This content is sponsored by Villa Madonna Academy.
With an exciting renovation project and remarkable recent awards, Villa Madonna Academy is at the top of the list of outstanding schools in Northern Kentucky.
In September, the school celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of its Center Building, built in 1907, which will be undergoing renovations. On Sunday, October 22, the award-winning elementary and high school/junior high will be hosting its Open House, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This event is open for students entering grades K through 12. RSVP is appreciated, but not required.
“Coming to our Open House is an opportunity to meet other students and teachers and it’s a great way to see some of the things we have going on,” Janet Baugh, Villa Madonna Academy’s Director of Admissions said. “All the teachers will be on hand for visitors to meet and learn about the exceptional curriculum. Elementary school tours will be led by students and parents. Visiting parents of junior high and high school students will tour the classrooms while the prospective students learn about the curriculum through an Escape Room challenge which will be run by current Villa high school students. The principals will also be available to answer any questions.”
Moving Forward with Villa Madonna Academy
Accredited since 1925, Villa Madonna’s dedication to excellence in education has been recognized through several awards. Villa Madonna Elementary School achieved the status of a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School which marked not only a milestone for Villa Madonna but also a rare occurrence among schools in Northern Kentucky.
The high school was also just listed on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll as a Platinum member. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP program are delivering results and broadening access for students. Villa Madonna Academy High School offers more than 20 Advanced Placement and Dual Credit college courses. Additionally, the school is one of a few schools in Kentucky that offers the AP Capstone Program.
The elementary was also recognized this year as a Cognia School of Distinction, one of few schools around the world to receive the honor. In 2021, the Villa Madonna Academy’s high school was also accredited as a School of Distinction.
In September, Villa Madonna Academy celebrated the groundbreaking of its center building which will be undergoing renovations. The building was constructed in 1907 and Baugh explained the importance of keeping its historic status. “Once finished, this building will be used for Kindergarten through grade 6 and the Villa Madonna Montessori School will move into the same iconic building. It will also house a new state-of-the-art STEM space,” Baugh said. “It’s important that we keep this historic building while respecting the traditions of our founders, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery.”
Among all of Villa Madonna’s accolades, Baugh explained some of the other day-to-day reasons why parents and students should consider Villa Madonna Academy when deciding on which school to attend. “We have a lot to bring to the table. We are small by design to allow differentiated instruction. We offer two world languages, French and Spanish, starting in elementary school. In kindergarten, students learn both and then they select the language they would like to focus on through sixth grade. We have a Fab Lab, theatre classes, art, and physical education. With a 60-acre campus, we spend a lot of time outside for class. It’s not uncommon to see kindergartners with clipboards on a scavenger hunt looking for things they can see, hear, and feel with their senses. Our high school and junior high students also use the campus for science projects, religious reflection, photography, Spanish class, and more.” Baugh said.
Don’t Forget About Corie, Villa Madonna Academy’s in-house Support Dog
One of the unique features that sets Villa Madonna apart from other schools is a fluffy, friendly pup named Corie. As the elementary school’s beloved, certified therapy dog, Corie, brings comfort and companionship to Villa Madonna students…especially those in need of a little extra support during drop-offs. “This is Corie’s third year. She is certified, wears a vest as a therapy dog and all the students understand why she is here,” Baugh said. Corie’s Mom talks to the students about Corie and explains how to approach her and make her feel comfortable,” Baugh said. “ “Corie ‘lives’ in the 4th grade where her mom, Maria Borchardt, is a teacher, but she visits everyone. Mrs. Borchardt teaches the students about Corie and explains how to approach her and how make her feel comfortable. She’s like our mascot, everyone is so excited when she’s around.”
From awards to the day-to-day, Villa Madonna Academy is going above and beyond to provide your child with the best education possible. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, Villa Madonna continues to shape the minds and futures of Northern Kentucky’s youth.
For more information on the upcoming Open House, click here or visit Villamadonna.org.
