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Information for students and famiies interested in enrolling at Visitation
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Up
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Lower Sch
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Arts
I once heard laughter described as “carbonated holiness,” a
phrase that strikes me as apt whenever I walk through the
Visitation hallways. I see braces and Band-Aids, tangible signs of
growth, of straightening and healing. I see decorated lockers and
stuffed backpacks, golf clubs and violin cases. And amid that
spinning kaleidoscope of childhood and adolescence, I see a
sacred purpose.
To partner with you in educating your children is the greatest
privilege we can imagine. We do everything possible to meet their
academic, emotional, social and spiritual needs, which demand
of us a grounding sense of past and a daring vision of future –
history and possibility, tradition and innovation. They dwell
together here, sealed by the Sisters’ gentle smiles and fervent
prayers.
Whether you are seeking childcare for your infant or college-
prep instruction for your teen, consider making this special place
their second home.
When I hear their peals of laughter, I know our students are
embracing the adventure of education and absorbing the
Salesian virtues we instill: liberty of spirit, joyful confidence,
cheerfulness and humility. They are learning to be who they are
and be that well. How good it is to be driven by such a clear
purpose. The rest of their lives will be shaped by the work we are
doing here and now.
Dawn Nichols, Ed.D.
Head of School
Embracing the adventure of education
A message from the head of school
1
Academically, Visitation teachers draw on the past and tap
into the future, applying innovative 21st-century methods to
rigorous traditional instruction. Intellect is celebrated at
Visitation. Students realize it is cool to be smart. They become
lifelong learners whose insatiable curiosity makes every day
an adventure.
The beauty of a Visitation education is the way reason meets
faith. For decades the Sisters, faculty and staff at Visitation
have nurtured faith. It is a lasting gift.
In a noisy world, our students understand the value of silence.
Prayer is woven throughout the school day, starting with a
daily offering and culminating with all-school Masses, when
hands are extended, voices are lifted and prayers are said
together.
“For the 13 years I have attended Visitation, I have been
blessed with the utmost care and trust from my
teachers. My education has been enriched with
challenging academics, problem-solving techniques,
and social skills infused with Salesian leadership. Now
it is my turn to use these tools, not just for future
schooling, but for life. Visitation has given me the
strength, in all aspects of my life, to accept others for
who they truly are, and I continue to aspire to be a
positive role model for others.”
Elizabeth ‘10
Head & Heart In the classic Catholic tradition, VisitationSchool provides an education of the highestform, integrating the mind, body and spirit. One feeds another.
2
Spiritual development begins in relationships.
Students grow in relationship with God, in relationship
with the Visitation community and in relationship with
the broader community.
Visitation School spans every age, from two-week-
old infants to 90-year-old nuns. There is something
remarkable about having that spectrum under one
roof. It allows for friendships of every shape and size:
prayer partners, playmates, mentors, academic
tutors, sports captains, and more.
Within these intricate social layers, Visitation students
develop a respect for the young and the old. They
cultivate a faith that is at once personal and
communal. And they discover the secret of service:
when much is given, even more is received. “Visitation continues to be a place where relationshipsare rich soil for my experience of God. As a student atage 14, I did not yet appreciate that I was makingfriends for life. These friends continue to inspire andencourage me to strive for wholeness and holiness.Visitation has always been a second home of nurturing-- of discovering that joy comes in relationships and inthe simplicity of a service-oriented life. I have beeninspired by the Visitation Sisters, who are deeplycommitted to living a way of life guided by the Salesiantradition of ‘great humility before God and greatgentleness with neighbor.’”
Anne ‘82, Director of Salesian Studies 3
"Our daughter Hannah graduated in 2007, and our youngest daughter, Grace, now a sixthgrader, began her Visitation education in Montessori. We believe our children have
received unparalleled academic development. However, ourlove for Visitation goes much deeper. We have found a strongsense of community that is grounded in the hearts of theSisters and present in our relationships with other parents andreflected in the social awareness of our daughters. Ultimately,we have come to grasp the true fabric of this place: theintellect and community that stands upon its Catholic,Salesian character. The teachings of the founders St. Francis
de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal provide the Sisters, staff, students and parents accessto virtues that give life to our community."
Ron and Mary Beth, current parents
4
Throughout all this formation, there is
an ever-present levity. Our faculty
believe learning should be fun.
Students are encouraged to play, to
take risks, to roll up their sleeves and
get their fingers dirty. When students
are having fun, mistakes do not feel
like disasters; they feel like hiccups.
“It is an honor and privilege to educate your childrenin our home. We help our young people see theirinfinite worth through a superb education so thatthey, in turn, can see the worth of others.”
Sr. Marie Thérèse Conaty ‘46
“Visitation is renowned for providing a first-rate educationrooted in the Christian tenets of Salesian Spirituality. Thisexcellence exists throughout all stages of Vis, from theearly childhood program to the Lower and Middle Schoolsand finally to the Upper School. Academically, myexperience was truly valuable, providing me with afoundation of study skills, communication tools, and awork ethic that I use every day. In addition to this strongeducational backbone, I have experienced Visitation’sfamous motto, non scholae, sed vitae, through the life-longfriendships I formed at Vis.”
Christian Pilhofer, sixth grade alumnus ‘99,with his sister Sophie ‘09
The important work of educationis achieved with heavy doses of
humor and heart.
5
6
Our students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities that few
elementary schools can rival, including a 40-acre
campus, an eco-friendly outdoor classroom, a
cutting-edge computer lab, a dedicated art and
science suite, a professional-quality theater, a ballet
studio and an intimate chapel linking the school and
the Monastery. These facilities enhance our
environment, helping us stimulate young minds while
opening their hearts and stirring their souls.
“I love Vis because I get a good education and
there are good teachers. My favorite subjects
are science, math and gym. I like the learning
at Vis, and I have nice friends.”
Abraham, third grader
The first years of school lay the foundation for academic success, andVisitation’s faculty and staff takegreat care to provide the strongestfoundation possible. In our LowerSchool, students discover a safe,
loving community that empowers them to explore, create and grow.
Lower School
7
"From an early age, we began learning the basics of ‘Live Jesus’ without
quite realizing it. Sharing with your neighbor, waiting your turn, playing
gently, and showing respect towards teachers and other students
became commonplace as we discovered the vast world around us. I
experienced this blessing each day at Visitation."
Becca ‘10
(attended Montessori preschool through grade 12)
Lower Sch
ool
8
Incorporating technology is important to our
faculty. Smart Boards allow teachers to provide
instruction that is crystal clear. Another superb tool
our students benefit from is the PicoCricket, an
invention kit that integrates art and technology to
spark creative thinking.
Our faculty and staff make a point to demonstrate
the interconnectedness of every subject,
encouraging students to connect dots and
disciplines. They do this with a great spirit of
discovery. Laughter and smiles are hallmarks of
Visitation Lower School, where children delight in
uncovering new ground together. In doing so, they
create lasting bonds. So come, join our family!
“Every teacher seeks out lessons that move beyond the classroom
walls and last beyond the final bell. One of the things I appreciate
most about Visitation is its commitment to life-long learning. It
is displayed here on our flag when you first enter the building –
non scholae, sed vitae, not for school, but for life – and, more
importantly, it is carried out in every lesson taught.”
Steve, fifth grade teacher
9
“We are raising our boys to become good men, and the
Visitation community uniquely provides them with an
awareness and expectation that sensitivity, kindness, hard
work and generosity are not optional. The spirit of the
school and the quiet but strong influence of the Visitation
Sisters leave no question that high standards are the norm
– academically, socially and spiritually. Very simply, we
love Visitation. It is unlike any other school, and we feel so
privileged to be part of this community.”
Brian, current parent and parent of alumnus
10
Lower Sch
ool
Middle School is a place where independent spirits are celebrated. Our teachersare exceptional in that their knowledge and love of this age group shine through
all they do. Whether they are copingwith homework, acne, or the calculusof social networking, Middle School-aged children face challenges. But the
Visitation faculty is uniquely suited to guide your sons and daughters throughthe tender, tangled issues that arise with adolescence.
Middle School
11
I t
“I teach at Visitation because I am given the opportunity to beso much more than a teacher as a member of the Visitationcommunity. Besides being given the resources and support toteach a challenging and exciting class, I also get to be amentor, an advisor, and even a friend. This season I get to add‘Visitation parent’ to that list and now – more than ever – Iappreciate all that Visitation does for its students, itsteachers, and its families. It is both humbling and energizingto be a part of something so much bigger than me.”
Zindy, Middle School Science teacher
Mid
dle Sch
ool
12
It can be hard to keep up with the rapid
growth that preteens experience. Our
new “Gateway Year” Program is
designed to meet sixth-graders’
rapidly-changing academic, social and
emotional needs. Our teachers take
extra effort to prepare sixth-graders for
their Middle School experience. The
Gateway Year eases students through
that transition, enabling the girls to bond with Upper School students while
preparing the boys for Saint Thomas Academy.
We have found that seventh grade is an ideal time to begin single-gender
education for girls. Our seventh and eighth grade girls excel academically,
gaining added focus and confidence in the classroom – and beyond.
Suddenly they are taking on new leadership roles or finding other ways to
discover and express their individuality.
“At Visitation, we have awesome teachers
who help me learn and grow and dream!”
Frannie, Middle School student 13
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives,
which utilize the model of inquiry and design, provide wonderful
opportunities for students to grow as innovators, inventors,
problem solvers, critical thinkers and clear communicators.
Our Middle Schoolers develop into spirited, independent learners
whose individuality is embraced and nurtured. They thrive in small
classes that spark big ideas. When they graduate from eighth
grade, they are joyful, confident leaders.
The middle years matter. Visitation makes the most of that pivotal juncture.
“Visitation has blessed our family for nearly a decade now. As parents of two
very active boys – Sam, age 14, who graduated from Visitation in 2009, and Jack,
age 8, a third grader in his sixth year at Vis – we have found the
familial environment and strong community, combined with the
exceptional academic program, to be the perfect school for our boys
and the perfect balance for our family. We are raising our sons to be
curious and voracious, lifelong learners but also kind and loving
children of God. The spiritual foundation and Salesian values of
Visitation echo our own family's values. They not only support our goals, they
advance them.”Ann, current parent and parent of alumnus
14
Mid
dle Sch
ool
Upper School is where the exuberance of adolescence takes on acertain elegance. Grace and wisdom abound. Here, young women
become lifelongleaders, nurturedby an exceptionalacademic and
spiritual environment. They benefit from the focus of single-sexclassrooms and the simplicity of single-sex hallways. It is aliberating experience.
Upper School
As students develop deep ties with classmates, they also
recognize their role within the Visitation family, mentoring the
younger students, trusting the teachers and emulating the Sisters.
They become leaders who are both visionary and humble.
Upper School students possess a sense of community and
responsibility. They see the bigger picture and dream of the
contributions they can make to it. These skills evolve in
concrete ways with courses and programs that are as rigorous
as they are rewarding. Throughout our courses, teachers help
students become strong writers and readers, articulate
communicators in English and world languages, and
compassionate citizens in an ever-changing world. We want
our girls to understand the importance of history and its impact
on the future, ask deep philosophical and moral questions, and
express themselves through the arts. We help girls explore
their natural and physical worlds through science, math and
engineering. And we always strive to make connections
between school and the world that these girls will enter in
college and beyond. 15
Our faculty members believe in the
long-term value of single-sex
education. They know Upper School
students will become strong women
and outstanding leaders who go on
to solve many of the 21st century’s
complex problems.
As our students refine their leadership
skills, they also take important strides
in self knowledge, learning how to
accept their gifts and their faults.
They embrace the qualities that make
them unique, celebrating individuality
amid great pressure to conform.
Their world is charged by possibility.
"The Sisters were not in our classrooms instructing us to memorize a quote,
but in the hallways pouring out Salesian spirituality from their hearts. There
is something so human about Salesian Spirituality that keeps drawing me
deeper. It does not call for perfection or withdrawal from society; Salesian
spirituality calls us to open our hearts to the love of God despite our own
imperfections. ‘Live Jesus’ is not a command we force on one another. It is
an invitation that asks Jesus to enter our hearts and work through us. It is a
simple prayer: Jesus, live in me and around me."
Claire ‘10 (attended Montessori preschool through grade 12)
Up
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16
“I often think of my teachers at Vis asif they are my parents. Growing up,my parents always encouraged mysisters and me to have a goodrelationship with our teachers. Mymother, who was a school teacher in
Viet Nam,w o u l doften talkabout herf o r m e rstudentsand howshe lovedand cared
for them as if they were her own. Ifelt that my teachers showed thatsame care and concern for me. I feellucky and blessed to have had thisincredible opportunity to attend Vis.To experience the love, kindness andsupport from the Visitation facultyand staff was an extra gift.”
Oanh ‘94
17
“Vis has an absolutely unique
academic environment. Students
are intellectually engaged and
clearly focused on ideas. We
have created an environment
where all of us are working
toward the same mission and
goals – a very powerful thing.”
Rich, Upper School teacher
“We selected Visitation because we
wanted strong academics and a faith-
based environment. Ten years later,
Visitation continues to be a great fit
for our three daughters. Vis has
connected with each in a way that we
know will guide them through their
lives, thus realizing the school motto
of not for school, but for life.”
John and Lisa, current parents
Up
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ool
18
Visitation students pursue the arts with grace and gusto. Itis a place where they can explore the edgesof the human experience – a well-timedpunchline and the power of a pause, arollicking march and a haunting
symphony, the profound essence of comedy and tragedy.
The Arts
“Visitation, to prepare me for New York University, specifically the TishSchool of Arts, was overwhelmingly delicate with my talent and what Iwanted to pursue. Vis has rigorous, college-prep academics, but at the sametime the theater and arts departments are outstanding, cultivatingwhatever students can give them.”
Kate ‘0619
LowerVocal and Instrumental Music (Montessori – grade 5)
Orchestra (grades 4 & 5)
Visual Arts (Kindergarten – grade 5)
MiddleVisual Arts
Vocal and Instrumental Music
Band
Orchestra
Co-curricular OpportunitiesMiddle School Musical (Vis and STA grades 6 - 8)
POPS vocal group (Vis 7th and 8th graders may try out)
UpperBallet
Theatre 101
Bel Canto Choir
Chamber Choir
VISTA Orchestra
VISTA Choir
VISTA Band
Co-curricular OpportunitiesVISTA Productions (the combined theater group of Visitation
and Saint Thomas Academy students in grades 9-12)
–Three main stage productions a year
–Scenic and Technical Crew
–VISTA Improv Team
–VISTA Theatre Council
Educating the whole student in mind, body
and spirit is a hallmark of Visitation. Our
young artists have fun learning about
balance. They seek symmetry as they look at
lines and examine textures. They observe the
interplay between a brilliant red and a muted
pastel, between a lead role and a supporting
role. And they come to appreciate the role of
an artist operating within a finely-tuned
community, resulting in that beautiful end
goal: harmony.
VISTA Jazz Band
Drawing
Painting
Mixed Media
Printmaking/Computer Graphics
Ceramics: Pottery
Ceramics: Sculpture
“What I really likedwas the focus on the arts! Both designand physical arts...drawing, dance,acting. That issomething Vis hasthat makes it sounique.”
Arts
20
Young athletes gain first-hand insights into relationships: coach
and player, captain and teammate, offense and defense. They
set goals and rely on teammates to achieve them. Together
they build momentum and overcome hurdles. They pace
themselves, recognizing when to jog and when to sprint.
Young athletes cultivate joyful optimism and quiet confidence.
They understand that every performance requires practice.
And when the game begins, they experience the unity of head
and heart.
Visitation offers a wide array of athletic avenues. In competition and in collaboration,our athletes develop many virtues. They learn grace in defeat and humility in victory.
They witness the magic of teamwork and the power ofpersistence. They take risksand laugh along the way.They feel the limits of the
human body – flexing a muscle, nursing a wound,reaching and rebounding. They stretch, they swing,they sweat, they slide, they score.
Athletics
21
LowerK-8 swim/dive
5 co-ed soccer
5 volleyball
5 boys basketball
5 girls basketball
5 boys baseball
5 softball
MiddleK-8 swim/dive
6 co-ed soccer
6 volleyball
6 boys basketball
6 girls basketball
6 boys baseball
6 softball
7/8 soccer
7/8 volleyball
7/8 basketball
7/8 softball
7/8 lacrosse
7-12 cross country running
7-12 swim/dive
7-12 tennis
7-12 alpine skiing
7-12 nordic skiing
7-12 hockey
7-12 track
7-12 golf
Upper7-12 cross country running
7-12 swim/dive
7-12 tennis
7-12 alpine skiing
7-12 nordic skiing
7-12 hockey
7-12 track
7-12 golf
9-12 soccer
9-12 volleyball
9-12 basketball
9-12 lacrosse
9-12 softball
“Visitation’s educational environmenteffectively teaches the Salesian values,which I have seen consistently reflectedin the outstanding behavior of thestudent athletes I have had the privilegeof coaching. The Visitation athletesalways give their best and maintainpositive attitudes in practice and incompetition. Winning or losing, theysupport each other and respect thecompetition.”
Ted, Varsity Hockey coach
22
Ath
letics
2455 Visitation DriveMendota Heights, MN 55120
www.visitation.net
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