Flintridge Sacred Heart’s Boarding Program Eyes Post-COVID Comeback

Through the hustle and bustle of getting prepared for the school year, Flintridge Sacred Heart has kept its historic boarding program at the center of its mission. The impact of COVID-19 on international enrollment limited the school’s ability to recruit abroad. Celebrating ninety-one years after its founding, the school is taking significant steps towards ensuring the boarding hall continues to be filled with the sounds of study and laughter.

As the only Catholic all-girls boarding school in Southern California, Flintridge Sacred Heart offers a uniquely special academic community to students and parents. Residential students receive a private education alongside day students while living on a bucolic campus with the benefits of Los Angeles right outside their doorstep. The school currently has students from eight different countries and three states that call the Hill their home.

Flintridge Sacred Heart hired Gloria Díaz Ventura, an alumna from the Class of 1996, to lead recruitment efforts domestically and internationally. Gloria brings extensive experience in education having previously worked at Flintridge Preparatory School and the Polytechnic School. In her position steering the newly created Office of Admissions and External Affairs, Gloria places particular emphasis on the residential program’s unique value.

“Flintridge Sacred Heart’s residential life community is at the center of the school’s mission and values,” said Ms. Ventura. “The boarding program embodies truth in action; evident in how the girls inspire one another, how they engage and serve others and in how they learn and question.”

The residence hall was renovated last summer to update the former Biltmore Hotel building with brand new furniture, brighter rooms, upgraded air-conditioning and other comforts. In addition, the school became a member of the Roundsquare network of schools, a professional organization that engages both day and boarding students to learn and serve internationally.

“It is important to engage new and different perspectives, and encourage students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones,” said Ms. Ventura. “Our residential life program provides both day and boarding students meaningful ways to reach such aspirations.”

Soon Ms. Ventura will be engaging and meeting prospective families in person following the last two years of virtual visits. When she does, she will have an appealing message to share.

“My career in college admissions and counseling has allowed me to visit and learn about high schools locally, nationally and abroad. FSHA is an academic and spiritual community new families and students must learn about.”

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, 440 Saint Katherine Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, (626) 685-8500 or visit www.fsha.org.