Visitation Academy, founded in 1855, reflects the mission of the Sisters of the Visitation.  This mission centers around life itself through the development of key relationships with God, self, others, and creation.  The heart of a Visitation education is rooted in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales.  Respect for the individual through the virtues of gentleness and humility is imparted in an environment of love and tradition.

Visitation Academy provides a unique learning environment for the education of young girls.  Visitation is located on 7.5 acres of monastery grounds in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.  The Old World charm of our physical setting houses a dynamic educational program that prepares our girls to be responsible women of tomorrow.  An integrated curriculum, infused with morals and religious values, empowers our students to meet the challenges and demands of the new millennium.  

The unique value of Visitation Academy is that it is a girls' school which enhances the spiritual, intellectual, personal, social, and physical development of each student.  As a community of Christian educators, we recognize and address the many facets necessary for the growth of young women: a well-rounded program that develops student awareness of moral, religious, and educational values; a single-sex program that bolsters leadership and self-esteem; cultural and religious diversity that encourages attitudes of understanding and tolerance; small class sizes that promote an atmosphere of mutual support and a sense of community; teaching methodologies that acknowledge multiple intelligences.  

Our Visitation community is built on the strength of the relationship of teacher, student, parent, school, and monastery.  Our interaction with one another is rooted in the belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God.  This is reflected in the following ways: the structure and style of the school creates a community atmosphere; our small faculty is conducive to mutual support and respect; teachers as role models encourage a positive self-concept in students; the high percentage of parental involvement in school functions affirms the mission of the school; the Academy is a vital part of the mission of the Sisters of the Visitation; faculty members take personal responsibility in living out the mission of the school; alumnae continue to support the vision of the school.

Collaboration is a significant part of the development of administrative, curriculum, teaching, and evaluative processes: the Principal, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, develops and implements policy; educational policy and curriculum are formulated as a result of an on-going collaboration of professional study, communication, and evaluation; the strong Staff Development program at V.A. facilitates cutting-edge teaching strategies (i.e. articulation of methodology at meetings on and across grade levels; and implementation of diverse teaching/learning techniques with integration of NYS Learning Standards).

Dialogue is a necessary component of the school evaluation at V.A., enabling all members of the school to participate.  It takes into account both formal and informal criteria, promoting a valid assessment for all.

As a community of believers and learners, we live the message proclaimed at the entrance to the Academy: Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school.  He is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes.  He is the model of its faculty and the inspiration of its students.