April 24, 2026: Villa Maria junior, Emma Beck, has been volunteering at Camilla Hall, the Convent Home and Healthcare Center of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for more than a year.

She volunteers every Sunday for 1–2 hours by serving lunch to the I.H.M. Sisters. The volunteer work includes setting the tables for lunch, distributing menus, saying Grace before meals, bringing the food to the Sisters, and cleaning up at the end of the meal.

Also, most importantly, Emma enjoys talking with the Sisters while she is volunteering. She always hopes to brighten their day. During one visit, a Sister suggested that Emma visit the chapel at Camilla, which Emma regularly does now. She was especially excited to see longtime Villa Maria Director of Mission & Ministry, Sister Marie Claire, during one of her visits.

Emma says that serving at Camilla Hall is a great start to her week because everyone is happy and kind. Emma also plays lacrosse and swims, and she is a member of Women in Government, Women in Business, and Women in the Military.

Emma encourages Villa students to volunteer at Camilla Hall. She said Sister Anne Burton is a wonderful volunteer coordinator. If you would like to volunteer at Camilla Hall, contact Sister Mary Jo at srely@vmahs.org or stop by the Campus Ministry office.

March 17, 2026: Students, faculty, and staff were treated to a delightful, entertaining, and information-packed presentation and performance by Dr. William Carr. Dr. Carr is a Steinway Artist and the Villa Maria Conservatory Artistic Director. He spoke about the importance of finding mentors who inspire and support you, specifically naming some very important mentors in his own life. Dr. Carr also played the piano for us - beautifully, of course.

Read more about the Villa Maria Conservatory

March 19, 2026: It's time for spring sports! Villa Maria's rowing, softball, lacrosse, and track and field teams have been practicing and getting ready for the warmer weather, hopefully coming very soon. Visit vmahs.org/athletics for our spring schedules and be sure to get out to a game or meet this season. Go Hurricanes!

February 27, 2026: Student leaders from Mission & Ministry and DEIB visited the pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade classes at Drexel Neumann Academy on Wednesday, February 25th. In the 1st to 3rd grade classes, they read to students, helped them learn how to tell time, and guided them in solving math problems. Senior Molly Manning said, “being able to spend time with the 1st graders reminded me how important education and positive role models are in young lives.” In the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, the Villa students played house with the children, read stories, participated in a dance party, and prepped the children for their naps. Senior Evelyn Alexis shared, “as soon as I walked into the Pre-K class, a little girl ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug. Being able to just be there in the school, I was so fulfilled with getting to know more of the kids.” The  Villa students also packed food bags for 40 families in need in the school’s food pantry. Senior Maggie McHale said, “the time I spent at Drexel Neumann Academy was a reminder of what it means to be a part of a community of people who have been positively impacted by Catholic education.”

Drexel Neumann Academy, an independent, Catholic School in Chester, is steeped in the Franciscan spirituality where students learn to be models of peacemaking and service to others as well as engaged learners.

Friday, February 27, 2026: This week, Villa Maria's Vice Principals attended the NAIS Thrive Conference, hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools, a national organization that supports excellence and innovation in independent schools.

The Thrive Conference brings together school leaders from across the country to examine the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing independent education today. Throughout the conference, Vice Principal of Student Affairs Mrs. Melissa Feilke, Vice Principal of Academic Affairs Ms. Linda Henderson, and Vice Principal of Institutional Culture Ms. Madeleine Harkins, participated in workshops and collaborative sessions focused on strengthening school culture, supporting faculty growth, enhancing student well-being, and ensuring that our programs remain mission-aligned and future-focused.

Attending NAIS Thrive allowed members of our leadership team to reflect strategically on their work while gathering concrete tools and ideas that can be implemented immediately within our classrooms, student life programming, and faculty initiatives.

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Villa Maria's Class of 2026 traded school uniforms for professional outfits and spent the day at the Senior Summit. This conference, exclusively for Villa Maria's seniors, featured an alumnae panel, breakout sessions on business etiquette best practices, professional headshots for LinkedIn profiles, and a delicious lunch. The Senior Summit was held at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA, and is a component of the Capstone experience, which includes job shadowing this spring. We send congratulations to this incredible class and best wishes as they finish up their Capstone projects.

Villa Maria Academy High School is pleased to share that seniors Sophia Bratteson and Olivia Ward have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sophia and Olivia are among approximately 15,000 finalists nationwide who have advanced to this level from an initial field of 1.3 million entrants. Congratulations!

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Villa Maria welcomed Fr. Mark Searles back to campus for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. The community gathered for a song-filled Mass and the distribution of ashes, marking the beginning of Lent. Following Mass, Father Searles blessed our new "Called to Fidelity" pins. 

As Mass concluded, Villa took the opportunity to welcome and introduce our newly-elected freshman Mission & Ministry and Student Council leaders. Finally, a preview of the upcoming Mission Drive was presented. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 was DEIB-Social Justice Day at Villa Maria. The regular class day was replaced with a day to pause, serve, learn, and share. An inspirational keynote opening presentation was followed by participation in four service projects and 19 different student, teacher, or invited guest-led presentations from which to choose. An insightful closing presentation was followed by time for reflection. We are grateful to our DEIB Committee for planning this important day. 

February 3, 2026: Villa Maria Theater brought Matilda the Musical to life last weekend, performing three energetic, hilarious, excellent, and inspired performances. Thank you to the Villa cast and crew, Mr. Bobby Cucinella, Mr.  Ms. Christie Lawler, Mrs. Lindsay Miller, Mr. Jim Shirey, the wonderful pit orchestra, our high school student actors from @malvernprep and @conestogachristianschool, and our young ensemble. 

View photo gallery

Playbill note from the Director, Mr. Bobby Cucinella: "We've had the pleasure of working with the largest cast that we have had on our stage since reviving our musical theater program five years ago, including 12 new outside cast members, some of whom are making their theater debuts. Here at Villa Maria Academy High School, the IHM charism of Love, Creative Hope, and Fidelity shape everything we do. The story you are about to have performed for you embodies all three in more ways than we can count! 

Saturday, January 24, 2026: Hundreds came out for Villa Maria's Father-Daughter Dance on a freezing January night to enjoy a fantastic few hours out before a snowstorm the following day. Thanks to the Villa Maria Academy Parents Association (VMAPA) for hosting! This is the second year back for this very special event, which returned after several years' absence. The freezing cold outside did not affect the warmth and fun in the cafeteria. See you next year!

January, 2026: Villa Maria Musicians Selected for All-Catholic Honors

Congratulations to Olivia Ward '26, Emma Caldwell '26, Joy Lee-Zakarewicz '27, and Alyson Maguire '28 for their selection to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s All-Catholic Music Festivals!

After a semester of preparation and a rigorous audition process, these talented high schoolers earned spots in these prestigious honor ensembles. A special shout-out to sophomore Alyson Maguire, who earned the First Chair leadership position for the Viola section.

Olivia, Emma, and Alyson will represent the Villa Maria community at the All-Catholic Orchestra festival from March 19–21, 2026. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication to musical excellence!

Read more about the Villa Maria music program here! 

January 6, 2025: Dozens of Villa Maria grads from the past four years headed to campus on Tuesday afternoon for a couple of hours of fun with their Villa sisters and former teachers/staff members. The early January date was chosen to accommodate Villa students who had returned home from college for the holidays. Stories, laughter, and Villa cookies were shared as our former student reunited with "old" friends. Thanks to all who attended - it was wonderful to see you. 

The Villa community came together on December 11, 2025, to celebrate the season at our annual Christmas Concert. Months of practice culminated in a gorgeous and joyful celebration filled with song and stellar orchestral performances. The Malvern Preparatory School Men's Chorus joined in on the fun, performing several favorites with Villa Maria Vocalise. 

Congratulations to Music Director Ms. Leah Kim-Tomilson, full-time teachers Ms. Lindsay Miller and Mr. James Shirey, our adjunct professors, our faculty/staff performers, and everyone involved with this year's concert. 

December 10, 2025: One of Villa Maria's favorite traditions took place in the Marian Center Auditorium last Thursday, December 4, 2025 The Class of 2027 received their class rings in front of family and friends during a lovely, music-filled ceremony.

Juniors wore red robes and processed into the Marian Center Auditorium promptly at 6:30 p.m. while singing, "Come All Ye Faithful," a Christmas classic. A variety of songs followed, including "What Child is This," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and "Little Town of Bethlehem," punctuated by student readings of the Christmas story. 

Students were individually called up to the state to receive their rings from Villa's principal, Dr. Jane Hannon. Their names were read by their Huddle moderators. 

Following the ceremony, the students joyfully gathered in the gym for photos with their new rings before heading home with their families and guests. 

Carol & Ring is a special event for our junior class and it also serves as an early Christmas/holiday celebration each year. 

December 10, 2025: Villa Maria's Director of Service and Social Justice, Kara Bielli, has announced that senior Megan Cappelli has been named our Service Spotlight Student for the second quarter. 

Megan spent part of the last two summers volunteering through the PALS Programs, which facilitate “inclusive camp experiences for participants with and without Down Syndrome.” Megan lived on the campus of Notre Dame of Maryland University and worked one-on-one with a person with Down Syndrome within a team of 5 pairs of volunteers and participants. Her goal in volunteering was to foster friendships and balance it with mentoring.

The volunteers arrived a day early to decorate areas around campus, especially the dorm rooms. After the participants arrived, the volunteers and participants enjoyed activities both on and off campus such as water games, a trip to Hershey Park, and boating at a yacht club. The volunteers also helped the participants with healthy eating, morning and evening routines, and checking in on how they were feeling.

According to Megan, "Volunteering for PALS Programs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Although there are sometimes challenges, everyone works together to overcome them, leaving the week feeling uplifted and inspired to continue the mission of belonging.”

Megan learned about PALS through social media, but she was inspired by a family member with special needs. She plans to volunteer again this summer and highly recommends the program for those wanting to volunteer. Megan plans to major in Biology or Comprehensive Science in college, and is looking at a career as a physician's assistant or genetic counselor. 

Congratulations and thank you, Megan!

Tuesday, December 2nd is Giving Tuesday! Join us today in support of Villa's mission of empowering young women. Visit our giving site to learn more about the Villa Fund, gift matching opportunities, and scholarships. 

We are so grateful to all of our donors, regardless of the amount. Thank you. Happy Giving Tuesday! 

Contribute Today

Excitement is building for a new event from Villa Theater designed specifically for younger siblings or friends/neighbors/relatives with children. Stories with Santa will include storytelling, holiday treats, games, photo ops, and visits with Santa! Join us on campus on December 14th for a couple of hours of holiday fun. Parents/caregivers are free and the fee for each child is just $15. 

Hurry! The sign-up deadline is December 7th.

Read more and register

November 19, 2025

When Founders Day rolls around each November 10th, the Villa community gathers to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This year was no different. An assembly was planned and students by the Villa Maria Mission & Ministry Team and faculty, and staff came together in the Dunn Auditorium for the celebration. 

Sister Mary Catherine Chamberlain, IHM, joined us for the day, dressed in the traditional IHM habit. She read from portions of Mother Theresa Maxis' Letter from Heaven and students re-told the IHM origin story. 

The Villa Maria Dance Company performed a beautiful dance, specifically choreographed for Founders Day. At the end of the assembly, Villa's own Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM, President and Sister Mary Jo Ely, IHM, were recognized for their 50 and 25 jubilees.

"French Week" was celebrated at Villa Maria the week of November 5th. French Week is an opportunity for the entire Villa community to experience French cuisine, language, and culture through lunchtime activities, French food options in the dining hall, and daily prayers led in French. A highlight of the week was a trip to Strawberry Bakery in Malvern, where the students made croissants, mini baguettes, petits gâteaux au chocolate, and macarons. Huge thanks to the French teachers, led by Mme Goddard, for enhancing our awareness of all things French!

Villa Maria's popular Mother/Daughter Fashion Show took place on Sunday, October 26 at Overbrook Golf Club. Hundreds of students and their moms registered for this sold-out event, which featured vendor shopping, a sit-down lunch, and a fashion show. Students and their moms walked the runway in styles provided by Main Line Fashionista. (Villa mom, Ashley Meyers, owns the Paoli retail store.) 

Thanks to the Villa parents, Ashley Meyers, and all who made this day a huge success. 

View gallery

Villa Maria junior Eliana Karasavas serves her community in many ways, but she especially enjoys doing so through faith-filled opportunities.

Eliana shared “being rooted in my faith motivates me to serve. Service isn’t about me or my personal gain; it’s about serving others as Christ calls us to do.”

This past summer, Eliana served as a teen leader at Camp Guadalupe. At Camp Guadalupe, the campers and staff honored our Blessed Mother particularly under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe and enjoyed a taste of Mexican culture. There were over 200 campers, ages 4 – 12 years old at the camp, and teen leaders like Eliana led faith-filled activities, music instruction, arts and crafts activities, and games.

Additionally, last school year at Villa, Eliana organized and facilitated six Rosary making sessions for students. Students made Rosaries for the Communion and Confirmation classes at St. Andrew’s, a homeless shelter, and residents of a local senior living facility.

Eliana is also on the executive leadership team of Mission & Ministry at Villa.

Thank you, Eliana, for your faith-filled service with and for your community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Villa Maria Academy High School Welcomes Alumna Dr. Flannery O’Connor as Director of Advancement 

October 20, 2025: Villa Maria Academy High School, an independent Catholic college preparatory school, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs) and committed to spiritual growth and academic excellence, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Flannery O’Connor as Director of Advancement, effective October 1, 2025.

Dr. O’Connor is a proud graduate of the Villa Maria Academy High School Class of 2002. She holds a B.A. in Theology from Boston College and an M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame. An eager lifelong learner, she continued her education by earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Thirteen years ago, Dr. O’Connor was part of the founding team that launched Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, where she served as director of admissions, teacher, and principal. In her time at Cristo Rey, she spearheaded organizational strategies to advance student college and career readiness for 500+ students annually. She comes to Villa with a strong understanding of how mission-driven development fuels innovation, opportunity, and the formation of confident students ready to lead with integrity and purpose.

In her role as Director of Advancement at Villa Maria Academy High School, Dr. O’Connor will lead a 4-person team in developing and growing key fundraising events and initiatives, growing Villa Maria’s endowment, engaging with and supporting Villa Maria’s 6000+ alumnae, and developing parent events and activities. She will serve on Villa Maria’s Administrative Team, reporting to Villa Maria President, Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM, EdD.

As a graduate of Villa Maria, steeped in the IHM charism and the value of an all-girls, Catholic education, Ms. O’Connor will fit seamlessly into the fabric of VMAHS.

Villa Maria Academy High School is located on a 45-acre campus on Central Avenue in Malvern, PA, and has 423 students in grades 9 through 12. VMAHS provides a true independent Catholic school experience in which motivated young women grow through intention, define themselves for greater purpose, and uplift others with sincerit

Fall Ball - always held within a few weeks of the opening of school - is the perfect chance to dress up and have fun with friends and guests. 

Villa Maria's Fall Ball was held on Saturday, September 20th on campus. The gym was turned into a dance floor, complete with amazing music and a light show. Students headed outside for fresh air, where they could also enjoy ice cream from our favorite Petrucci's. Villa Maria's Fall Ball is open to students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, and their guests. 

6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their parents/guardians joined us on a beautiful morning on campus on Sunday, October 5 for our annual Fall Open House. Deep blue skies and unseasonably warm weather marked the day, which began with check-in at 9:00 a.m. Families gathered in a full auditorium for brief words of welcome from Principal Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM, Ed.D., Principal Hannon, student Anne Gentilotti '26, Mr. Avellino, parent of a Villa junior, and Jennifer Rose from Villa Admissions, before heading off for student-led tours. 

Tour groups ended their visit in the gym, where they enjoyed Philly pretzels and Villa cookies as they visited tables with representatives from Villa clubs, athletics, Alumnae Association, counseling, Capstone Program, fine arts, and more. 

Villa Admissions is welcoming 8th grade visitors to campus this October and November at Visit Villa Days and on the remaining Entrance-Scholarship Exam Day - October 19th. Students are encouraged to apply for the Class of 2030 by November 5th. 

Visit www.vmahs.org/admissions and vmahs.org/events to learn more. 

Schedule and Transportation News  

Wednesday, October 1: 2-Hour Delay Bell for QPR Training-Dismissal at 2:55 p.m.

• Freshmen and Sophomores are required to attend QPR training at regular start time of 7:55 a.m. 
• Juniors and Seniors are not required on campus until classes begin at 9:55 a.m.
• Please note that school district buses will be operating on a regular school day schedule. If any student needs to arrive early, she is to report to the dining hall until classes begin. 

Wednesday, October 8:  Noon Dismissal with buses at Noon

• *The Great Valley, Haverford, Methacton & Spring-Ford School Districts will not be providing bus transportation HOME on October 8.  Please make alternate arrangements.

Wednesday, October 29: Dismissal at 1:34 p.m. with buses at 2:55 p.m.

Hundreds of Villa Maria parents/guardians arrived on campus on Tuesday, September 16th for Back to School Night. Welcoming presentations by Villa leadership and counselors were held in the auditorium before parents had the opportunity to follow their daughters' schedules. They visited classrooms and teachers, walked the halls and path between buildings, and enjoyed a peaceful but energized evening on campus. 

Villa is grateful to all the attendees as well as our faculty, staff, and student volunteers. The Villa Maria Academy Parents Association (VMAPA) provided dinner for our faculty and staff as well as light snacks for the parents. 

It's going to be an extraordinary year at Villa Maria!

Villa's most anticipated admissions event of the year is just weeks away. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and their parents/families are invited to learn more about one of the area's best independent schools. Attendees will receive an enthusiastic welcome by our dedicated Villa students. A brief welcome and info session will be followed by student-led campus tours. 

Visit our classrooms, the dining hall, the chapel, and the gym. Walk the path between buildings and imagine yourself as a Villa Maria student. Pick up a copy of our 2025 Viewbook and mark your favorite pages. 

Register to attend today! WALK-INS ARE WELCOME if you make a last-minute decision. Come on over to campus! It's going to be a beautiful day. 

We can't wait to welcome you to campus. 

Read more and register

Villa Maria opened our doors to the fall semester on Monday, August 25, 2025, with the arrival of the incoming freshmen and new transfer students.

As students were dropped off or arrived by bus on Monday, members of Villa's student council were there to greet them with cheers and "welcome" signs. 

The day included a run-through of classes, icebreaker activities, school tours, lunch, and afternoon ice cream from the Petrucci's truck. 

Orientation continued on August 26th with a second orientation day for the Class of 2029 before school starts for all students on Wednesday. 

Villa Maria Admissions has planned a variety of events for prospective students this fall. 8th Visit Villa Days offer the opportunity to experience a full school day at Villa Maria. These exciting days begin in late September and extend through November. They tend to fill quickly, so early registration is suggested. 

Applications for the Class of 2030 - for students who will enter 9th grade in the fall of 2026 - are NOW OPEN! Visit www.vmahs.org/apply to get started. 

The 8th Grade Entrance-Scholarship Exam, the High School Placement Test (HSPT), may be taken on Villa's campus - September 27 or October 19. The exam runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes a one-hour parent information session at 9:00 a.m. 

8th Grade Visit Villa Days offer a full shadowing day with a current student. There are six options this fall: September 23 and 29, October 7 and 20, November 4 and 17. Join us to see "Villa in action!" These days fill quickly, so sign up early!

Villa's most exciting fall event is, without a doubt, our Fall Open House. Attendees and their parents/guardians/families will be welcomed by dozens of enthusiastic Villa students, who provide small group campus tours. In just a couple of hours, attendees will get a true sense of the spirit of Villa Maria while learning about academics, athletics, clubs and activities, the IHM charism, counseling, leadership, and the Villa sisterhood. Open House is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! 

For students interested in dance, Villa Maria's dance instructor, Ms.Christie Lawler, will hold a complimentary Dance Company Experience at the end of Open House. This popular session allows students the opportunity to get to know current Villa dancers while learning about this excellent and growing program. 

See you at Villa this fall!

Learn more and register

Thanks to the generosity of Villa Maria's donors, we surpassed our fundraising goal for the 2024-25 fiscal year. These funds allow Villa to maintain its tradition of excellence. The funds support scholarships and fine arts opportunities and enable the purchase of classroom supplies, sports equipment, and more, enriching the lives of all of the young women who attend VMAHS. Thank you for your generosity and your strong Villa love and commitment.

Sincerely,

The Villa Maria Advancement Team