Since its founding in 1904, School of the Holy Child has provided generations of young women with a strong liberal arts education rooted in Catholic values and based on the trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person. Originally named St. Walburga's Academy in memory of Reverend Mother Mary Walburga White, SHCJ, the first Provincial of the American Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the School opened its doors in a small house on West 141st Street in New York City. Under the leadership of First Prefect Mother St. Ignatius, ten sisters and 14 students began classes on October 17, 1904.

In 1957, the school moved to its current 20-acre location in Rye, NY. In 1992 the Middle School was added to the Upper School, forming the independent school today. School of the Holy Child is a member of an international network of schools founded by Cornelia Connelly. Holy Child in Rye is the oldest American school in the network, which is made up of 12 independent elementary, middle, secondary and associate schools across the country as well as schools in Europe and West Africa.

All Holy Child Schools deliberately offer an educational experience that has a distinctive spirit draw from Cornelia Connelly's philosophy. Cornelia Connelly set out "to provide an intellectually challenging and creative program of study that fosters academic excellence" and "a faith commitment that engenders a joyous, personal, response to God in the challenges of the world."

At School of the Holy Child students grow strong in their faith and in the awareness of their social responsibility. Cornelia Connelly strongly believed in "Actions not Words." Today Holy Child alumnae serve their communities across the country through community service and professions such as, law, government, medicine, education, fundraising, business and the arts.