Prospective Students Make Connections at AHA Upper School Open House

Fall Open House at the Academy of the Holy Angels Upper School (October 2) attracted over 250 guests. Future Angels quickly made connections as they spoke with administrators, faculty, staff, parent volunteers, and current students about all aspects of Academy life.

Student musicians performed favorite pieces as families signed in and gathered in the Learning Commons. Every hour, families heard brief presentations from AHA President Melinda Hanlon, Principal Jean Miller, Academic Dean Carmen Quiñones, and Director of Mission & Ministry Joan Connelly. AHA Admissions Director Michèle McGovern also provided an overview of the application process and scholarship opportunities.

Once again, the connections visitors made with their Angel Ambassadors were a key part of families’ overall positive experience. Angel Ambassadors greeted visitors at the door, assisted with registration, and provided personalized tours that allowed every family to gather information about the academic areas and activities that mean the most to them. Each family was matched with an Angel Ambassador who answered questions and shared a unique, insider’s view of AHA.

Mrs. McGovern and Assistant Admissions Director Jennifer Bullis began to receive top-notch reviews shortly after the event. 

“Angel Ambassador Ella E. was an excellent tour guide,” one parent wrote. “She has a pleasant personality and provided all the important information my family was looking into. It was a wonderful experience for us to learn about AHA. We love the school for our girl.”

Another visitor said, “Our ambassador, Brianna, was awesome and showcased AHA in a very professional and engaging way.”

One parent shared, “My daughter loved the school and can’t wait to move through the admissions process with hopes of attending Holy Angels.”

An eighth grade visitor with an interest in science and fine art simply said, “Wow!” when she spotted the impressive murals the Advanced Placement Studio Art classes paint in the hallways each spring.

Robotics team members showcased some of their recent creations in the STREAM Lab. Their presence allowed families to learn more about AHA’s STREAM curriculum, a nationally recognized blend of science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Visitors were clearly impressed with the Academy’s academic, extracurricular and co-curricular offerings, and the picturesque 25-acre campus.

Information stations, the AHA School Store, and refreshments were set up in the gym. Each visitor who entered received an enthusiastic welcome from the award-winning AHA Dance Team. The dancers later performed a short number that highlighted their mastery of several genres.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds. Over time, thousands of women have passed through AHA’s portals. Many go on to study at some of the nation’s best universities, earning high-ranking positions in medicine, government, law, education, public service, business, arts, and athletics. The Academy’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.