls age 3-grade 6 and young women grades 7-12

MISSION STATEMENT

Inspired by the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School strives to educate the heart and mind of At A Glance each child in a nurturing and challenging environment. We are dedicated to educating the whole child and preparing our TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 634 students for lives of faith in God, integrity, leadership, and Grades JK-6 225 service to others. Grades 7-12 409 Our mission is to transform the world, one child at a time.

FACULTY: 124 F/T The foundation of our mission and educational philosophy are the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart schools. These give AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 15 meaning and purpose to our objectives and unite us through a STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO: 8:1 common thread with other Sacred Heart schools around the world. The strength of Sacred Heart education lies in the

building of relationships around our values. Serious in 2013-2014 TUITION: principles, strong in studies and rich in the spirit of love and JK (5 half days) $ 9,360 life, we are a Catholic school which takes great pride in living JK (5 full days) $12,980 Saint Madeleine Sophie's vision.

K-4 $14,995 THE SCHOOL: AN OVERVIEW 5-6 $15,595 7-12 $18,700 Founded in 1929, Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School offers families in the St. Louis area a strong Sacred Heart education FACILITY: for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. 60+ acres including a chateau-style main building, chapel, libraries, Centrally located in a suburban setting, Villa Duchesne and computer labs, performing arts Oak Hill School has an academically rigorous liberal arts auditorium, gymnasiums, indoor curriculum that is complemented by competitive athletic and swimming pool, playing fields, track, academic teams, a comprehensive community service tennis courts, outdoor classrooms, program, and supportive faculty, parents, and alumni. A and nature trail vibrant sense of community and powerful spiritual purpose permeate the school’s culture. ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: HISTORY NAIS: National Association of Independent Schools In 1927, Reverend Mother Mary Reid developed plans for a ISACS: Independent School Association of the Central States new Sacred Heart boarding and country day school in St. Louis County. Within the year, the Society of the Sacred Heart ISSL: Independent Schools of St. Louis had purchased two large parcels of wooded land, one of which contained a rustic log cabin. In the summer of 1928, on Network of Sacred Heart Schools the 110th anniversary of Saint ’s National Catholic Education arrival in St. Louis, the first Religious of the Sacred Heart took Association up residence in the cabin. Soon after, plans for a 206-room facility began to take shape. SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.vdoh.org 1

A French-style chateau, referred to today as the 1929 building, was dedicated in 1928. The first students registered on October 1, 1929. These initial students came from 20 different schools. Local Sacred Heart alumnae assisted in the preparation and opening of the school for day students and boarders. The striking building, made of Missouri limestone, with twin Norman towers, serves as the architectural focus of the campus and is home to the school’s chapel.

In the 1970s, the closing of City House Academy and Barat Hall School, two sister Sacred Heart institutions, brought new life to Villa Duchesne and an influx of 226 students. Oak Hill’s two-level learning centers were built, the boarding school was closed, and boys were admitted to the lower school. This period also saw leadership changes with Robert Wray named as the first lay Head of School. Today, Mrs. Elizabeth Miller serves as Head of School.

THE CAMPUS

Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School’s 60-acre campus is beautiful and inspiring. Lush grounds include a nature trail, creek, and towering oaks, with a portion of the campus designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. The chapel, the heart of the school, is located in the 1929 Main Building, a magnificent architectural treasure. Oak Hill’s facilities are constructed in a more modern and open style, and much like the main building, evoke a feeling of collaboration and camaraderie.

Over the years, the school has invested in providing students with an abundant array of facilities. Science and computer labs are state-of- the-art, and two libraries serve the school and provide a rich setting for reading and research. Sports facilities include a track, an indoor pool, two gymnasiums, tennis courts, and playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. A fitness center offers the latest equipment. Dance, performing arts, and visual arts studios allow for the creative expression of the students.

THE PROGRAM

The vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat and the courageous pioneer spirit of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne provide a strong foundation for the Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School community. As a member Network of Sacred Heart Schools, the school lives by the values set forth by its Goals and Criteria.

2 In Junior Kindergarten through Grade Six, boys and girls at Oak Hill School are afforded differentiated instruction within a nurturing environment, where the classroom easily moves out to the beautiful grounds. A comprehensive curriculum of Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies forms the core for a solid academic program. The curriculum is enhanced further by classes in French, technology, art, music, and physical education. Oak Hill’s vibrant after- school program offers robotics, writing and math enrichment, Spanish and Latin, numerous arts and outdoor opportunities, scouting, singing, hand bell choir, chess, and a variety of athletic team experiences.

In the upper school, Villa Duchesne provides a rigorous college preparatory program for young women in Grades 7 through 12. A broad emphasis in the liberal arts cultivates a learning environment that is both challenging as well as personalized. This program offers Advanced Placement and honors courses in numerous subject areas, and the curriculum is supplemented with programs in technology, the arts, and physical education. In addition, Villa Duchesne’s Global Exchange Program with Sacred Heart schools in forty-five countries provides students with intercultural experiences and thereby creating an awareness of relationships within a worldwide family.

At Villa Duchesne, students receive the benefits of a classical education developed for the 21st century enhanced by their own Tablet PC’s which are introduced to students in seventh grade. As a tool for learning, the tablets enable our students to access the Internet from anywhere on campus.

Individual attention is provided for each student in the areas of academic development, personal development, and college and career planning. Two certified counselors and two college counselors provide support to students and families as they move through the middle school and high school years and make the transition to college. Individual family meetings each year focus on academic programming, college planning, test preparation, opportunities for special talents/interests, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Students participate in a variety of activities and programs to strengthen their faith. Yearly days of renewal, theology classes, vibrant liturgies, daily prayer, and an active peer ministry program permeate student life. Also evident in student formation is the Sacred Heart commitment to encouraging personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Students at Villa Duchesne are able to recognize their God- given gifts and develop their potential as children of God for the benefit of themselves and others.

As a consequence, the Service Learning Program, present at all levels of the school, is incorporated into the curriculum and allows students to apply learning in the classroom to projects in the community. Students are provided opportunities to live out Sacred Heart Goals as an expression of their Catholic faith in a variety of apostolic works. Students in the upper school, along with faculty, participate in Service Learning experiences on six days during the school year. As teacher assistants in Head Start programs, or as volunteers in area nursing homes or food pantries, Villa Duchesne students understand the value of social justice which impels to action. Students are encouraged to grow from their service experience through careful reflection. Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne insisted that any 3 genuine apostolic work must be nourished by a spirit of prayer. Therefore, Sacred Heart students, through action, reflection, and prayer, develop a consciousness that leads them to reflect on societal and personal values, seek justice, and understand the interdependence of our world.

Villa Duchesne students are immersed in an environment that encourages them to explore all their gifts. Over 25 athletic teams and over 28 clubs including an award-winning Show Choir, nationally recognized Thespian Society, and sophisticated media arts program, foster skill development and community building. Whether a young woman wants to pursue athletics, performing arts, visual arts, community service, international exchange, or a host of other opportunities, Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School provides the springboard which leads to a truly transformational educational experience for our students.

TRADITIONS

“The unique traditions at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School create wonderful and lasting bonds among parents, students, and faculty.”-parent

The Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School community celebrates signature traditions that provide continuity to the program, honor the school’s long history, and offer personal connections among students, staff, and families. Some of these time-honored traditions are:

 Congé - A French term meaning “holiday,” in which students arrive at school to find a surprise day of play and games with a theme chosen and prepared by the Villa Duchesne student council and Oak Hill faculty.  Christmas Basket - Mass is celebrated with the theme of giving to others. Following Mass, families deliver more than 600 baskets of food for those in need.  Field Day – Students in all grade levels compete against each other individually and by teams during a spirited day of outdoor activities and planned games.  Maypole - Under the exquisite canopy of mature oak trees, the graduates perform the graceful Maypole dance, a beloved tradition reflecting their class unity and expressing their farewell to the whole school community.  Goûter - Distributed on feast days and First Fridays, this is a French term for “snack.”  Feast and Mass days - Students from all levels come together with faculty, staff, and parents to celebrate in the inspiring chapel or out on the school grounds. Special feast days include those of Mater Admirabilis, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, and the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat.  First Friday Devotions - Mass, Benediction, and Eucharistic Adoration are celebrated by the Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill school community in the chapel.  May Crowning - Celebrated in May, the entire school community gathers in a beautiful outdoor setting to honor Mary, the Mother of God.

STUDENTS

Students come to Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. True to its catholic nature, the school welcomes students of other faith traditions, searching together for 4 God and united by the values and traditions that the Sacred Heart educational environment provides. The Network of Sacred Heart Schools’ model of education, rich academic program, service learning opportunities, and strong athletic traditions serve as catalysts for developing strong, independent, and self-assured graduates.

Visitors are struck by the fondness with which students speak of their relationships with teachers and with each other. This camaraderie is present in classrooms, at sporting events, at community Masses and at school functions. Students feel a deep connection to the school’s mission in their daily lives.

All Villa Duchesne students attend 4-year colleges and universities with more than 90% earning merit-based scholarships for their studies. With an average of 27.4 on the ACT students demonstrate their academic achievements as National Merit finalists and commended students, Missouri Bright Flight Scholars, AP Scholars of Distinction, distinguished participants in the National French and Spanish Exams, researchers in the STARS program, and Missouri first-place champions in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Academic Challenge.

PARENTS

Parent involvement is an integral and daily part of the experience at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. Parents assist with Open House, support athletic events, help with school projects such as Christmas Baskets, volunteer in the La Boutique bookstore, and offer parent education programs through the Villa Parent Network. The parents also offer a spirituality series and book studies in addition to planning and implementing fundraising efforts such as annual giving and the dinner auction. The school creates a warm and welcoming environment for students and their families. A strong community spirit in the Fathers’ and Mothers’ Clubs give support to faculty, staff, and students.

”I love Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School for its family atmosphere and willingness to look at students for who they are and who they will become.”- staff member and parent

ALUMNAE/I

Because of its long history, Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School has a strong, thoughtful, and dynamic network of graduates who are actively involved in the support of the school. Alumnae and alumni develop lifelong friendships at the school and maintain professional and personal relationships with the entire Sacred Heart family through the Associated Alumnae & Alumni of the Sacred Heart, Villa Duchesne-City House Alumnae Association, and Oak Hill-Barat Hall Alumni Association. A number of our Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School families have attended our schools for several generations. The alumnae and alumni help make up the institutional memory of the school, as their enduring presence helps to remind the community of the deeply-rooted history and beloved traditions, as well as the bright future and exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Alumnae and alumni lead tours, volunteer as trustees, provide scholarships through fundraising efforts, host networking events, present at senior career days, and serve as ambassadors in the community.

“Being a child of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School is different than going to other private schools. Each person who touched my life there helped me to develop.”- alumna

5 FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION

Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School faculty believe passionately in the Sacred Heart philosophy which is reflected in their teaching each day. Faculty values are aligned with the school’s mission and teachers strive to be role models for their students in class, on the playing fields, and in the broader St. Louis community. Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School teachers are committed to addressing the needs of the whole child and prepare each student to lead a life of purpose and meaning.

Small class sizes and student teacher ratios allow the faculty to give students the individualized attention that they need to succeed in this rigorous academic program. Seventy-one percent of Villa Duchesne faculty members have advanced degrees, and they have an average of more than 20 years of teaching experience.

“The Sacred Heart Mission is our purpose and is woven into everything we do.”- faculty member

GOVERNANCE

A 25-member Board of Trustees governs Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. It consists of current and past parents as well as alumni and alumnae, educators, clergy, RSCJ, and community leaders. Each trustee is elected to serve a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms. The Head of School is a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.

SCHOOL STRENGTHS

 centered on strong, confident, caring students  propelled by innovation and cherished for tradition  guided by committed and accomplished faculty  supported by invested and helpful parents  grounded in a rich spiritual foundation  connected to a network of Sacred Heart Schools  surrounded by natural beauty

ST. LOUIS AREA

As a community, St. Louis has received numerous accolades:

 One of the most affordable places to live well for its cost of living, quality of life, and arts and leisure offerings (Forbes)  The best city for young professionals (Forbes)  One of the ‘smartest’ places to live (Kiplinger)

This Midwestern city and its immediate surroundings have a population of 2.8 million people. The median family income is $53,190, comparing favorably to the national median of $52,029. St. Louis is known for its affordable housing.

St. Louis is rich in cultural offerings. Forest Park, host to the 1904 World’s Fair, is home to the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, and the Muny Opera. The renowned Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Symphony, the City Museum, and the Magic House are other popular area attractions.

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Strong educational institutions provide for a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. Among these are: the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Maryville University, Saint Louis University, and Washington University in St. Louis. In addition, the city benefits from several major graduate institutions including the medical communities associated with both Saint Louis University and Washington University.

St. Louis, with its surrounding communities, is a vibrant residential, business, cultural, and educational metropolitan area. The climate provides four distinct seasons with temperatures normally ranging from lows in the 20s to highs in the 40s during the winter months and the 70s to 90s in mid-summer. St. Louis is home to the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. St. Louisans attend performances of the Muny opera, feast at the city’s wonderful restaurants, and enjoy the rich history and heritage that have shaped this influential Midwestern city.

The first time I ever saw St. Louis, I could have bought it for six million dollars, and it was the mistake of my life that I did not do it. - Mark Twain, Life On the Mississippi

APPLICATION PROCESS

Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School, a private Catholic school, seeks a Principal for Villa Duchesne which educates young women grades 7 through 12. The ideal candidate would be a committed Catholic who can embrace the more than 200 year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart while providing innovative leadership. The Principal will serve collaboratively on the Leadership Team and report to the Head of School. Advanced degree(s) and relevant independent school or other leadership experience will be given preference. Salary and benefits for this leadership position are commensurate with experience and background and are competitive with those of comparable institutions.

A candidate seeking this position should submit the following documents electronically to [email protected]: 1. a cover letter stating interest in and qualifications for the position 2. a current resume, including phone numbers, email, and SKYPE addresses 3. a personal statement of educational philosophy 4. the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of five references

Files will be reviewed as received. Preference will be given by the Search Committee to candidates who present their completed applications by December 5, 2013. Finalists’ visits are scheduled to take place in mid-December. The Head of School anticipates making an appointment as early as December 19 with the new Villa Duchesne Principal assuming duties as early as July 1, 2014.

For more information about the school, please visit www.vdoh.org/careers.

Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures, financial aid, scholarships, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

We must vow ourselves to the education of young people. We must lay solid foundations of lively faith. We will bring up numbers of adorers from all nations to the very ends of the earth. - St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart

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