Grey Nun Academy recently kicked off its year-long celebration to mark 55 years of excellence in education with a liturgy and in-school celebration for the Sisters, students, parents, faculty, and staff.
The celebration also featured the GNA Day of Giving and welcomed many additional Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart back to campus for the festivities.
The academy will continue to commemorate its emerald anniversary with special events throughout the remainder of the school year, including its annual gala in the spring of 2019.
“Our community is truly blessed to celebrate this wonderful milestone together as we fulfill the ministry and vision of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. This is a terrific opportunity to honor our history and the faculty and staff who contribute to maintaining a nurturing, authentic program which educates children for the future,” said Grey Nun Academy Head of School Deborah Kost. “The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart have provided a powerful example of leadership as service, and we pray that we can continue their legacy for many years to come.”
Sponsored by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart and located on the grounds of the former Motherhouse in Yardley, Grey Nun Academy has a rich history and heritage dating back to 1963. Beginning with nine kindergarten students housed in the original Manor House on the Dietz estate in October of 1963, the original school was called D’Youville Manor Academy in honor of its community foundress, Marguerite d’Youville.
As the Sisters became established and well known in the local community, and the academy began to grow, the school name was changed to Grey Nun Academy. Strong board and administrative leadership continued to support the mission of the academy, and by 1968, a Home and School Association was initiated to allow parents to play an active and integral role, which continues today.
By summer 1972, the adjacent Sacred Heart Junior College was closed and remodeled. The academy’s lower school then took up residence in the former junior college building. Subsequent building projects have provided a multipurpose gymnasium, the McKenna Center, and Moyle Gallery.
The academy continues to be recognized for its excellence in the community, most notably named a prestigious National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2009.
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