High School (9-12)

To Be a Scholar

At the Academy of the Holy Names, you will find a setting by the Bay that is both historic and state-of-the-art. Steeped in tradition, students experience a classroom environment specifically designed with young women in mind.

With a rich history of more than 140 years, we have cultivated an environment where girls can flourish academically, socially, and personally to reach their God-given potential. We encourage our students to embrace their strengths, develop leadership skills, challenge societal norms, and become confident, compassionate individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

In addition to superior academic skills and competencies, students at the Academy are offered a solid moral foundation built on an ethical code of values that are critical to the development of the whole child—body, mind and spirit. This tradition lies at the heart of the Academy, providing an added dimension to each student’s education.

ACADEMIC CATALOG

ACADEMIC CALENDAR FRAME

In This Section

The All-Girls Advantage

In the Academy of the Holy Names High School, we believe in the transformative power of an all-girls environment . Here, our girls are the captains, the leaders and have the starring roles.

BENEFITS OF AN ALL-GIRLS ENVIRONMENT

When We Dream... We Have Our Eyes Open

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High School Curriculum

We offer a robust high school curriculum designed to empower students to discover their innate abilities within a supportive and hands-on learning environment.

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AP & Honors Courses

Advanced Placement and Honors courses are offered in six academic subjects (English, math, social studies, world languages, science and art).

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Co-Curricular Activities

In offering students an abundance of experiences, the Academy helps ensure success as students transition from high school to college life and beyond.

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Athletics

The Academy of the Holy Names is committed to providing a competitive, interscholastic athletic program with the belief that participation in athletics can build individual character, appreciation for the value of teamwork, and school spirit.

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Portrait of a Graduate

The Academy educates confident young women who are empowered and prepared to take on the next phase of their lives. Academy alumnae understand and appreciate our motto, Esse Quam Videri, or "To Be, Rather Than to Seem."

Academy graduates:

Strong Academic Foundation

Graduates receive a rigorous and well-rounded education, emphasizing critical thinking, literature, mathematics, and science.

Spiritual Development

They often have a deep understanding of Catholic teachings and values, fostering a strong sense of faith and morality.

Empowered

They are encouraged to become confident and independent individuals, instilling a sense of self-worth and leadership skills.

SErvice-Oriented

AHN graduates understand the importance of giving back to the community, so graduates may be actively involved in volunteer work and charitable endeavors.

Critical Thinkers

They are taught to question, analyze, and engage critically with the world, fostering intellectual curiosity.

College-Prepared

They are often well-prepared for higher education, with a track record of academic excellence and study habits.

Compassionate and Caring

Lead with empathy and are kind and considerate individuals.

SEnse of Purpose

Graduates have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact on the world, driven by their Catholic faith and education.

High School News

Summer 2026 High School Student Experiences

August 20, 2026

Academy of the Holy Names students spent the summer exploring their interests, developing new skills and gaining firsthand experience in fields they may one day pursue. Students participated in programs across the country and around the world, with experiences spanning medicine, engineering, technology, law, government, journalism, the arts, athletics, service and more.

Presley Frye Earns Congressional Award Silver Medal

August 6, 2026

Congratulations to Academy of the Holy Names' own Presley Frye on earning the Congressional Award Silver Medal! Established by law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America's youth. Since then, thousands of outstanding young Americans have earned this prestigious recognition through their commitment to service, personal growth, physical fitness, and exploration.

Alumna Releases Song Inspired by AHN

August 5, 2026

When JudyAnne Jackson ’26 stood before her classmates on their final day at the Academy of the Holy Names, she shared something deeply personal: an original song she had written to capture the emotions of graduation, friendship, and moving into the next chapter of life.

Academy Students Set New Records on Advanced Placement Exams

July 9, 2026

AHN continues its tradition of academic excellence with record-setting results on the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) exams. During the 2025–26 school year, Academy students achieved a school-record 90% qualifying pass rate, with nine out of every 10 exams earning a score of 3 or higher. A total of 345 students took at least one AP exam, and 1,000 AP exams were taken, the highest number in Academy history.

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