FAQ

Because of our small class sizes, teachers are able to identify students who are having a difficult time.  They work with them on an individual basis during their lunch hour, before or after school and also refer them to the academic resource center when necessary. Many times the academic advisor will work with the student as well and help to make arrangements for tutoring.

Sacred Heart Academy embraces diversity as an essential part of our identity. We welcome students and families from diverse backgrounds and firmly believe that a diverse population enriches our school community and aids in the growth of our understanding of ourselves and one another not only in our school community but also in the larger world outside of Sacred Heart Academy. In our school diversity exists in the colors of our skin, the traditions we observe, the religions we practice (about 30% of our students are non-Catholic), the structure of our families, the financial resources we possess, the special social and academic needs we have, and in our gender and ages. We strive to create an inclusive school with approximately 20% of our students coming from minority ethnic backgrounds.  Sacred Heart welcomes the unique gifts and talents of all who embrace our mission.

We offer a challenging, college prep curriculum, and a required community service program. Academic advising is readily available and easily accessible. Assistance with the completion of college and scholarship applications is provided. Individual career planning starts at 7th grade.

Many electives stay the same each year (i.e.  band, study skills, technology, creative writing, publications, strength training, etc.) however, we do an evaluation process with the teachers prior to scheduling for the next year and they make recommendations based on student interest. For example we recently started offering Zoology and Forensic Science. If a student has an interest in a class and we do not offer it, they can either take it on-line, at Mt. Pleasant High School, or there is a possibility we could offer it if there is enough student interest.

The elementary specials include art, computers, music, physical education and American Sign Language. In addition, band is offered starting in 6th grade. The specials are offered at a minimum weekly, and for some, twice per week.

Because of our small numbers in both students and staff we offer one Advanced Placement course each semester. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP exam for that course and are charged an extra fee for the exam. We try to make our courses rigorous and challenging so that all students are prepared for whatever post-secondary path they choose. In addition to our AP course offering, students may, take an AP course on-line, during the school day or at MPHS if their schedule permits. Our students are not penalized for not taking honors or AP courses when applying to colleges. Colleges look at the courses we do offer and how well the students perform in those courses. Colleges place more focus on standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT rather than AP or honors courses.

Yes, all students in all grades are taught religion on a daily basis regardless of their religion. High school graduation reguirements include four religion credits.

All students in grades 1-12 attend weekly Mass together. It is normally scheduled on Thursdays at 8 a.m. Classes take turns leading the various ministries.  All students are required to attend regardless of their religious background. Parents are invited to attend.

Each grade has an average of 35 students. There are two classrooms at each elementary grade level so classroom size would average about 17 students per classroom. Enrollment figures fluctuate from year to year. Class of 2016 will graduate 39 students.

We offer Spanish and students may take it starting in 8th grade and receive high school credit for it.  Other on-line options may be available.

Yes, all high school students may take college courses as long as their schedule permits.

The state will reimburse the college or parents based on a formula that takes into account state per pupil funding and the number of high school courses in which the student is currently enrolled.

Yes, we have a cafeteria that is located in the elementary building. All lunches are made in-house by our cooks. At least two hot entrees and a variety of a la carte items are available for purchase each day. All students in Kinder-Prep - 12 use the same cafeteria. Therefore, lunch hours are staggered so that there are never too many students in the cafeteria at one time. SHA participates in the National Lunch Program. The daily lunch scheduled and other details may be found here.

SHA has a closed campus.  Students can only come and go to and from their classes at Mt. Pleasant High School or college classes.

Academic -  Drama club, Model United Nations, Technology Club, Quiz Bowl, Forensics, Band, Student Senate, National Honor Society, Close Up, SHAbotics (Robotics), SASSE (Serious About Science, Sisterhood and Education), Youth Ministry, Talent Review, March for Life, Brain Bee, Science Olympiad. 

Athletic - Boys & Girls: Cross Country, Track & Field, Basketball, Golf. Boys: Football & Baseball; Girls: Softball, Volleyball and Cheer or Dance.

Yes, we charge tuition. Click here to see the specific rates. We are a private Catholic school and we do not receive any state or federal funding. Our revenues come from tuition and fees, our SHA Foundation, our Sacred Heart Parish and an annual fundraiser called SHAgala. Click here to see how we keep our tuition so affordable.

No, you do not have to be Catholic to attend SHA.  We welcome students of all faith backgrounds.  In fact, 30% of our students are not Catholic, however, we do require that all of our students participate in a daily religion class. Students in grades 1-12 are expected to attend our weekly student Mass. 

If you live in the Mt. Pleasant school district you may use the Mt. Pleasant Public School busing.  Please call the Mt. Pleasant Bus Garage at 989-775-2323. SHA owns three buses that are used for transporting students for field trips and to other academic and athletic events.

Students in grades DK - 6 must wear uniforms Monday through Thursday. The uniform consists of a red or white polo type shirt and navy blue pants/skirt/skort/jumper. Students in grades 7-12 must wear polos (any color) and khaki pants, Monday through Thursday. Jeans may be worn by all students on Fridays in exchange for a canned good or dollar for the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. Details are available in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Yes, we accept students at all grade levels throughout the school year, provided we have an opening and the student meets our enrollment criteria.

Yes, many of our families apply for and are granted aid so that their children have the opportunity to attend Sacred Heart Academy. The on-line financial aid application must be completed by May 31 in order to be considered for the upcoming school year. In addition, the student's application or re-enrollment packet has to be completed prior to applying for financial aid.

Our average class size is about 17 students per classroom. We have two classrooms at each grade level from kinder-prep through sixth grades. Click here to see the number of students in each grade KP - 12.