History

IHA was founded in 1960 as the first regional high school for girls in the Archdiocese of Newark. Since its foundation, IHA has been blessed with the presence of dedicated religious sisters and many professional and enthusiastic lay faculty members.

From 1960-1989, the school was staffed by Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and lay faculty. In 1989, the Sisters of St. Joseph resigned and were replaced in 1990 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart. In a warm and respectful collaboration with lay faculty, the new community of sisters brought a spirit of optimism, hope, and enthusiasm. The Apostles of the Sacred Heart were re-assigned in June 2008 but have left an incredible mark on the school. Their spirit and the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph endure, driving the lay administration and staff to lead IHA into the next decades as one of the most outstanding Catholic girls’ schools in the nation.