What is a Visitation Schools?
Visitation Schools are Catholic schools founded or run in the tradition of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters) (founded by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal). They share the Catholic mission of educating the whole person — mind, heart, and spirit — shaped by the order's distinctive charism: gentleness, humility, and Salesian spirituality.
History & origins
The Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters) established schools as part of its mission, carrying its founder's vision into education. Its schools in the US continue that heritage, forming students in faith, academics, and service in the order's tradition.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the order's charism — gentleness, humility, and Salesian spirituality — combined with the Catholic commitment to faith, rigorous academics, character, and service. They emphasize gentleness, personal formation, and the “little virtues” of Salesian spirituality.
Curriculum & academics
Academics are typically college-preparatory, taught within a Catholic worldview, with religious education, worship, service, and formation woven through school life. The order's charism shapes the culture, priorities, and traditions.
The classroom & school day
School life reflects the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters)'s spirit and traditions — faith, community, and service — alongside academics, activities, and (often) athletics.
Grade levels & structure
Most serve high school (grades 9–12); some are K–12 or include middle school. Day and (in some cases) boarding.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application; most welcome students of various backgrounds who respect the Catholic mission. Selectivity varies by school.
Costs & financial aid
They charge tuition (varies), typically with financial aid, and (in some states) access via vouchers or scholarship programs.
Accreditation & governance
They are Catholic schools (often sponsored by or affiliated with the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters)) and are typically accredited, meeting state and diocesan requirements. Look at the charism, academics, and outcomes.
Is a Visitation Schools right for your child?
Visitation Schools suit families who want a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters)'s charism — gentleness, humility, and Salesian spirituality — including families of other backgrounds comfortable with the mission.
How it compares to other schools
Visitation Schools are Catholic schools with the specific charism of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters), sharing Catholic identity with other Catholic schools while reflecting this order's distinctive spirit, priorities, and traditions.
Finding Visitation Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists Catholic and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- TraditionOrder of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitation Sisters)
- Charismgentleness, humility, and Salesian spirituality
- EmphasisFaith, college-prep academics, character, and service
- LevelsOften high school (some K–12); day and some boarding
- CostTuition, with financial aid
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: