| Years ago, there were no existing private secondary schools in Sta. Maria. Well-off parents who could afford the exorbitant tuition fees of private secondary schools had to enroll them in nearby towns. It was at this point when a kind-hearted man conceived the idea of initially opening a private secondary high school. Being a parent himself, of 8 (eight) siblings, he knew that proximity to the school was a contributory factor in one’s education.
The man being referred to, was no other than Mr. Carlos G. Santos Sr., more popularly known to the townfolks as KA CARLING. His long-time dream of putting up a private secondary school came into reality. On FEBRUARY 15, 1963, SACRED HEART ACADEMY was born and was in operation on July of the same year. In School Year 1963-1964, First and Second Year Levels with 244 enrollees set feet. By School Year 1964-1965 Third Year and Fourth Year Levels completed the curriculum. In March 1964, upon completion of requirements the first graduates were conferred their diplomas. They were only 14. It was just a year after it was given Permit to operate, Government Recognition was granted in 1966 by the DepEd Central office.
In the late 1960’s, there were many OSYs (Out of- School Youths) who wanted to get high school diplomas. It was then, that the management opened the Night Secondary Department in School Year 1973-1974 with 39 self-supporting students.
The vision of expanding the curriculum to the elementary department was materialized in 1983. Government Recognition in Nursery, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6 was granted in 1985. (Government Recognition E-004, S. 1985 and E-006 S. 1985 respectively)
The school’s Board of Directors has always envisioned the advocacy of making SACRED HEART ACADEMY the leading private secondary educational institution with the two-fold criteria, ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE and SERVICES in terms of facilities.
Year after year, there were on-going constructions like the AVR (Audio-Visual Room) at the third floor which can house100 participating audience at a time. Our AVR has been the venue for general meetings, seminars, symposia, film showings. The AVR has been a witness to the deliberations of the pros and cons of issues, concerns and advocacies. Thus, it has been the “battleground” of great minds.
The Activity Room for the pre-schoolers became operational in School Year 2008-2009. In line with the dictum, “All works and no play make Jack a dull boy”. After a weeklong attendance in the academics, pre-schoolers stay at the Activity Room on Fridays. However, the Activity Room, as the name implies entails varied activities suited to their ages like storytelling, watching of educational CDs.
If there is one facility the students and alumni love most, it’s the Gymnasium (Multi-Purpose Hall) In February 2008; the Academy celebrated its 45th Founding Anniversary. Never in the history of any school was there such a grand festival showcasing the pupils/students ingenuity and craftsmanship depicted through streetdancing.
There was an uncontrolled pandemonium when Batch 1988 alumni played with Ex PBA players, some of whom were our alumni. The same thunderous, roaring applause filled the gymnasium when the volleyball girls’ team of Colegio de San Juan de Letran was matched with the players of San Sebastian College Recoletos.
The first commencement exercises held at the gymnasium was Class 2008.
ACADEMIC EXELLENCE has always been synonymous with SACRED HEART ACADEMY. True to its name, it has produced dynamic builders and leaders of communities and alumni successful in their chosen fields of endeavor.
For batches 2004 and 2005 alone, Sacred Heart Academy has in the records 5 cum laudes, and 1 magna cum laude and 4 cum laudes respectively. They all graduated from prestigious colleges and universities.
THE ALUMNI BEST SPEAK for the Academy.
As the cliché goes, “THERE NEVER HAS BEEN AND NEVER WOULD BE, ANOTHER SACRED HEART ACADEMY.” |
