The VSN calls all members of Visitation school communities to a deeper appreciation of our Visitation philosophy of education as expressed and lived by our founders, Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de  Chantal. More specifically, we hope to see our schools deepen this spirit in all their members: students, faculty and staff, administrators, parents, graduates and board members.  

The Visitation Philosophy of Education

Visitation schools in the United States are rooted in the Roman Catholic faith and strengthened by their shared vision of Salesian Spirituality, inspired by the founders of the Visitation, St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales.

The writings of these saints reflect the best values of Christian humanism and offer an optimism born of an understanding of the loving hand of God as traced in the beauty of creation and a clear vision of the human person created in the image of God. These values integrate love of truth with the pursuit of knowledge and the dedication of God-given gifts to making the world a better place.

As educators in this tradition, we understand that we are forming lives as well as imparting knowledge. Through the educational process, we seek to train the intellects of our students and to equip them with skills of discernment, which will aid them in making life-giving choices and decisions and in building positive human relationships. We also strive to instill a lifelong love of learning.

Our Visitation schools are committed to offering our students strong academic programs that integrate the search for truth with intellectual pursuits directed toward a faith-filled vision of life. In the classroom we encourage them to build on their strengths and bolster areas in need of improvement.

A practical living of the Salesian virtues of kindness, gentleness, humility, and thoughtful concern for others permeates our school environments where members respect the uniqueness of one another and foster inclusive and caring communities.

Salesian optimism leads us to encourage our students to reach their potential as we affirm and celebrate their achievements, both in the classroom and in co-curricular activities. Leadership opportunities enable them to become self-directed people whose broad vision of life leads to serving others.

Relying on the inspiration of the Spirit and a wisdom born of a long history, Visitation schools move into the future, educating our students to be quietly prayerful and intellectually competent persons who have developed a strong sense of moral responsibility.