History of Villa Maria Academy

 In 1901, a private, Catholic secondary school for young women was begun in a small building at the corner of William and Kennedy streets in Cheektowaga. Administered by the Felician Sisters, the mission of the then Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy was to educate and prepare young women interested in entering religious life. 

In 1918, the school received its Regents Charter from the State of New York. It is from this point on that the school marked its official beginning. 

In 1929, students were transferred to a newly completed facility at the present Doat Street location. That same year, the Academy opened its doors to lay students who were attracted by the quality and care of academic preparation received by Vilmarians. The school’s name was changed to Villa Maria Academy in 1967.  

In 1976, Villa Maria Academy dedicated its Athletic and Social Center and in 1988 received accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and schools. 

The administration and faculty of Villa Maria Academy helped girls develop fully by offering quality learning experiences, by encouraging personal leadership and commitment to Gospel values. Over six thousand young women graduated from Villa Maria Academy where they were able to recognize their own goodness, worth and potential as individuals. 

Forced by declining enrollment and economic conditions, the Academy closed its doors in June of 2006.