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Sacred Heart Model School

United States, Louisville

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The school at a glance
Fees $18,620
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 399
Type Co-educational
Opened 1924
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Spanish, French, Mandarin
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Sacred Heart Model School (SHMS) is an International Baccalaureate World School on the Ursuline Campus in Louisville, Kentucky. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5 and the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–8. SHMS is the first Catholic/private Kentucky school authorized to offer both PYP and MYP. Learning is inquiry‑based and student‑centered, developing communication, collaboration, critical thinking, research, and self‑management through the IB Learner Profile. World languages include Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, with language study beginning in Junior Kindergarten and a 1:1 Surface Go and Chromebook program supported by an 8:1 student–teacher ratio. Facilities include two middle‑school buildings, a brand‑new science laboratory, a 500‑seat performing arts venue, and ample outdoor learning spaces. The campus houses Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart Preschool, and Sacred Heart School for the Arts. Distinctive programs include the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute and robust service‑learning initiatives.

The Essentials

Sacred Heart Model School has 399 pupils, typical class sizes of 15.

Location
3115 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40206. The school is located on Lexington Road in Louisville, Kentucky. The campus is in the central Louisville area and is accessible by local roads.

Stages
Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade (JK–8)

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic, Ursuline tradition
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students. Uniforms can be purchased at Shaheen's (994 Breckenridge Lane) or through SHMS Spiritwear; used uniform pieces are available at various times throughout the year. The dress code provides detailed guidelines for dress and appearance for girls and boys, seasonal (summer and winter) uniforms, transitional months, and rules for footwear and accessories.

Food Options
Lunch is offered through Flik Dining and the menu is available on the Flik/Nutrislice portal. Lunch is not included in tuition.

Governance and Ownership
Sacred Heart Model School is part of Sacred Heart Schools, sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, and a member of the Ursuline Education Network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sacred Heart Model School ranges from USD 18,620 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- A non-refundable application and testing fee of USD 100.00 is required with each application. Applicants may pay this application fee online by credit or debit card, or the fee may be mailed or delivered to the school.

Tuition (2026–2027 academic year)
- Annual tuition for Levels Junior Kindergarten through Level 8 (JK–8) is USD 18,620 per student for the 2026–2027 school year; this amount includes a non-refundable enrollment deposit of USD 1,000. The published rate may vary slightly depending on the payment plan selected. There is also a non-refundable grade-level class fee of USD 350. Lunch and uniform costs are not included in the tuition amount.

Tuition by year group / per-term detail
- The school publishes a single annual tuition figure for Levels JK–8 (USD 18,620 for 2026–2027). Families choose payment plans through the school's tuition-management system; the school does not publish a fixed per-term breakdown on its general tuition page. Payment-plan amounts and installment timing depend on the plan selected through the tuition-management system.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A non-refundable enrollment deposit (USD 1,000) is required at registration and is included in the published annual tuition. Pre-registration for continuing families is held in February–March and requires the deposit and a signed contract.
- Families must establish a FACTS account for tuition and other billed charges; many school charges (tuition, after-school care, device fees, billed fees) are processed through FACTS. Failure to keep a Student Account current may result in suspension of school privileges; a late-payment charge of USD 40 per month applies to delinquent accounts. Any bank charges for returned checks or failed electronic payments will be added to the student account along with an administrative fee.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. Sacred Heart Model School serves students in Junior Kindergarten through Level 8 as a day school (JK–8).

Other costs and fees
- Non-refundable grade-level class fee: USD 350 per student (charged in addition to tuition).
- After-School Care (ASC): registration fee USD 75 per child; ASC charges are billed through the FACTS account and are subject to FACTS fees. Parents will be charged additional fees for late pickup as specified by the ASC program.
- Device fees and damage/loss: device insurance/deductible and replacement charges apply (a USD 100 deductible for certain devices is specified); device and replacement charges are collected through the FACTS account. Cash and checks will no longer be accepted for these device-related charges.
- Lunch and uniform costs are additional and are not included in the published tuition. Separate dress-code/uniform guidance and any associated uniform purchase information are provided through the school's parent resources and dress-code documents.
- Other incidental charges (field trips, specific program fees, extracurricular fees, fines for lost/damaged books or property) are billed as applicable through the FACTS account or as otherwise indicated by the school.

Refund and withdrawal policy
- The enrollment deposit is non-refundable. If a student separates from the school on or before August 1, families will not be obligated to pay tuition but no portion of the deposit will be refunded. After August 1, the financial obligation is determined by date of separation as follows:
- August 2 through the day before school starts: non-refundable deposit and technology fee due.
- First day of school through September 30: 25% of annual tuition plus all billed fees due.
- October 1 through November 30: 50% of annual tuition plus all billed fees due.
- December 1 through January 31: 75% of annual tuition plus all billed fees due.
- On or after February 1: 100% of annual tuition plus all billed fees due.
- In the event of prolonged absence, withdrawal, or dismissal, all unpaid tuition becomes due and payable within 30 days of separation or the date the school determines the student cannot return. Collection costs and related administrative or legal fees are the responsibility of the family.

Fee payment options
- Application fee: may be paid online by credit or debit card, or paid by mail or delivered in person.
- Tuition and billed school charges: processed through the FACTS tuition-management system (the school directs families to establish a FACTS account for tuition and for billing of other school charges). Specific installment options (monthly, multi-installment, or single payment) are selected through FACTS and may affect the total payment schedule. FACTS also manages tuition-assistance applications for the school.

Delinquency and collection
- Accounts that become delinquent may incur a late-payment charge of USD 40 per month, suspension of participation in school activities, and potential withholding of records. Families are responsible for any collection, attorney, or administrative fees incurred in recovering overdue amounts. Bank charges for returned payments are added to the student account.

If you need these fee items placed into a database field structure (exact numeric fields for annual tuition, deposit, class fee, application fee, ASC registration, device deductible, and late fee), use the exact values shown above; the annual tuition listed applies to Levels JK–8 for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Academics

Sacred Heart Model School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP).

Curriculum
Primary Years Programme (PYP) for JK–5 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for 6–8. Sacred Heart Model School is an International Baccalaureate World School and the first Catholic/private Kentucky school authorized to offer both PYP and MYP. Learning is inquiry-based and student-centered, developing skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, research, and self-management through the IB Learner Profile. The program emphasizes STEM experiences and arts integration, with world-language instruction beginning in Junior Kindergarten. World languages include Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, with a language choice available at Level 1. The school maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:1 student-teacher ratio.

Gifted and Talented
Jean Frazier Leadership Institute supports leadership development; Level 8 students complete a capstone project in collaboration with the Institute. The program also offers opportunities for advanced learners through clubs such as Future Problem Solving, MYP Math Counts, and MYP Technology Club.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Service Learning is a core value; students participate in the SHMS stewardship program, Students Helping Many Succeed, and engage in grade-level community initiatives; as IB learners, they show empathy, compassion, and respect.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
World language learning is fundamental to the curriculum; SHMS offers Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, introduced in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten, with students choosing a language in Level 1 and continuing throughout their time at SHMS; the program aims to develop intercultural understanding.

Safeguarding
Medical forms include Allergy Care Plan, Seizure Action Plan, Asthma Action Plan, and Diabetes Health Care Plan; Authorization to Give Prescription Medication is required.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1877 by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville as the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart Schools provides an International Baccalaureate and Cognia-accredited Catholic Ursuline education from early childhood through high school. It is sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville and guided by the Ursuline Charism of St. Angela Merici. The school emphasizes reverence, service, leadership, and community as core values. It educates diverse learners to become globally minded, compassionate leaders.

Community
Ursuline Core Values are Reverence, Service, Leadership, and Community. Authentic ly Catholic. Proudly Ursuline. Founded in 1877 and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Sacred Heart Schools is a Catholic, Ursuline community. Through our common connection as members of God's family, we celebrate diversity and reverence all people; our inclusive culture enables all students, faculty, and staff to develop and thrive while sharing their God-given talents.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Sacred Heart Society is the school's parent/community organization. Giving programs linked to Sacred Heart Society include the Annual Fund, Interlude, Scholarships, Planned Giving, Matching Gifts, and Memorial Gifts.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school shares the 48-acre Ursuline Campus with Sacred Heart Academy (girls, 9-12), Sacred Heart Preschool (coed, ages 1-5), Sacred Heart School for the Arts (coed, all ages) and the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. Premier athletic facilities, a 500-seat performing arts venue, and abundant green space are part of the campus. Two middle-school academic buildings and a brand-new science laboratory anchor the learning spaces. Classrooms are active, student-centered environments with interactive touch-screen panels and a 1:1 Surface Go and Chromebook program. Outdoor learning spaces include an amphitheater, grotto, piazza, and a playground used for learning.

Sports Facilities
On-campus athletics facilities include practice and game fields. It features a five-court tennis complex. It has a regulation track and a softball field. The gymnasium includes a climbing wall, wooden flooring, locker rooms, spectator seating, and concessions.

Academic Facilities
The middle school building houses Levels 6-8 in IB Middle Years Programme and offers dedicated state-of-the-art classrooms. There are two academic buildings dedicated to middle school. A brand-new science laboratory with the latest tools and equipment. The learning spaces include innovation spaces, a TV studio, dedicated visual and performing arts spaces, and LED touch panel classroom technology. Outdoor learning spaces such as amphitheater, grotto, piazza, and playground complement coursework.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There are more than 30 clubs, academic and service organizations, and leadership opportunities. Students are encouraged to get involved in clubs and organizations, which provide leadership opportunities and collaboration with peers and advisors. Examples include Accolyte/Altar Servers, Art Club, Bocce Ball, Book Bee, Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Chinese Culture Club, Cooking Club, Creative Writing Club, French Scrabble, Future Problem Solving. Other clubs include Gaga Ball Club, Gardening Club, Girl Scouts, Governor's Cup, Green Team, Homework Hall, Inquiry Inventor Club, Jump Rope Club, Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), Lego Club, Math Counts and Math Mania, MYP Math Counts, MYP Science Fair, MYP Technology Club, Newscast, PYP Technology Club, Quick Recall, Safety Patrol, Sewing Club, Spanish Culture Club, Student Advisory Board, Student Newspaper, Talent Show, Yearbook.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). From Junior Kindergarten through Level 8, IB classrooms are student-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing research, writing, and critical thinking. The program prioritizes 21st‑century skills, collaboration, and global awareness, and includes a STEM focus, world-language study, and arts integration. The school maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and uses technology-rich, innovative classrooms to support learning.

Arts & Creative
The arts are integrated through the collaboration with Sacred Heart School for the Arts (SHSA) on the Ursuline Campus. All Junior Kindergarten through Level 5 students have weekly visual art classes with the SHMS art teacher and take at least one trimester or semester of SHSA arts offerings. Students in Levels 6–8 take one trimester of visual art and two trimesters of drama, dance, or music. The SHSA program provides performing and visual arts classes with bus service connecting campuses.

Cultural & Language
World language learning is fundamental to the IB education at SHMS. SHMS has offered Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, with all three languages introduced to Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten, and students choosing a language from Level 1 onward. The language program fosters intercultural understanding and helps students express themselves in more than one language. The program also considers the diverse cultural and language backgrounds of families when planning activities.

Social & Hobbies
Students are encouraged to join clubs and activities beyond class, with more than 30 clubs, academic and service organizations, and leadership opportunities. Examples include Accolyte/Altar Servers, Art Club, Chinese Culture Club, French Scrabble, Spanish Culture Club, Student Newspaper, and Yearbook, among others. After-school and weekend offerings support a wide range of interests and talents.

Community & Service
Catholic Identity anchors the school's mission, with daily prayer and regular Mass or prayer services. Service Learning is a core value, featuring the student stewardship program ‘Students Helping Many Succeed' (SHMS) and grade-level initiatives such as environmental stewardship, feeding the hungry, and support for refugees and the homeless. IB learners are encouraged to show empathy and act to improve their communities.

Leadership & Professional
The Jean Frazier Leadership Institute promotes leadership through a four‑part approach that includes social‑emotional learning, skill‑based learning, practice, and reflection, with Leadership, Service, and Financial Literacy as its pillars. Sacred Heart Model School emphasizes leadership across the curriculum, including a yearly stewardship program and ambassador roles for students. Formal opportunities include the Ambassador Program, Student Advisory Board, IB MYP Community Project, and IB PYP Exhibition, which develop mentoring, public speaking, and service.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletics program centers on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, with a focus on the physical, spiritual, and emotional growth of student‑athletes. Kindergarten through Level 8 participate in competitive athletics, with SHMS fielding more than two dozen teams across 14 sports. On‑campus facilities include practice and game fields, a five‑court tennis complex, a regulation track, a softball field, and a gym with a climbing wall, wooden flooring, locker rooms, spectator seating, and concessions. SHMS competes in the Catholic Schools Athletic Association (CSAA).
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese are taught. Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten introduce all three languages, and Level 1 students choose among the three languages to study throughout their time at SHMS. The program develops intercultural understanding and respects the diverse linguistic backgrounds of families when planning activities and selecting resources.
Reputation

Accreditations
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorization — the school is authorized to offer IB programs (PYP and MYP).
Cognia accreditation — Cognia accreditation indicates adherence to Cognia's standards for school quality and continuous improvement.
Admissions

Admissions
The JK and Kindergarten Admissions Process: 1. Apply: The admissions process begins with completing the online application. There is a $100 application and testing fee due with the application. It is strongly recommended to connect with the SHMS Admissions Office and schedule a school tour prior to submitting an application and beginning the admissions process. 2. Complete an admissions file: The SHMS Admissions Team will work with the family to gather necessary personal and academic documents to complete the admissions file. Following receipt of the application, the admission file checklist will be shared so you may begin gathering the required information. 3. Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten readiness testing: Testing is a standard part of the admissions process for all prospective SHMS students. For applicants who have applied by December 1, testing will be scheduled during January; for applicants who apply after the December 1 first-round deadline, testing will be scheduled based on availability. 4. Notification of admissions: The first round of admissions letters will be sent in early February. Admissions notifications for students applying after the December 1 deadline will be sent following completion of readiness testing and review of the admission file by SHMS school leadership. Transfer Student Admissions Process: Note that SHMS does not admit local 8th-grade transfer students; however, 8th-grade transfer applications may be considered for students relocating to Louisville from out of state. 1. Apply: The admissions process begins with completion of the online application. There is a $100 application and testing fee due with the application. It is strongly recommended to connect with the SHMS Admissions Office and schedule a school tour prior to submitting an application and beginning the admissions process. 2. Complete an admissions file: The SHMS Admissions Team will work with your family to gather necessary personal and academic documents to complete your child's admissions file. Following receipt of your child's application, the admission file checklist will be shared so you can begin gathering the required information. 3. Admissions testing: Admissions testing is a standard part of the admissions process for all prospective SHMS students. Following completion of your admissions file, the SHMS Admissions Team will work with you to schedule an admissions testing appointment. For students applying during SHMS' first round of admissions, prioritized testing appointments will be scheduled in late-November or early-December; for students who apply after the November 1 first-round deadline, testing will be scheduled based on availability. 4. Notification of admissions: Offers of admissions are determined by SHMS School Leadership and admissions letters are typically sent by mail two to four weeks following admissions testing.

Scholarships
Tuition and financial aid: Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $18,620, with a non-refundable $1,000 deposit for Levels JK–8 and a non-refundable $350 grade-level class fee. Lunch and uniforms are not included in the tuition. Tuition assistance is available to families with demonstrated financial need. The Archdiocese of Louisville and Sacred Heart Model School use FACTS Grant & Aid to manage the application process, which opens online October 15, 2026; the deadline to be considered in the first round is November 30, 2026, and aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. An application is not complete until both the FACTS form and all requested documentation are uploaded. Families seeking tuition assistance should complete an admission application for the 2027–2028 school year. Notifications for tuition assistance awarded through FACTS are distributed in early March 2027. The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) also awards assistance to eligible K–8 students who qualify and use the same FACTS form; CEF notifications are typically shared in early March. If more than one child attends Archdiocese schools, only one FACTS form is required. The FACTS Financial Aid Guide and related FAQs are available, and additional information about FACTS is provided on the SHMS Tuition page.
School Events
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