Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, through its National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart (NCGLS) is collaborating with a researcher from the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) to explore how all-girls Catholic school communities influence high school girls’ mental well-being, sense of purpose, and motivation to learn through supportive and inclusive spiritual environments.

This study, Exploring the Impact of Supportive Spiritual Communities on the Mental Health, Motivation to Learn, and Sense of Purpose in High School Girls: A Study of Single-Sex Catholic Girls’ Schools, builds on Stuart’s leadership in girls’ education and its extensive network of girls’ schools, alongside Notre Dame’s expertise in Catholic education research and adolescent development. The study will examine how spiritual communities in all-girls Catholic schools shape students’ mental well-being and sense of purpose, and identify ways to strengthen these communities to better support girls’ growth and motivation to learn.

“We are thrilled to collaborate on this important research, which aligns deeply with our mission as a Sacred Heart school,” said Marissa Muoio, Ed.D., Head of Upper School and Director of the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart. “By examining the connection between spiritual community participation and girls’ well-being, we hope to gain insights that will enhance how Catholic girls’ schools support young women in their academic and personal growth.”

The study will employ a quantitative research approach, incorporating a quantitative survey with high school girls that are eighteen years old from single-sex Catholic schools across North America. Surveys will measure students’ engagement in spiritual activities, their sense of purpose, and key mental health indicators, while in-depth interviews will provide a deeper understanding of students’ lived experiences within these communities.

“This collaboration with Stuart and the Sacred Heart Network represents a critical step in understanding how faith-based communities shape the development of young women,” said researcher  Monica Kowalski, PhD, Associate Director of Program Evaluation and Research and faculty member at the University of Notre Dame. “By identifying the key elements that contribute to a supportive and inclusive spiritual environment, we aim to inform best practices for schools dedicated to the holistic well-being of their students.”

About the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart

The National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart (NCGLS) is dedicated to advancing research and programs that empower young women to lead with confidence and purpose. Through partnerships, leadership development initiatives, and interdisciplinary research, the center ensures that girls are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and community support to excel in all areas of life.

About Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, located in Princeton, NJ, is an independent, all-girls school serving preschool through grade 12. Rooted in the Sacred Heart mission, Stuart empowers young women to become leaders of faith, purpose, and service.

About the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives

The Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) at the University of Notre Dame strives to improve the education of all children, particularly the underserved, with a strong emphasis on Catholic schools. Guided by Catholic social teaching, IEI forms educators, conducts research, and promotes excellence in schools and systems to create a more just world. (iei.nd.edu)

For more information about this research initiative or Stuart Country Day School’s leadership in girls’ education, please contact Dr. Marissa Muoio, director of the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart, at mmuoio@stuartschool.org.