About
WHERE Girls RISE
Welcome to Holy Names Academy!
Holy Names Academy is a private Catholic college preparatory high school for young women located in Seattle, Washington.
Founded in 1880 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), Holy Names Academy is the oldest continually operating high school in the state of Washington and has a longstanding tradition of educating and empowering young women through education, leadership, and service. Holy Names Academy combines academic excellence with exceptional opportunities in athletics, the arts, and sciences (STEM), while fostering a supportive community where every student is seen, supported, and strengthened in the HNA sisterhood.
Learn more about our
SNJM Core Values.
Location
Located in Seattle's historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, the campus offers sweeping views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains while placing students just minutes from Volunteer Park, downtown Seattle, and the city's many cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. This unique setting provides an inspiring environment where young women are challenged to grow academically, discover their strengths, and rise as confident and compassionate leaders prepared to make a difference in the world.
OUR MISSION
Holy Names Academy inspires young women of diverse beliefs and backgrounds to excel in life with confidence and courage, to think critically, act with purpose, advocate for justice, serve with compassion, and lead with integrity.
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL / PRESIDENT
KIM DAWSON
At Holy Names Academy, you will find a supportive community built upon academic excellence, beloved traditions, leadership opportunities, and a sisterhood that encourages young women to find joy and belonging in their learning and in life.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
DR. MARIANNE MCGAH '01
At Holy Names Academy, we strive to create an environment where all our students can thrive academically. We hope our graduates are curious and thoughtful learners who use their passions to positively contribute to the world. To achieve this, our courses and programs are specifically designed to help young women develop their skills, confidence, and passions.
History of The Academy
Founded in 1880 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Holy Names Academy is the oldest continually operating high school in the State of Washington.
Learn about here the Academy's history and the Sisters' mission of educating young women.
History of Holy Names Academy
HNA BY THE NUMBERS
491
Total Enrollment
13:1
Student/Teacher Ratio
19,000+
Volunteer Hours Served Each Year
79
Students completed 100+ service hours in 2025-26
17
AP Courses
( +7 Honors courses)
94%
of Holy Names Academy students earned a 3 or Higher on AP Exams
100%
Students Accepted to College
$47.8M
Merit-based College Scholarships Offered to the Class of 2026
48%
of the Class of 2026 ranked in the top 10% of students in Washington state
$2.44M
Financial Aid and Scholarships Awarded Annually
80%+
of HNA students hold a leadership position during their four years
35
Athletic Teams
78
Metro League Trophies
90%
of HNA students participate on one or more sports teams
95.7%
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
11,000+
Alumnae
HNA offers excellent academic, arts, athletic, spiritual, and leadership programs...
...that promote the development of the whole person in an environment of inclusion, collaboration, and community.
About Holy Names Academy
OUR MISSION
Holy Names Academy inspires young women of diverse beliefs and backgrounds to excel in life with confidence and courage, to think critically, act with purpose, advocate for justice, serve with compassion, and lead with integrity.
BACKGROUND
Holy Names Academy is an all-girls Catholic high school founded in 1880 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The school offers excellent academic, arts, athletic, spiritual, and leadership programs that promote the development of the whole person in an environment of inclusion, collaboration, and community.
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Holy Names Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability that can be reasonably accommodated to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate in its administration or policies on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, sexual orientation, or disability that can be reasonably accommodated.
POLICY OF NON-HARASSMENT
Holy Names Academy strictly prohibits harassment of any kind. Holy Names Academy believes that all students, faculty, and staff members must be allowed to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, hazing, or bullying. Such actions include any systematic or repeated attempts to inflict emotional, psychological, or physical distress on another person. The school reserves the right to discipline students for conduct occurring on or off school property.
ACCREDITATIONS
- Northwest Association of Independent Schools
- Northwest Accreditation Commission
- Cognia
Holy Names Academy has been a fully accredited member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools since 1983.
Every eight years, Holy Names Academy undergoes a thorough and rigorous review process, which includes a self-study, a visit from the NWAIS team, and a response to recommendations. We value the opportunity to reflect on our mission and vision so that we continue to provide the highest quality education, learning environment, and collaborative working culture for our school community.
AFFILIATIONS
- International Coalition of Girls' Schools
- Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Network of Schools
- National Catholic Educational Association
Essential Characteristics of NWAIS Schools
- Commitment to the Public Good
- Effective Governance and Operations
- Physical Location or Place
- Primary Focus of Academic Education
- Commitment to the Best Interests of Children
- NWAIS Non-discrimination State for Affiliated Schools
Our community
Holy Names Academy students come from 77 ZIP Codes and 100 middle schools from the Greater Seattle area.