05-08-2025
Villa's Middle School Space for Young Women in Grades 6 Through 8, Opening Fall 2026!
This fall, Villa Duchesne will begin construction on a brand new Middle School space, slated to open in Fall 2026 and provide young women in grades six through eight with an exceptional middle school experience, rooted in our Catholic, Sacred Heart mission and designed for this unique and incredible stage. Villa is creating a space where girls can thrive, supported by our exceptional educators, as they are challenged to build sound habits of intellectual formation. Here are some of the things that set Villa's Middle School program apart as the premier all-girls Middle School program in St. Louis: Research-based & Focused on Growth Grounded in our mission to provide a life-changing Sacred Heart education, relationships are at the center of everything we do at Villa. Our educators accompany our students as they recognize the reality that challenges lead to growth, that one can learn from mistakes, and that focused and engaged effort leads to improvement. Our students demonstrate initiative and resilience and engage in responsible decision making. They know they are capable young women and embrace an optimistic attitude toward learning, relationships, and the future. Villa middle schoolers demonstrate grit, perseverance, and a sense of purpose. Relationships & Connections Villa middle schoolers deepen their relationship with God through prayer, reflection and the cultivation of her interior life. She knows that she is made by God and thus is worthy of love - self love and the love of others. She develops relationships with others - peers, family members, trusted adults - through strong interpersonal skills. She has an openness to other perspectives, hones communication skills, and develops a heart of kindness and gratitude. Villa middle school students seek to understand others, showing empathy, respect and support while also developing healthy boundaries. Bonds of friendship and sisterhood are strengthened through shared traditions and our intentional house system, which builds school spirit and community. Knowing One's Self Through exploration and self-reflection, Villa middle students come to know and embrace their gifts and talents. They have identified some of their passions and interests and have built a strong foundation for future success. They also have identified areas that are challenges and have built a 'tool kit' to address those areas. A Villa middle schooler knows and understands her emotions, thoughts and values and how these influence her behavior across many contexts. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving A Villa student uses reliable and relevant evidence to support claims and is able to design and implement solutions to complex problems. She knows how to ask probing questions, writes and speaks clearly, reads deeply, and utilizes active listening. With these skills, a Villa student is able to analyze and evaluate information as well as various points of view, can synthesize conclusions and justify evidence, and is able to apply acquired knowledge to new situations. Cultivates Curiosity A Villa student actively seeks to learn, explore, and understand the world around her. She asks questions, embraces new experiences, and works to challenge assumptions. She develops a sense of wonder. She seeks to know and understand academic pursuits as well as other people and places. She actively steps out of her comfort zone and develops a genuine interest with a sincere desire to learn, not simply to be 'right' or 'smart.' Families interested in learning more, seeing Villa's new space in progress, and discussing the Middle School experience you are seeking for your daughter should visit Villa's website to learn more about Family Individualized Tuition, Open House, scheduling visits and tours, and Middle School preview nights.
