The founding members – Mary Rhodes, Christina Stuart, and Ann Havern – recognized that young women needed a good education. Since 1812, Loretto teachers have educated generations of students across the United States and around the world in China, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Pakistan.

The Sisters of Loretto are educators. When the Second Vatican Council urged women religious to address the needs of the times, sisters began to select ministries tailored to their specific talents. Today, Loretto members carry out their mission of education in many ways when they advocate for justice, work for peace and protect Earth.

Loretto staffed parochial and diocesan schools and established their own academies, including Loretto Academy (now Kansas City Academy, in Kansas City, Mo.), and two colleges, Webster College (now Webster University) in St. Louis in 1916 and Loretto Heights College in Denver in 1891. Many of the locations were on the frontier. Loretto’s educational tradition spread around the world, including Pakistan.

Six Loretto-affiliated schools continue the tradition of Loretto education in the United States today. Loretto Academy, Nerinx Hall High School and St. Mary’s Academy are grounded in the following core values:

• Faith: Building hope, fostering community and acting in charity and service through the enduring love of God.
• Community: Building relationships that are affirming, inclusive, empowering and compassionate.
• Justice: Promoting changes to eliminate oppression, and creating systems and relationships in which people, especially women, are treated fairly and impartially.
• Respect: Being open to differences, and believing in each person’s potential. Promoting the dignity of individuals, and protecting the sacredness of all creation.

Below is the full list of current Loretto-affiliated schools:

Escuela de Guadalupe

Escuela de Guadalupe is a private, Catholic school of excellence for grades Pre-K through 8. Each student graduates having attained bi-literacy and accessed a transformational, foundational education that will enable them to pursue their passions, develop their unique gifts, and ultimately uplift their communities.

Havern School

Havern School is an independent, nonprofit elementary and middle school for bright students with learning disabilities in the Denver area. Founded by the Sisters of Loretto in 1966, the school is located on the same campus as the former Loretto Denver Offices.

Loretto Academy

Loretto Academy is an independent, Catholic institution (Pre-K3 to 12; Pre-K3 – 5 co-ed, 6-12 only girls) in El Paso committed to developing the whole child, mind and spirit. Founded by the Sisters of Loretto in 1923 as a celebration of faith in God’s love for us, the Academy, rooted in its rich heritage, continues today as a strong response to that love.

Marian Middle School

Marian is an all-girl, family-focused, and faith-based school. Students receive a transformational education and enrichment programming during their middle school years and graduate support throughout high school and college so they can develop the critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and life skills needed to succeed. From fifth grade through career success, they are Educating Girls for Life!

Nerinx Hall High School

A Catholic, college-preparatory high school in St. Louis, founded on the belief that educated, caring and empowered young women are essential to our world. Core to its philosophy is the belief that women must know themselves and their world, that diversity enriches and trust empowers, and that we are called to deliberate Christian action.

St. Mary’s Academy

Metro Denver’s premier Catholic, independent school offering rigorous academics in its co-ed lower and middle schools, and its high school for girls. St. Mary’s Academy offers a safe, yet innovative program that embraces all student backgrounds, and fosters character and moral development from junior kindergarten to graduation.