HISTORY

The history of Villa Maria Academy spans the educational achievement of more than 125 years. During this time, the school has consistently adhered to the dual objectives of fidelity to original ideals and dedication to scholastic excellence.

The foundation of the academy dates to July, 1872. At that time, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary transferred their motherhouse, novitiate, and boarding school from Reading to West Chester, PA. Occupying the property formerly owned by the Pennsylvania Military Academy, the school flourished in West Chester until 1914, when Villa Maria moved to Immaculata.

In 1924, the Sisters acquired the property of William A. Warner, Jr. in Green Tree. This estate was a replica in name and style of "Sulgrave," the Washington ancestral home in England. The property included 123 acres, the mansion house, and its adjoining buildings. All were adapted to the purpose of the Academy.

May 5, 1925 marked the opening of Villa Maria at Green Tree. Good Counsel Hall, completed in 1933, included dormitory, classroom, and library facilities. In 1949, an Activities Building with auditorium and gymnasium facilities was opened.

Regina Mundi Hall, constructed in 1955, houses classrooms, guidance rooms, the Langton Memorial Laboratory, offices and the cafeteria. An addition to Regina Mundi Hall was necessary in 1959. This new section included classrooms and administrative offices. In 1966, Regina Pacis Hall, which included Regina Pacis Library and the infirmary, was completed. A 1972 expansion added a faculty lounge, biology laboratory, lecture hall, locker room, and more library space.

In 1979, Villa Maria Lower School was moved to a wing of the House of Studies at Immaculata. At this time the high school acquired St. Joseph Hall, which had been built in 1965. This acquisition gave the high school nine more classrooms, an art studio, and administrative offices.

In 1985, plans were undertaken to build the Marian Center, an Arts/Athletic complex. The Athletic Center, Phase 1 of the total project, opened in
December, 1987. Phase Two was completed in May, 1997, and includes an auditorium, music instruction and practice rooms, and an art classroom and studio. New soccer/lacrosse, softball, and hockey fields, an all-weather track, and five tennis courts were also constructed.

In 1999, Maria Hall was renovated and now houses administrative offices and a conference room. In the same year, a second computer lab was added to Regina Mundi to enhance computer usage and instruction. An addition to St. Joseph’s Hall was completed in spring, 2002. This expansion provided four technologically up-to-date science laboratories and a third student computer lab as well as additional classroom space. During the summer of 2002, the former science labs in Regina Mundi were converted to classrooms and a new, larger chapel and a guidance suite constructed.

In 2003, renovation concluded with a new exterior portico on the Regina Mundi Building as well as a new interior for the cafeteria and hallways.

Certainly, Villa Maria has excellent instructional facilities set in beautiful country surroundings.

MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY

Villa Maria Academy
A Catholic college preparatory school in the tradition of the
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
empowers young women to lead lives of spiritual growth,
intellectual inquiry and Christian service

Villa Maria is an independent, Roman Catholic, college preparatory high school for girls. This school is inspired by the charism of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Christian educators since their foundation in Monroe, Michigan, in 1845. The faculty of religious and lay teachers continues a unique legacy which is a blend of educational excellence and Christian values. This tradition, begun more than 130 years ago in West Chester, Pennsylvania, flourishes today at the present site in Malvern.

Villa Maria Academy, with its mission firmly rooted in Gospel values and steeped in Catholic tradition, seeks to provide an education for young women that will enable them to lead lives of spiritual growth, intellectual inquiry, and Christian service. Villa Maria Academy reverences the inherent dignity of each person and aims to engage students in contributing to the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.

Villa Maria Academy empowers a young woman to define and develop her own individuality in a manner which exemplifies and reveres Mary, our model and inspiration. Within a single sex environment, young women are encouraged to appreciate the unique feminine expression of their own gifts and those of others. The Villa Maria community believes in the power of women to effect good at every level of society.

Villa Maria Academy seeks to prepare young women to face the challenges of the twenty-first century. In a student-centered climate, these young women are socially and personally nurtured by caring and supportive faculty members to develop a positive self-image that enables them to reach out to others in Christ-like compassion. A college preparatory academic program that is guided by Christian principles and that encourages a wholesome spirit of achievement challenges intellectual growth. Daily experiences in the faith community provide for continual deepening of their spiritual lives. A fine arts program which explores the creative process and offers opportunities for furthering of musical, artistic, and dramatic talents fosters aesthetic appreciation. Participation in physical activities promotes healthy personal development and lifelong appreciation of the value of fitness. Finally, a wide and varied extracurricular program affords students the opportunity to explore interests, realize talents, develop leadership skills, and foster friendships.

Villa Maria Academy hopes to guide young women into a wise and creative use of their gifts and talents, in a period of history marked by unprecedented moral and ethical issues, as well as rapid technological and scientific growth. The faculty and staff of Villa Maria Academy desire that, as a result of this unique educational experience, young Christian women will be aware of global realities, informed on pertinent national and local issues, and challenged to responsible action.

GOALS

Villa Maria proposes to graduate young women who are:

FAITH-FILLED PERSONS, formed by the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and faithful to prayer, Christian service, and the sacraments.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS, enriched by a value-centered educational process that has awakened imagination and intellectual curiosity, has developed decision-making skills, and has emphasized commitment to service.
WELL-PREPARED CANDIDATES for college, having completed an exacting academic program that
results in the acquisition of those skills that lead to a habit of life-long learning.

CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS, having developed the self-knowledge and personal convictions needed in
order to respond when their beliefs and values are challenged.

DISCRIMINATING OBSERVERS, appreciative of artistic, musical, and dramatic expression.

HEALTHY and ENERGETIC PARTICIPANTS, valuing discipline and hard work, cooperation and commitment as a result of involvement in and support of team sports and athletics.

RESPECTFUL STEWARDS of God's creation, appreciating, reverencing, and caring for the earth, and striving to conserve its resources for coming generations.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS of the community, the nation, and the world, honoring and respecting diversity and cooperating with others to achieve justice, thereby fostering peace among all peoples.

COMPETENT CONTRIBUTORS, seeking to use their personal talents, as well as the current advancements in the sciences and technology, to promote communication and to enhance the quality of life.

Villa Maria Academy with the continued assistance and support of parents, alumnae, faculty, and staff strives to fulfill this mission in an atmosphere of firm but loving discipline, and within an environment of harmony, beauty and order.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Villa Maria Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

ACCREDITATION

Villa Maria Academy is duly registered by the Department of Public Instruction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In 1989, the U.S. Department of Education recognized Villa Maria Academy for Excellence in Education.

Our school is currently renewing our AFG Accreditation during the 2007 school year.

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