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History

Founded in the spirit of transformation and as a counterweight to the revolutionary upheaval of France in 1789, Schools of the Sacred Heart was established in 1800 by Madeleine Sophie Barat with a mission to educate young women to effect broad-reaching social change. Providing education as a global imperative remains at the core of the school to this day.

Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco was founded in 1887 and is one of more than 150 Sacred Heart schools and colleges in 41 countries around the world, each with its own educational model while embracing unifying Goals and Criteria.

Adopting tenets from the Sacred Heart network and making them specific to San Francisco, Convent & Stuart Hall engages a relevant foundational mission while looking ahead to ask what skills will be needed in the future. Located at the heart of the digital revolution, San Francisco provides a unique opportunity to discover how a centuries-old model remains boldly grounded and relevant.

Explore our long history through the timeline below.

The History of Enslavement by the Society

In fuller consideration of Philippine's missionary work on behalf of the Society in the U.S., the Provincial Team has published new research on the Society's history of enslavement. Through this research, we learn more about the people and their families who were enslaved — people like Eliza Nesbit.

International Network of Sacred Heart Schools

The Society of the Sacred Heart, established November 21, 1800, has grown to include more than 150 independent schools in 41 countries, including 25 in the U.S. and Canada.

Every year, hundreds of Sacred Heart students all over the world participate in exchange opportunities. The international character of Sacred Heart education brings global awareness home to our students.

More than two dozen schools in the United States and Canada are committed to educating students in the traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

View more information about the Network of Sacred Heart schools in the U.S. and Canada.