Our History: A Legacy of Excellence
The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School was formed in September 1998 through the historic merger of two esteemed independent schools: Blessed Sacrament High School at Belmead and Huguenot Academy.
Huguenot Academy was officially chartered by the State Corporation Commission of Virginia on August 31, 1959. It began in the basement of the old Bank of Powhatan building before relocating to its current Academy Road campus in 1962. Under the leadership of its first head of school, Mrs. Lilliam T. West, Huguenot Academy grew into a non-sectarian institution serving students from preschool through 12th grade, graduating its first class in 1964.
Blessed Sacrament High School was founded in 1987 by Dr. Lou Ross Hopewell, opening with 18 students in grades 8 and 9. A Catholic school without a parish affiliation, it expanded to serve grades 8-12 and celebrated its first graduating class in 1991.
At its peak, Huguenot Academy enrolled 1,000 students, but as more private schools emerged in the surrounding metropolitan area, enrollment declined to 250 students by the time of the merger. Meanwhile, Blessed Sacrament High School experienced growth but lacked the space to expand, as it leased property from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who advised against new construction on land not owned by the school.
Recognizing the strengths of both institutions, leaders from each school came together to merge their traditions, resources, and missions. Blessed Sacrament Huguenot was born—a Catholic, college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and open to students of all faiths from preschool through 12th grade. Today, our school continues to honor the rich legacies of both institutions while preparing students for a future of leadership, service, and success.