Empowering girls. Inspiring Women.
When the West Penn Square Seminary for Young Ladies opened in Philadelphia on September 22, 1869, a young headmistress named Agnes Irwin was determined to turn it into an institution of academic excellence.
N
ow, 150 years later, The Agnes Irwin School continues Miss Irwin's vision by providing a rigorous, all-girls' education that has produced a legacy of inspiring women for generations. Our landmark anniversary has something for everyone — engaging speakers, inspiring conferences, unforgettable parties — and will be one for the history books! Check back often to learn more about our celebration of 150 years of empowering girls, and inspiring women!
Our History
We've been empowering girls since 1869. Browse through Agnes Irwin's history — from the early days in Center City, to our beautiful 26-acre campus in Rosemont — and meet a few of the notable women who have walked our halls along the way.
1869
At just 28, Agnes Irwin, the great-great granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin, becomes head of the West Penn Square Seminary for Young Ladies. She had a vision for the school (later called The Agnes Irwin School) that would make educating girls its mission.
1875
“West Penn Square Seminary for Young Ladies” becomes “Miss Irwin’s of Philadelphia.” It was one of the first schools devoted entirely to girls' education in the U.S.
1881
The School moves from the Irwins' family residence at 19th and Spruce to 2011 Delancey Place.
1894
Sophy Dallas Irwin, Agnes Irwin’s sister, becomes Headmistress.
1897
The Alumnae Association is formed to promote "a feeling of kinship to the school, and foster and extend school spirit."
1910
Anne Shirk, Class of 1911, forms the Athletic Association. The school is divided into blue and gold teams for athletic competitions. First extramural game played.
1915
After the deaths of Agnes Irwin and her sister, Sophy, Josephine A. Natt becomes the school's headmistress and renames it The Agnes Irwin School. She chooses the school's emblem, inspired by Sophy Irwin's old bookplate, featuring a drawing of her ancient Mediterranean oil lamp.
1916
Ms. Natt, along with the sophomore class, decides to feature the school emblem on the class ring. This ring is now presented to students on Sophomore Day.
1928
Bertha Laws, Class of 1897, succeeds Natt as Headmistress.
1933
The Agnes Irwin School relocates to the Isaac B. Clothier estate in Wynnewood.
1934
Standard uniforms are introduced, with a choice of four colors. The Agnes Irwin School receives accreditation from the Middle States Association of College and Secondary Schools.
1942
The first May Fair is held to raise money for war orphans — although the Maypole dances aren't introduced until nine years later, by Lucetta Sharp Alderfer. "She used carpet binding to strengthen and stiffen the ribbons before dying the reinforced ribbons blue and gold."
1944
Anne Farr Bartol and Edith M. Murphy are named Associate Headmistresses.
1961
The Agnes Irwin School relocates to its current location in Rosemont.
1962
Anne Stouffer Lenox becomes Headmistress.
1963
The wise old owl is chosen as the school mascot, a suggestion from Patty Pittman, Class of 1963. Today the owl is known as Gus.
1971
The first Medieval Day — later to be known as Medieval Night — is held. First Special Studies Program takes place for sophomore and junior classes, an idea conceived by Associate Headmistress Adele Griffin Sands.
1981
Adele Griffin Sands becomes Headmistress.
1986
Mary Kessler becomes Headmistress. Full-day kindergarten initiated. The Community Service Program begins.
1989
Margaret Penney Moss becomes Headmistress. During her term, the title is changed to Head of School.
1991
The Agnes Irwin School chapter of The Cum Laude Society is formed, and its first students inducted.
1996
The Blue and Gold Society is launched in recognition of leadership support of The Agnes Irwin School.
1998
The Laurel Society, recognizing planned gift arrangements, established by Class of 1953 members Annabelle Pierson Irey and Mary Pat McPhearson.
2005
Martha Cutts becomes Head of School. First PreKindergarten class begins. First Agnes Irwin School/Episcopal Academy (AIS/EA) Day of athletic competition is held.
2007
Helen Marter becomes Head of School.
2009
Mary Seppala becomes Head of School.
2011
On October 14, 2011 The Agnes Irwin School officially launches the Center for the Advancement of Girls.
2014
Dr. Wendy Hill becomes Head of School.
2016
The Innovation Team, or iTeam, is formed in order to further integrate innovation, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary instruction into classroom practices.
150th Celebration Events
Sesquicentennial Events Postponed
As Miss Agnes Irwin so often stated, we have an obligation to make a difference in our world. Ensuring your health and safety, as well as that of our global community, is one of the biggest ways for us to make a difference at this moment. For this reason, we are joining with schools around the world to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Sesquicentennial events for the spring.
Regional Events Postponed
As we do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we are postponing our Owls Unite and Acts of Kindness events.
Celebrating the 150th Throughout 2019-2020
Let's keep the momentum going all year long — participate in two great programs that will connect you with your fellow Owls and make a difference in the community in which you live. Learn more here.
Shop Commemorative Merchandise
Our new AIS Shop features 150th commemorative merchandise and AIS swag. Now it's easier than ever to represent the Blue and Gold!
Stay Connected
The co-chairs of Agnes Irwin's Sesquicentennial Celebration, along with the chairs of our regional and on-campus events, are hard at work behind-the-scenes! Please email AIS150@agnesirwin.org with any questions regarding our events or ways you can get involved!
