Sacred Heart of Jesus School
Our History and Curriculum
1329 E. Moyamensing Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-462-4129

The history of Sacred Heart Parish and School is meshed with the
immigrants who poured through the gates of Ellis Island and the ports of
Camden and Philadelphia during the late 1800's. These pioneer
parishioners found their way to a poor waterfront community known as
Southwark and demonstrated their values in faith and education by
actually digging the cellar for Sacred Heart Church. Twenty years later
their dreams were fulfilled with the building a Sacred Heart School.  

Ground was broken for Sacred Heart School in 1891 and the cornerstone
was laid on June 25, 1892 by Archbishop Ryan. Father Ward, our
founding pastor, raised an American flag which signaled the completion of
a building and the opening of a school. This flag also symbolized the
message that within these walls the training of responsible and model
citizens continues.  

The four story building cost $45,000 to build. It had twelve classrooms
and a parish hall capable of seating six hundred people. In 1892 the
faculty consisted of seven religious, The Sisters, Servants of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary whose members continue this mission today.  

In September 1929, during the tenure of Reverend William (Dr.) Garrigan,
Sacred Heart Commercial School was instituted under the direction of
Sister M. Alphonsus Liguori, IHM. During this period of the Great
Depression the two year commercial school was a practical factor in
response to the dire economic needs of the community. Sacred Heart
School was progressive in providing specialized education much needed
for the times.   

Since January 9, 1893, thousands of students have walked through
Sacred Heart School's arches. At present, there are two hundred fifty
students who continue to be enriched with experiences, memories and
traditions. Even at its present cost, the price of education is minimal in
relation to the academic excellence, dedicated staff and numerous
resources available to the students.  

As witnessed at the 100th Anniversary Open House, Sacred Heart School
continues to improve academically, physically and aesthetically. This
generation celebrates a remarkable history as it looks forward to
preserving its original academic and spiritual mission.  
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Sacred Heart follows the curriculum guidelines as outlined by the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These guidelines are implemented through
the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, supervisors, curriculum
committees, the school principal, coordinators for the various subjects
and all classroom teachers who insure continuity of subject matter.

The curriculum is paced and encourages students to maintain grade level
skills. All subjects integrate language and technology to inspire critical
thinking and enhance individual creativity. Teachers, using their
professional knowledge and judgment, experience a freedom to extend
and vary the program according to the needs of the children. The
development of the curriculum includes teaching the basic skills while
using a variety of methods. Mathematics and reading skills are organized
as a continuum pacing the students at specific levels.

Based on experience, the faculty evaluates and selects textbooks
according to students' needs. Auxiliary services in the areas of
mathematics, reading, speech and counseling are provided for children
who qualify. A psychologist and an auxiliary staff work closely with
teachers, parents and students to provide recommendations for optimal
learning. The curriculum is organized to prepare students to be active
Christians and good citizens now and in the future.