The mission of the Academy of Holy Angels is to educate and nurture a diverse student population so that each student as a whole person, may achieve full potential to excel intellectually, to live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly, and to serve selflessly.
As a Catholic college-preparatory high school, AHA focuses on the principles in its mission statement:
For AHA students, learning is an opportunity for challenge, growth and exploration through classes in core curriculum, languages, world cultures, technology, theater, visual arts, instrumental and vocal music, life-long fitness, practical arts, theology, and Christian ministry and service.
AHA offers many opportunities for advanced learning. Our goal is to give every student the chance to take a college-level class at AHA. Advanced classes teach students how to study and prepare for rigorous learning, and the experience helps them perform better in high school and later. AHA offers 17 AP courses.
AHA’s Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program ensures that every AHA student learns how to write in a number of disciplines. Completing a writing portfolio is a graduation requirement, and we’ve learned that WAC yields results.
At AHA, we incorporate technology throughout the curriculum. In fact, we have articulated a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) course of study to guide students interested in pre-engineering. See full details and recommendations for this program in the Science section of this Program of Studies.
Our students learn computer skills, multimedia techniques, spreadsheets, ethics in technology, and technology search and research. AHA’s technology program puts a computer in the hands of every student. The 1:1 technology program is fully implemented and is an integral component of learning at AHA.
At the core of life at Holy Angels is a worshipping, faith-filled community dedicated to living the message of Jesus Christ. These values are the focus of the school’s year-long worship program of Masses and liturgies, of the daily coursework in Theology classes, and in the activities of the Campus Ministry Team, and they also extend to our cocurriculars as part of our Faith in Action program.
To lead responsiblyAHA recognizes the need to teach leadership skills. Providing leadership opportunities is a focus in the classroom, on the playing field, in the theater, and through cocurricular opportunities in the arts, student government, service, and more.
Justice is a principle woven throughout the AHA curriculum and rooted in our heritage from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Our teachers look for opportunities to bring conversations about justice into classroom discussions. Helping students gain an “understanding of, and commitment to, love of God and neighbor in justice” is one of the AHA Theology Department’s guiding principles. Classes like Catholic Social Action and others focus on justice in our communities and our world.
AHA students participate in service at many levels. Students are required to perform 75 hours of service to graduate. AHA provides a range of volunteer service opportunities.
Leadership, Academic Rigor and Individual Excellence: We expect continuous growth and leadership in students and staff. We engage students in rich and rigorous college-preparatory learning opportunities and cocurricular opportunities. We actively engage staff in meaningful leadership and professional development opportunities to meet the school’s strategic goals.
Faith and Spirituality: We are a Catholic faith community dedicated to the message and example of Jesus Christ.
Welcoming Community: We welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds by creating a spirit of community among students, parents, staff, alumni and friends of AHA.
Service: In the spirit of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we model Christ’s message of service and encourage and provide numerous opportunities to serve others.
Respect: We expect that staff, students and parents treat each other with respect and embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of cultures and of individuals.
Personal Attention: We strive to know our students individually. We care for the well‐being of each of them.
Partnership with Parents: We see parents as a support system in the students’ educational experiences.
Safe Environment: We provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for all members of the Holy Angels community.
Thomas E. Shipley President, 612-798-2602
Heidi J. Foley, Principal, 612-798-2682
Mark H. Melhorn, Assistant Principal, 612-798-2641
Jim Decker, Admissions Officer, 612-798-0764
Jesse A. Foley, Alumni Officer, 612-798-2621
Carolyn Arnebeck, Director of Athletics, 612-798-2635
David Devine, Chief Financial Officer, 612-798-2655
Brian M. McCartan, Annual Fund Officer, 612-798-2618
Sarah Taffe, Counseling Department Chair, 612-798-2654
