Tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, Sacred Heart High School is more than just a place of learning—it’s a home where young women are empowered to lead, grow, and excel.

With a rich history and a strong sense of community, this all-girls Catholic school is dedicated to shaping confident, capable leaders. Under the guidance of Principal Raymond Saborio, Sacred Heart has continued to evolve, introducing programs that address the real-world needs of its students while staying true to its mission of academic excellence and faith-driven leadership.

From the newly developed Leadership Institute to the rigorous AP program, Sacred Heart ensures that every student graduates not just with a diploma but with the tools and confidence to navigate college, careers, and life.

Strengthening Sisterhood

One of the most significant additions to Sacred Heart’s curriculum is the Leadership Institute, a program born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After returning to in-person learning, the faculty noticed that many students were struggling with social confidence. It wasn’t just a matter of shyness—there was a real disconnect. Girls weren’t engaging with one another as they used to; friendships weren’t forming as naturally, and face-to-face interactions felt awkward.

“We saw that our students were in their own silos, glued to their phones, unsure of how to communicate and build relationships,” Saborio explains. “That was affecting our school community in ways we couldn’t ignore.”

The Leadership Institute was designed to change that. Led by students, the program is deeply embedded in the school’s culture. It’s not just about teaching leadership in the classroom—it’s about fostering confidence in every aspect of student life, from extracurricular activities to service projects to the way students interact with each other, teachers, and parents. At its core, the program strengthens the bonds of sisterhood.

  • Sacred Heart is in the trenches to combat the negative societal influences that demoralize and devastate the formation of young women's self-confidence during the critical formative high school years. In order to prepare today's scholars to become tomorrow's leaders, schools must go beyond providing solely academic support. All too often they are limited by a lack of resources, opportunity, and safety. The young women we serve are strong, resilient and hungry for a better tomorrow. It is our calling and duty to change the norm by giving them everything they need to thrive and overcome the obstacles in their way


“As an all-girls school, we already have a strong sense of sisterhood,” Saborio says. “The Leadership Academy reinforces that, ensuring every girl feels included, supported, and confident enough to take on leadership roles in any environment.”

AP Honor Roll and the Onward Scholars Program

Sacred Heart has long been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, and its repeated designation as an AP Honor Roll school is proof of that. The school takes its Advanced Placement courses seriously, providing students with challenging coursework that prepares them for college despite the challenges of a low-income, inner-city, disadvantaged school. The results speak for themselves—Sacred Heart students consistently perform well on AP exams, earning college credit and proving they can compete with the best.

In addition to its strong AP program, Sacred Heart is one of only six schools in the country to offer the Onward Scholars Program, a prestigious scholarship and enrichment initiative for high-achieving students. Designed for “academic rock stars,” as Saborio puts it, the program provides a structured four-year path that includes mentorship, leadership training, and support for college admissions.

“Our goal is to give these students every opportunity to succeed,” Saborio says. “We want them to graduate not just with knowledge but with the confidence and skills to excel in college and beyond.”

Breaking Barriers in STEM

Sacred Heart is also making strides in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly for young women of color. The school has launched the AIN (Antonia Isabela Navarro) STEM Academy in partnership with three local partner schools, creating a unique 14-year pathway for students from underserved communities.

“We want our students to see that STEM isn’t just for a certain type of person,” Saborio says. “It’s not just for boys. It’s not just for students who have the financial means to attend elite programs. There is room for everyone in STEM, and we’re making sure our girls get the exposure and experience they need to pursue those careers.”

The program provides hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and a curriculum designed to spark curiosity and confidence in fields where women—particularly women of color—are still underrepresented.

A Culture of Familia

Beyond academics, what truly sets Sacred Heart apart is its deep sense of community— what Saborio calls familia. With just over 315 students, the school is small by design, allowing every student to feel seen and valued. The relationships built here extend beyond the classroom, creating a lifelong sisterhood that supports students well into adulthood.

The school embraces its responsibility to empower young women of color to be more than just good students—they are taught to be game changers, leaders who will serve their communities, stand up for what is right, and set an example for others.

“Our calling is to embrace, empower, and inspire,” Saborio says. “We want our students to be truthful, faithful, and dedicated to serving others. That’s what Sacred Heart is about.”

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

As Sacred Heart continues to evolve, the school is looking toward the future with an exciting new initiative: an entrepreneurship program. Inspired by the creativity and resilience of students during the pandemic—many of whom started their own small businesses, from nail salons to clothing brands—the school is exploring ways to support students interested in business and innovation.

“There’s a natural entrepreneurial spirit among our girls,” Saborio says. “During COVID, we saw them starting businesses—eyelashes, hairstyling, custom T-shirts, floral arrangements, you name it. We want to build on that and give them the skills to take those businesses to the next level.”

By providing students with business training, mentorship, and real-world experience, Sacred Heart hopes to create a new generation of women entrepreneurs who will bring innovation and leadership to their communities.

With a culture rooted in familia, a dedication to excellence, and an eye toward the future, Sacred Heart is not just preparing students for college— it’s preparing them for life.