News at SHA

Sacred Heart Academy Named to College Board’s AP School Honor Roll
January 14, 2026

Sacred Heart Academy has been recognized for outstanding student achievement and expanded access in the Advanced Placement (AP) program.

The College Board announced that Sacred Heart Academy has earned Platinum distinction on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, the highest level of recognition awarded. Fewer than 8% of schools nationwide receive this honor, placing Sacred Heart Academy among a select group of schools recognized for exceptional achievement in Advanced Placement programming. This highest recognition given by The College Board distinguishes Sacred Heart Academy as a premier Catholic preparatory school for young women.


This distinction reflects exceptional performance in three key areas. College Culture, defined as the number of graduating seniors who completed at least one AP course. College Credit, demonstrated by student success in earning AP scores of 3 or higher. College Optimization, achieved by students completing five or more AP courses during high school, with at least one taken in ninth or tenth grade.


The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools nationwide whose AP programs deliver measurable results while expanding access and opportunity. Schools are honored annually for their commitment to fostering a strong college going culture, increasing access to college level coursework, and preparing students for academic success beyond high school.


SHA offers nearly 20 Advanced Placement college-level courses that help students develop critical thinking skills and academic rigor, often saving time and money in college. Students also benefit from numerous opportunities for engagement, leadership, and personal growth within a supportive environment that both challenges and nurtures them. Through rigorous academics, competitive athletics, vibrant performing arts, and a strong foundation in spiritual values, students are prepared to lead with courage, compassion, and commitment.


Lead with Heart.


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Sacred Heart’s Isabella Paesano ‘26 Honored with $10,000 Dante Foundation Award

July 22, 2026
At an awards ceremony on June 24, Isabella Paesano ‘26 accepted a $10,000 scholarship from the Mineola-based Dante Foundation. The competitive grant is awarded each year to a handful of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties who are of Italian heritage, achieve an above average score on the SATs, are actively involved in their high schools, and plan to attend college after graduation. The event, which took place at the elegant Westbury Manor, is an annual celebration founded to encourage fellowship among Italian-Americans and fundraise to establish scholarships for outstanding youth. Isabella credits her time here at Sacred Heart Academy for helping her earn the scholarship. She says the transformative power of a single-sex education has helped her gain the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. “Going to an all-girls school had great benefits. I met my lifelong friends here and it helped shape who I am today.” Isabella says staying involved in sports and activities helped foster those friendships and gave her a sense of belonging. Over the course of her time here at Sacred Heart Isabella played on Varsity Field Hockey, and immersed herself in clubs such as Best Buddies, Lady Spartans Against Cancer, Limb Kind Club, Friend of Ronald McDonald House, and of course, Red & Gold. As Isabella prepares to attend Fairfield University this fall, she fondly reflects on her years here on campus, specifically her experience as Spirit Captain for Gold in last year’s Red & Gold. “One memory that will always stay with me from my time at Sacred Heart is when it was announced that the Gold team won, proving everyone's hard work and dedication to the team paid off!” Isabella’s dedication extends well beyond the SHA campus and into her community. Every summer, Isabella immerses herself in service, volunteering at Camp ANCHOR and giving her time to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation , a Long Island charity dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer. “Throughout my experience at SHA I have learned to Lead with Heart. From my freshman year to senior, my classmates have always been there for me.” She added that the faculty here at SHA, specifically the teachers of the Resource Room, helped her achieve her academic goals. “They believed in me and gave me so much support through my entire career SHA.” Isabella will study psychology at Fairfield in the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist for children with special needs. Sacred Heart Academy congratulates Isabella on her well-earned scholarship and is proud to count her among the most recent members of its national sisterhood of SHA alumnae!

Natalia Taylor '27 Sets Sacred Heart Academy Track and Field Records

June 23, 2026
Record-breaking thrower Natalia Taylor credits patience, perseverance, and the Sacred Heart sisterhood for her success on and off the field.

Inspiring Excellence in Every Student

Rooted in faith and tradition, we empower young women to lead with confidence, compassion, and integrity. Through rigorous academics, spiritual growth, and a supportive sisterhood, our students are inspired to excel in college and beyond while making a meaningful impact in the world.

Sacred Heart’s Isabella Paesano ‘26 Honored with $10,000 Dante Foundation Award

July 22, 2026
At an awards ceremony on June 24, Isabella Paesano ‘26 accepted a $10,000 scholarship from the Mineola-based Dante Foundation. The competitive grant is awarded each year to a handful of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties who are of Italian heritage, achieve an above average score on the SATs, are actively involved in their high schools, and plan to attend college after graduation. The event, which took place at the elegant Westbury Manor, is an annual celebration founded to encourage fellowship among Italian-Americans and fundraise to establish scholarships for outstanding youth. Isabella credits her time here at Sacred Heart Academy for helping her earn the scholarship. She says the transformative power of a single-sex education has helped her gain the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. “Going to an all-girls school had great benefits. I met my lifelong friends here and it helped shape who I am today.” Isabella says staying involved in sports and activities helped foster those friendships and gave her a sense of belonging. Over the course of her time here at Sacred Heart Isabella played on Varsity Field Hockey, and immersed herself in clubs such as Best Buddies, Lady Spartans Against Cancer, Limb Kind Club, Friend of Ronald McDonald House, and of course, Red & Gold. As Isabella prepares to attend Fairfield University this fall, she fondly reflects on her years here on campus, specifically her experience as Spirit Captain for Gold in last year’s Red & Gold. “One memory that will always stay with me from my time at Sacred Heart is when it was announced that the Gold team won, proving everyone's hard work and dedication to the team paid off!” Isabella’s dedication extends well beyond the SHA campus and into her community. Every summer, Isabella immerses herself in service, volunteering at Camp ANCHOR and giving her time to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation , a Long Island charity dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer. “Throughout my experience at SHA I have learned to Lead with Heart. From my freshman year to senior, my classmates have always been there for me.” She added that the faculty here at SHA, specifically the teachers of the Resource Room, helped her achieve her academic goals. “They believed in me and gave me so much support through my entire career SHA.” Isabella will study psychology at Fairfield in the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist for children with special needs. Sacred Heart Academy congratulates Isabella on her well-earned scholarship and is proud to count her among the most recent members of its national sisterhood of SHA alumnae!

Natalia Taylor '27 Sets Sacred Heart Academy Track and Field Records

June 23, 2026
Record-breaking thrower Natalia Taylor credits patience, perseverance, and the Sacred Heart sisterhood for her success on and off the field.

Heart of SHA: Faylen Morales ‘28

June 17, 2026
Ever since Faylen Morales ‘28 was 8 years old, she has known she wanted to help build a world where everyone feels included. That passion drove her to attend Sacred Heart Academy in the fall of 2024, where, in addition to her rigorous academic schedule, she competes as a Varsity swimmer, is an active member of the Cooking Club, and takes part in Red & Gold. Beyond her commitments at SHA, Faylen has volunteered as a coach at TOPSoccer for the past 8 years, a recreational soccer program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. She credits her dedication to the organization for making her a ‘more compassionate, patient and understanding person.” Faylen attributes Sacred Heart Academy to teaching her that “true leadership comes from leading with love, compassion and faith." "SHA reminds us to do everything through Jesus and shows me that leadership is not about recognition, but about serving others with kindness and using our actions to make a positive difference in people’s lives.” A rising Junior, Faylen already plans to attend college, where she will study to be a school psychologist serving children with diverse learning needs. “I am so thankful to have been exposed to children and adults with special needs from a young age because those experiences helped me develop a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. My experience at Sacred Heart has strengthened my compassion, patience, and desire to serve others, helping me grow into the kind of person who wants to give back to my community and support others in meaningful ways.” Sacred Heart Academy is proud to recognize Faylen as a shining example of what it means to Lead with Heart!