Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Located in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is a premier independent all-girls Catholic institution. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, the school is dedicated to fostering academic rigor, spiritual growth, and a commitment to community service. Named after Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, the school provides a structured educational journey divided into a co-educational Early Childhood Program, a Lower School (JK–Grade 4), a Middle School (Grades 5–8), and an Upper School (Grades 9–12).
The campus is a testament to thoughtful design, blending seamlessly with the natural terrain of Mercer County. With a remarkably low student-to-teacher ratio, Stuart ensures that every student receives personalized attention and support throughout her academic career.
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Key Facts
- Location: Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 4.2:1.
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (accredited through January 2027).
- Mascot: Stuie the Deer (The Tartans).
- Enrollment: 283 students plus 10 in PreK (as of 2023–24).
- Tuition: $50,120 for grades 9–12 (2025–26 academic year).
History and Architecture
Founded in 1963, Stuart Country Day School was established by a group of women who envisioned a Sacred Heart school for girls in Princeton. With support from the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school acquired a large tract of woodlands on The Great Road.
The campus was designed by Professor Jean Labatut of Princeton University, who utilized principles developed by Frank Lloyd Wright to ensure the buildings harmonized with the hilly landscape and natural boulders. The original construction cost was $2 million (approximately $21 million in 2025). The school opened its doors for the 1963–64 school year with 98 students, quickly growing to 175 by the following year.
Academic Excellence and Requirements
Stuart is known for its demanding academic environment and high standards. The Upper School offers a comprehensive array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, spanning sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics C, Environmental Science), mathematics (Calculus AB and BC, Computer Science), history, English, and various foreign languages including Spanish, French, and Latin.
Students in the Upper School must adhere to a strict curriculum to graduate, including:
- 8 trimesters of Religious Studies.
- 4 years of English and 3 years of Mathematics.
- 3 years of the same Foreign Language.
- 2 years of History and 2 years of Lab Science.
- 1 year of Fine Arts and requirements in Physical Education, Health, and Computer Science.
The school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its outcomes: 99% of graduates enroll in four-year colleges immediately after graduation. For example, 28% of the Class of 2008 matriculated to Ivy League institutions.
Community Service
Service is a cornerstone of the Sacred Heart education. Upper School students are required to complete 50 hours of community service annually. Over four years, students must spend at least two years on an external project and one year working with economically or socially disadvantaged populations.
Athletics and Student Life
The Stuart Tartans compete under the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The school's mascot, the deer, was inspired by a deer the founders observed drinking from a stream on the property, now known as the "Reflection Garden." Stuart maintains an inclusive athletic policy where all students who try out are placed on either a Varsity or Junior Varsity team.
| Season | Sports Offered |
|---|---|
| Fall | Volleyball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Tennis, Flag Football |
| Winter | Indoor Track, Basketball, Squash, Ice Hockey, Cheerleading, Swimming |
| Spring | Track and Field, Lacrosse, Golf, Soccer, Fencing |
The school has a storied athletic history, including multiple Prep B championships in cross country, track and field, and lacrosse, as well as a Mercer County Tournament title in field hockey.
Extracurriculars
Beyond athletics, students engage in a wide variety of organizations, including the Student Government, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, the Tartan Tones musical groups, and student publications such as The Tartan newspaper and La Source yearbook.
Notable Community Members
Stuart has a distinguished history of alumni and faculty. Notable alumni include environmental activist Abigail Borah, geoscientist Michele Cooke, actress Suzanna Love, journalist Ellen Susman, and professional basketball player La'Keisha Sutton.
The faculty has also included prominent figures such as Barbara Boggs Sigmund, the former Mayor of Princeton Borough, who taught Latin at the school earlier in her career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Stuart?
The school maintains a very low student-to-teacher ratio of 4.2:1, allowing for highly personalized instruction.
What are the community service requirements for Upper School students?
Upper School students must complete 50 hours of community service per year, including specific time spent on external projects and working with disadvantaged communities.
Does Stuart offer Advanced Placement courses?
Yes, Stuart offers a wide range of AP courses in sciences, mathematics, history, English, and foreign languages. Students enrolled in these courses are required to take the AP examination in May.
What is the school's mascot and why was it chosen?
The mascot is Stuie the Deer. It was chosen because the school's founders saw a deer drinking from a stream on the property during the initial site visit.
Is Stuart Country Day School co-educational?
While the school is primarily an all-girls institution, the Early Childhood Program is co-educational.