Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart stands at an important juncture. A rare opportunity now allows us to secure the land that will shape how our mission is lived for generations to come.

About Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Forming young women with courage, confidence, and compassion

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is singular in the city of Houston, and intentionally so.

We are Catholic, Independent, and Sacred Heart

Our all-girls model, spanning Pre-K through Grade 12, allows students to grow without interruption, comparison, or limitation. Educators understand the full arc of a girl’s development and meet her where she is, preparing her for what comes next.

Founded in 1800 by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, the mission of the Society of the Scared Heart remains as relevant today as it was at its inception.

Mission is not an overlay at Duchesne. It is the foundation.

Guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools, Duchesne develops in students a personal and active faith in God and a deep respect for intellectual values. Through social awareness, girls build community and learn to lead as they grow personally in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Why This Matters Now

A defining Moment for Duchesne

For decades, Duchesne has worked thoughtfully within the constraints of its campus. Land lost during the extension of Chimney Rock shaped both our footprint and our long-term planning.

Today, the property next door is within reach. Securing this land affirms Duchesne’s ability to plan with clarity, responsibility, and foresight. It provides the foundation needed to sustain our mission and support future generations of students with care and intention.

What Securing the Land Enables

A defining juncture for Duchesne

Securing this land provides Duchesne with the stability needed for responsible, long-range planning. It allows the school to align spaces with programs, support students at every stage of development, and guide growth with intention.

The land itself is the foundation—creating room for discernment, flexibility, and thoughtful decisions that will serve future generations of students in ways consistent with Sacred Heart values.

Possibility, Held in Trust

Planning guided by mission

This campaign does not presume a final vision for what will be built. In the spirit of Sacred Heart, our discernment process will be guided by mission and shaped by thoughtful engagement with the community.

Securing the land gives Duchesne the freedom to plan with intention. It allows future decisions to be guided by what best serves our students and our long-term vision.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart aspires to be the premier school of choice for girls in the Houston area, offering a balanced and competitive program that fosters personal growth and compassionate leadership within a faith-based education.

Stewardship and Discernment

Planning guided by mission

From its founding, Duchesne has been sustained by the commitment of those who believe in Sacred Heart education. This campaign continues that tradition.

Every contribution reflects shared responsibility and confidence in the school’s future. Support given now strengthens Duchesne’s ability to plan wisely while honoring the mission that defines us.

How to Participate

Ways to Give

Campaign Funding Objectives
  • Land and Ancillary Costs $52,000,000
  • Current Campus Renovations and Improvements $6,000,000

    Lower School

    Updated classrooms and improved playgrounds with a new large play structure.

    Middle School

    Three new science labs, upgraded STEM tech, a new Commons, centralized Learning Center, and right-sized classrooms.

    Upper School

    Classrooms relocated to the first floor, bringing them closer to college advising, counseling, and key community spaces.

  • Goal to Raise before April 30, 2026 $25,000,000
  • Goal to Propel Duchesne for the Next 65 Years $58,000,000
Gift Level Opportunities
  • The Mater Admirabilis Key Society $5,000,000+
    Donors at this level hold the key to the heart and faith of the school.
  • The St. Madeleine Sophie Key Society $2,500,000 – $4,999,999
    Donors at this level represent the “Master Key” to the vision of Sacred Heart education.
  • The St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Key Society $1,000,000 – $2,499,999
    Donors at this level hold the key to missionary courage.
  • The Janet Erskine Stuart Key Circle $500,000 – $999,999
    Donors at this level hold the key to intellectual excellence and wisdom.
  • The 1818 Key Council $250,000 – $499,999
    Honoring the year the Society came to America, donors at this level hold the key to tradition.
  • The Legacy Key Council $100,000 – $249,999
    Donors at this level unlock the future for the next generation.
  • The Très Bien Key Circle up to $99,999