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School History

“Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.” Claude-Marie Dubuis, Bishop of Texas, 1866

These immortal words were written in a letter to Mother Angelique, Superior of the Monastery of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Lyons, France. Bishop DuBuis’ letter initiated the founding of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, in 1869.

The first Sisters who arrived in San Antonio encountered many hardships, including the mastery of a new language, the complete destruction of their convent by fire, and a cholera epidemic. However, with trust in God, the Congregation survived those initial setbacks and continued to spread its healing ministry far beyond Texas.

As early as 1899, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were serving as nurses at the Missouri Pacific Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Interested in expanding their ministry in the Midwest, St. Louis was chosen as the location for a provincial house. In 1921, the Sisters purchased eight acres of land from the Lucas Estate, followed by an additional eight acres the following year. On October 28, 1928, Archbishop Glennon blessed the large 4-story Incarnate Word Convent in Bel-Nor.

Although they had no thoughts of opening a high school in the St. Louis area, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word soon became convinced of its need. Sister Peter Nolasco Keenan, Provincial Supervisor, took up this challenge in the midst of the Depression, when the building of a new school was an impossibility. The Sisters decided to open their convent facilities to young women seeking a Christian education. Incarnate Word Academy opened on September 6, 1932.

“The waiting and wondering of that morning will always remain with me. I think all of us relaxed when we saw the first automobile dislodging its occupants – our first pupils, thirty-five in all” Sister Peter Nolasco Keenan, Foundress of IWA, 1932.

Immediately academically successful, Incarnate Word Academy became fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. While the Sisters struggled to maintain the school during the Depression, their hard work was blessed and enrollment grew. The current Administration building was added in 1949 and the current Chapel Building was ready for occupancy in August, 1956. Centennial Hall (the current Theater Building) was completed in 1969 in recognition of the 100^th Anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in the United States.

A 2-story addition to the Theater Building was added in 2003, housing the library, dance and music classrooms, science laboratories, and a weight and fitness facility. In 2015, the library space was re-imagined and became what is now known as the Learning Commons – a contemporary, collaborative and technologically advanced commons space that is no longer just a place to check out books. With the addition of the MakerSpace Lab in 2016, the Learning Commons is a place where Incarnate Word Academy students can learn and thrive in an environment more conducive to their future collegiate career.

About IWA

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Incarnate Word Academy

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Incarnate Word Academy is to challenge young women of faith to achieve their God-given potential as academically successful Women of the Word, following the example of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, by promoting human dignity, thereby empowering themselves and others to make a positive impact on our world.

VISION STATEMENT

Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic institution which strives to empower our students to become leaders, scholars, and meaningful contributors to the community and the ever-changing world.

We make the following commitments:

Incarnate Word Academy will offer a premier college-preparatory education in a dynamic learning environment that fosters independence, embraces diversity, and grounds its dedication to excellence in Christian values.
Social justice, human respect, and a commitment to service are and will remain at the heart of our community.
Our graduates will be prepared to act ethically and responsibly as they continue their educations and enter the workforce, particularly in their ability to use emerging technologies
As a forward-thinking institution, we will continue to evolve our unique approach to teaching and guiding young women, blending strong tradition with sound innovation.

Core Beliefs

Follow the example of Jesus.

Foster academically successful women.

Promote human dignity.

Empower and challenge young women.

Make a positive impact on our world.

Alumnae Information

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