Sacred Heart Model School Celebrates 100 Years

1OO Years Young At Sacred Heart Model School!

Sacred Heart Model School (SHMS) celebrated 100 years as the model in education for students in grades JK through eight on September 25. Students, faculty, and staff began the milestone day with Mass in the SHMS Gym, with Archbishop Shelton Fabre presiding.

Three of the Model School’s past principals, Sister Catherine Franze, Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, and Dr. Michael Bratcher, joined the current principal, Leah Mullen, and Dr. Karen McNay, president of Sacred Heart Schools, for the celebration.

Archbishop Fabre celebrated the milestone and discussed what it means to have a “sacred heart” in each of us. Students from all grade levels at SHMS participated in readings, petitions, and communion with teachers, parents, alumni, Sacred Heart Schools board members, and former teachers.In 1924, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville established Sacred Heart Model School for grades one through eight, separating these grades from Sacred Heart Academy. It began in the three-story brick manor house on the original property purchased by the Sisters in 1877. It was named the Model School because it served as a model teaching environment for the elementary education students at Sacred Heart Junior College.

Over the last 100 years, Sacred Heart Model School has enjoyed tremendous growth in the student body and facilities but has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence in education. In 2001 and 2018, Sacred Heart Model School was named a National Blue Ribbon School. Notably, in 2013 Sacred Heart Model School became the first Catholic and private school in Kentucky to achieve authorization for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. In 2020, SHMS was also authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme, along with Sacred Heart Preschool, the first preschool in Kentucky to do so.

Today, SHMS features a nationally-recognized world language program that includes Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese and daily arts integration with drama, music, choir, and visual arts. SHMS boasts innovation spaces, science labs, dedicated visual and performing arts spaces, a TV studio, the latest classroom technology, and robust service outreach, athletic and enrichment programs.

Later in the day, SHMS students, faculty and friends enjoyed a birthday party in the R. F. Joseph Amphitheater on Ursuline Campus. Students enjoyed cupcakes, a DJ, inflatable jumpies, and sang a special rendition of "Happy Birthday!” to the school they love!

Cheers to another amazing 100 years of Sacred Heart Model School on the Ursuline Campus! Happy birthday!