Ancillae-Assumpta Academy is a private Catholic school that warmly welcomes families and students of all faiths into our community. All students participate in the study of the Catholic faith, share in liturgical worship and prayer experiences, and actively serve others both inside and outside the school community. At the same time, children of other faith traditions are encouraged to share their own beliefs and religious practices. 

The values and the lifestyle which spring from the Eucharist permeate the Handmaid method of education. The Handmaids view education in the service of the Gospel and Eucharistic adoration as complementary expressions of their vocation. The Sisters consider their daily commitment to Eucharistic adoration as “a gift to be shared with those who work with us as well as those whom we educate.”* Accordingly, students have the frequent opportunity to participate in Eucharistic devotion. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed daily in both the Sacred Heart Center Chapel and the St. Raphaela Mary Chapel in the elementary school building. Students in Grades 5 through 8 set aside time each week for Adoration. In addition to the celebration of school-wide liturgies throughout the year, Grades 2 through 8 participate in an annual liturgy with their classmates. Students in Grades 2 through 8 also have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the school day during Lent.

The second grade Religion curriculum includes preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. With the permission of their pastor, Catholic students have the option to receive these Sacraments at school in the fall of second grade. The sixth grade Religion curriculum includes preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which students receive in their parishes in either 7th or 8th Grade. 

The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus “make a special effort to transmit the deep connection between Eucharist and social commitment."* In addition to celebrating the Sacramental aspects of our faith, the school community as a whole, and individual classes, regularly join in prayer and in acts of service. 

Ancillae students belong to 44 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We strongly encourage participation in parish life, and frequently draw lessons from the parish experience. Approximately 12% of our students belong to other faith traditions.