Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart
Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart is a distinguished private, all-boys independent school located in Princeton, New Jersey. Serving students from Junior Kindergarten (JK) through Grade 8, the Academy is a member of the global Network of Sacred Heart Schools. With a commitment to "bringing out the best in boys," the institution blends rigorous academics with spiritual and moral development to prepare young men for leadership in a just society.
The school is structured into two primary divisions: the Lower School, covering JK through Grade 4, and the Middle School, spanning Grade 5 through Grade 8. Since 2003, the Academy has maintained accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Key Facts
- Location: 1128 Great Road, Princeton, Mercer County, NJ.
- Enrollment: 92 students (2024-2025 academic year).
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1.
- Campus Size: 50 acres.
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart).
- Mascot: The Hawk.
- School Colors: Navy and Green.
Mission and Philosophy
The mission of Princeton Academy is to cultivate young men with creative minds, compassion for others, and the courage to act upon their beliefs. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to development, focusing on spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Rooted in the traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school's philosophy is guided by five core goals:
- A personal and active faith in God.
- A deep respect for intellectual values.
- A social awareness that impels action.
- The building of community as a Christian value.
- Personal growth within an atmosphere of wise freedom.
Academic Curriculum
Instruction at Princeton Academy is designed to be developmentally appropriate yet progressively challenging, ensuring that each grade builds upon the knowledge of the previous one.
Lower School (JK-Grade 4)
The Lower School focuses on foundational skills through specialized programs. In Language Arts, the school utilizes the Junior Great Books program for comprehension, alongside Word Journeys and Words Their Way for phonics and spelling. To support fine motor development, the school employs Handwriting Without Tears.
Mathematics is taught via the Everyday Math program, which balances concepts and problem-solving across six strands, including algebra and geometry. Science is inquiry-based, utilizing FOSS (Full Option Science System) to teach observation and data analysis. Additionally, students begin learning Spanish in Kindergarten, progressing to conversational and written proficiency by third grade.
Middle School (Grade 5-Grade 8)
The Middle School curriculum centers on five core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish. The English program emphasizes diverse literary genres and strengthens writing through the Junior Great Books program. Mathematics follows the University of Chicago Mathematics Project, focusing on real-life applications.
The Science program is highlighted by the Independent Science Project (ISP), encouraging analytical and creative problem-solving. In Social Studies, students develop research and critical thinking skills to analyze the past and its relevance to the present. The Spanish program integrates listening, reading, speaking, and writing; notably, 8th graders participate in an international exchange with the Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Sarria in Barcelona.
Athletics and Service Learning
The athletic program for grades 5–8 encourages students to balance academics with physical activity and leadership. Every student, regardless of skill level, is encouraged to participate in the following seasonal sports:
- Fall: Cross Country, Soccer, Golf.
- Winter: Basketball, Squash, Wrestling.
- Spring: Baseball, Lacrosse, Tennis.
Beyond the classroom and field, the Academy embraces Service Learning—a strategy that integrates community service with instruction and reflection. From JK through Grade 8, students engage in civic responsibility through projects often designed and implemented by the boys themselves.
Campus and Sustainability
The 50-acre campus features the Kalkus House (formerly the Manor House), named in honor of founding headmaster Olen Kalkus. Other notable facilities include the Athletic and Convocation Center (dedicated in 2006) and the William E. Simon Chapel Library (dedicated in 2008), which houses a silk painting of the Mater inspired by a Roman fresco.
Princeton Academy is a leader in environmental stewardship. Between 2012 and 2014, the school underwent a major renovation to implement green technologies, including:
- Geothermal Energy: 40 geothermal wells were drilled to reduce the carbon footprint of the HVAC system.
- Sustainable Design: The use of closed-cell spray insulation, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, and high-efficiency insulated glass.
- Natural Integration: A south-facing greenhouse that requires no man-made heating and a "dark sky" lighting philosophy to protect local habitats and stargazing.
Energy usage and savings from these initiatives are displayed on a public dashboard, allowing the school community to track their environmental impact in real-time.
School Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1998 (Opened 1999) |
| Grades Served | JK - 8 |
| Head of School | Kathleen Humora |
| Faculty Size | 27 (FTE) |
| Accreditation | Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Yearbook | The Aerie |
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart serve?
The school provides education for boys from Junior Kindergarten (JK) through Grade 8, divided into Lower and Middle School sections.
Is the school affiliated with any larger organizations?
Yes, it is part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and the Society of the Sacred Heart. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC).
What makes the science program unique?
The science program utilizes FOSS inquiry-based learning in the Lower School and features the Independent Science Project (ISP) in the Middle School, alongside a campus-wide emphasis on environmental stewardship.
Does the school offer international opportunities?
Yes, 8th-grade students have the opportunity to participate in the International Sacred Heart Exchange Program with the Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Sarria in Barcelona, Spain.
How does the school implement sustainability on campus?
The Academy uses a geothermal field for heating and cooling, employs energy-efficient LED lighting, maintains a "dark sky" lighting policy, and utilizes a passive solar greenhouse.