Early History

Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan wanted to establish in Wheeling an independent school for girls of all faiths. This idea, characteristic of the Visitation Order for almost 400 years, remained a guiding principle at the Mount throughout its existence. Girls from many states and territories came to reside at the school, and during the Civil War years the present Mount de Chantal was built about three miles from the city of Wheeling. The Sisters and students began residence in the new school in 1865.

The Civil War and its aftermath left many southern families unable to pay tuition and boarding costs at the academy where their daughters were once pupils. Two Sisters with ecclesiastical permission began the Mount's first campaign for funds. They travelled to Philadelphia and New York to solicit contributions. One of the individuals they contacted in New York was the Tammany Hall politician Boss Tweed. Touched by the Sisters' dedication, Mr. Tweed loaned them his carriage and driver and gave the Sisters a list of names and letters of introduction to some of his wealthy friends. Needless to say, the Sisters collected enough money to pay the outstanding construction costs of their academy. With the surplus they were able to establish the "Southern Fund" in order to provide financial assistance for their old pupils of the South. The success of the fund is attested to by letters of thanks from Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, which are in the archives of Mount de Chantal.

Academic Progress

A strong academic program remained one of the Mount’s many traditions. Over the years the school kept the best of its curriculum, but progressed with the times to include courses in computer science and new methods of conducting classes such as the Pathways program, which gave students the opportunity to study at their own pace. Courses at Wheeling Jesuit University were available to those who wished them, and often a Mount graduate was admitted to the Sophomore class at their college of choice. Language study was stressed as well as mathematics, music and the other fine arts, science, history, religion, and a strong English course with emphasis on composition and the study of literature.

Boarding at the Mount

Change at Mount de Chantal through the years reflected the changes experienced by American society. An original residence school only policy was followed by decades as a resident and day school. Students and alumnae from all over the world gave faculty and students a more personal awareness of broad global concerns. The residence school was closed in 1982 due to a decline in the number of boarders, but it reopened in 1999 and the school welcomed girls from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia as well as other parts of the United States.

Academic Programs

In addition to its program for girls only in grades seven through 12, the Academy also conducted a Montessori School for children age three through six and an Elementary program for boys and girls in 1st - 6th grades.

Mount de Chantal in the 21st Century

Historically, the low faculty-student ratio allowed for much personal contact and individual attention. The faculty and staff strived to create an atmosphere which was congenial, encouraging, and stimulating. A later motto used today, although actually older than the original one, sums up very well what the school offered to students from Montessori through senior year: "Be who you are and be it well so that you will give honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are." This motto comes from the pen of the founder of the Visitation Order, St. Francis de Sales. Many of the alumnae keep in touch with the Mount and a number of them served as members of the faculty. This continuity helped to preserve a tradition of high-quality college preparatory education at Mount de Chantal. The philosophy of the school reflected the spirit of the Sisters of the Visitation, a spirit of humility before God and great gentleness toward one another. The school sought to promote in all its students the development of spiritual, physical, and academic skills as well as an appreciation for the social issues of the day. Students were always encouraged to grow in awareness and understanding of themselves and others, and to be prepared to give service beyond the Mount de Chantal community. Because of low enrollment and dwindling resources, after 160 years of service, the Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy graduated its final class on May 31, 2008. Early in 2010, the remaining Sisters of the Visitation relocated from Wheeling to the Georgetown Monastery in Washington, D.C.