Founded in 1873, Convent of the Visitation School is an independent, Catholic school for girls and boys in Montessori preschool and kindergarten through grade 6. The school, which is college preparatory for young women in grades 7-12, is the only all girls' secondary school in Minnesota. The students who enroll at the school come from the entire metro area and are from a variety of socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. In addition to building a strong spiritual foundation, Visitation provides an atmosphere which fosters values, self-esteem, and academic achievement.