Founded in 1833, the Visitation Academy of St. Louis is a Catholic, independent school that serves more than 620 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It manages a staff of over 70 full- and part-time employees. The academy is accredited by the American Montessori Society, Missouri Montessori Association, National Catholic Education Association, and North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. It offers classes in art, music, physical education and mathematics. The academy operates libraries that provide reference materials. The academy offers several sports activities, such as softball, tennis, basketball, volleyball and track and field. It operates a counseling department that emphasizes the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. The Visitation Academy of St. Louis offers several after-school programs and guidance counseling services.