Discover Sacred Heart

The Academy of the Sacred Heart has a history that is rich in both tradition and values that dates back to France in the year 1800 when Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the religious order named the Society of the Sacred Heart. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat was fortunate enough to have received an education from her brother during a time when women simply were not educated. It is upon her vision for education of young women that the Society and all Sacred Heart schools have their foundation. The Society was brought to America in 1818 by St. Philippine Duchesne. Under her direction, two Religious of the Sacred Heart, Mother Eugenie Audé and Sr. Mary Layton, traveled to Grand Coteau to establish the Academy in the year 1821. The journey was made possible by Mrs. Charles Smith, a wealthy widow, who donated funds for the trip, as well as 250 acres of property and a school building.