History & Alma Mater
Immaculate Heart Academy
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.
IHA Alma Mater
IHA, we salute thee, majestic and true.
Fondly we greet thee, your ideals pursue.
You taught us in learning, in wisdom, in truth;
things we remember from days of our youth.
When times will have passed and cares may o’ertake us,
then all that you stand for will never forsake us.
There’s none on this earth with you can compare,
for you gave us a memory faithful and fair.
So, lift up your voices so joyous and light.
Let us all honor the blue and the white!
We pledge thee allegiance until the end,
and promise forever your name to defend.
Let us go forward with courage to do
all that is noble and loyal and true.
Long may your honor live on in our time;
Alma Mater, O lead us to victory sublime, to victory sublime.