Blessed Anne Marie Rivier founded the Religious Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in France in 1796 during the French Revolution, despite significant risk of religious persecution. Their apostolic thrust is “To spread the fire of God’s love and the knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere.” (Anne Marie Rivier) At the request of Bishop Georges-Albert Guertin, the Sisters came to Hudson, New Hampshire in 1926. They purchased the present 90 acres of land to build what is now one of the most prestigious elementary and secondary schools in southern New Hampshire. Presentation of Mary Academy opened its doors as a boarding school for girls in 1926 and stewarded graduating classes until 1971. After several years of growth, these pioneering educators expanded their mission and founded their first college, today known as the highly esteemed Rivier University. The University began at Presentation of Mary Academy, and after three years moved to their present Nashua campus location. In 1990, the high school closed to accommodate the spatial requirements of an expanding elementary school.

Today, Presentation of Mary Academy continues its tradition of growth and educational excellence. In 2009, Presentation of Mary expanded its educational system to include pre-kindergarten programs for three and four-year-old children. In 2011, with the rapid growth of the Junior High, the Academy built a state-of-the-art 1.5 million dollar multi-functional athletic field. The Thompson Center for Athletics and Performing Arts, which is a 36,000 square foot gymnasium and arts center, was completed in 2018. In 2024 another large improvement project was completed to support our school community, with the completion of the Terry Robinson Pavilion and Main Entrance project. This new construction provides heightened security and weather protection for our students and staff. School enrollment presently stands at some 500 boys and girls receiving a phenomenal, private education stewarded by Jesus. Our legacy continues to grow through the stewardship of the Sisters, commitment of an outstanding faculty and staff,  and dedicated partnership with parents, alumni and benefactors.