Welcome to Holy Child!

Mission and Vision

Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, believed that all schools should embody “joy in teaching and joy in learning.”

At Holy Child, that joy is reflected in a community where leadership is lived each day by our students, faculty, and staff. As Head of School, it is a privilege to witness the collaboration, purpose, and commitment that shape an educational experience designed to prepare young women to lead with conscience and action.

Leadership at Holy Child is rooted in a spirit of generosity, responsibility, and engagement. It is evident in our classrooms, on our fields and stage, and in the relationships that define our community. Guided by our mission, we remain focused on equipping our students with the skills and character to lead in a complex and ever-changing world. Every adult in our community shares a commitment to helping each student find her voice, advocate for herself and others, and step forward with courage.

We invite you to experience this community firsthand. There are many ways for prospective families to connect with Holy Child, and we look forward to welcoming you as you explore all that our school offers.

Thank you for your interest in Holy Child.

Colleen R. Pettus, P '22
Head of School

Our Mission

The mission of School of the Holy Child is to develop “women of conscience and action.” An all-girls, Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school for grades 5-12, the School is guided by the educational philosophy of Cornelia Connelly, the founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and her dedication to “joy in teaching and joy in learning.” Accomplished and dedicated faculty members foster the spiritual development, individual talents and interests of each student. This is realized through rigorous and comprehensive academic, arts, athletics, service and global programs. Holy Child graduates are prepared for the innovative and critical thought necessary in a diverse, interconnected society.

Students engaging in an activity in class

Students playing the violin during practice

Goals of the Network of Holy Child Schools

Holy Child is part of a network of 9 schools in the U.S. and a community of more than 30 in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, a congregation founded by Cornelia Connelly in 1846. You can find schools in England, France, Ghana, Ireland, and Nigeria.

The following goals have been developed collaboratively by Holy Child educators. They are principles by which we teach students and, in doing so, continue our tradition.

Goal 01	Holy Child Schools foster a faith commitment that leads to a joyous personal relationship with God in addressing the realities of the world.

goal 02	Holy Child Schools live, learn, and worship as a dynamic Catholic community.

goal 03	Holy Child Schools offer an intellectually challenging, innovative, and creative program of study that develops academic excellence, encourages curiosity, and instills the joy of learning.

goal 04	Holy Child Schools promote Catholic social teaching in every facet of life as we carry out our motto, “Actions, Not Words.”

goal 05	Holy Child Schools create a learning climate based on trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person.

goal 06	Holy Child Schools promote the personal growth and development of all who participate in the life of the School.

goal 07	Holy Child Schools ensure the continuation and growth of Holy Child's mission and philosophy in the School.

Holy Child Network of Schools

American Province

Cornelia Connelly Center New York, NY	Holy Child Academy Drexel Hill, PA	Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child Summit, NJ
Connelly School of the Holy Child Potomac, MD	Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus Pasadena, CA	Holy Child School at Rosemont Rosemont, PA
Holy Child Academy Old Westbury, NY	Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus Pasadena, CA	School of the Holy Child Rye, NY

African Province

Holy Child College Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos	Our Lady of Nigeria Primary School Ogharike, Oghara, Delta State	Holy Child College of Education Takoradi, Ghana
Holy Child Secondary School Marian Hill, Calabar	Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School Ogharike, Oghara, Delta State	St. Charles Lwanga School of the Holy Child Walembele, Upper West Region of Ghana
Holy Child Model School Otukpo, Benue State	Dr. William Kupec Girls’ Academy Agbaduma, Kogi State	Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child Mempeasim, Cape Coast, Ghana
St. Anne’s Secondary School Otukpo, Benue State	Holy Child School Cape Coast, Ghana	Cardoso Catholic Secondary School Ajegunle, Lagos State

European Province

Ecole de Maillé Créteil, France	Holy Child School Killiney, Dublin, Ireland	Priory School Birmingham, England
Collège de Maillé Créteil, France	St Leonards-Mayfield School Sussex, England	St Mary’s Catholic College Blackpool, England
Holy Child Community School Sallynoggin, Dublin, Ireland	The Cavendish School London, England

Strategic Planning

Holy Child embarked on A Pathway Forward: Actions, Not Words, a strategic plan designed to guide the school’s growth and evolution for the years ahead. Developed through a collaborative, community-wide process, the plan will officially launch at the end of 2026, setting a clear path forward for Holy Child’s future.