Changing the world since 1867 The Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, founded in 1867, is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for girls offering education and instructional services from pre-kindergarten school through grade 12. Little Hearts, a separate Early Learning Program for ages 1 through 3 year-old girls, is also a division of the school. At Sacred Heart, we challenge our girls with an education attuned to the circumstances and times in which we live, and we express an exceptional spirit of love - for our traditions, our students and our city. Customs and traditions that characterize Sacred Heart schools evolve over the years, but the vital force always remains the same: a deep personal love of God. This love inspires our students to share their gifts with others through lives of concern and service.