Visiting a College is the single best way to get to know if the school is the right fit for you.  Walking the campus, sitting in class and/or eating in the dining hall, offers students the opportunity to see themselves as a member of that community…. or maybe not.  With that thought in mind, St. Mary’s Academy offers students in grades 8th – 12th the opportunity to visit college campuses.

2019-2020 College Visits for 8th Grade, Freshmen, Sophomores and Seniors

8th Grade students visited Dillard University

Freshmen Class of 2023 – Alabama State University, Tuskegee University and Springhill College

Sophomore Class of 2024 – Spelman College, Agnes Scott College, Clark Atlanta University

Junior Class of 2021 – Still to come…

Senior Class of 2020 – Southern University and A&M College and Nicholl’s State University.

St. Mary’s Academy offers a program in accordance with the Department of Education of Secondary Schools in the State of Louisiana and the Southern Association of Secondary Schools.

Requirements:

AP PROGRAM

Physics 1 unit and/or
Calculus 1 unit and/or
English -1 unit

HONORS PROGRAM

English 4 units
Social Studies 4 units
Mathematics 5 units
Science 4 units
Languages 4 units
Physical Education 2 units
Religion 4 units
Community Service

ELECTIVES

REGULAR PROGRAMS

English 4 units
Social Studies 4 units
Mathematics 4 units
Science 4 units
Languages 2 units
Physical Education 2 units
Religion 4 units
Elective
Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE – All students are required to do community service according to grade level.

5th Grade – 5 Required Community Service Hours
6th Grade – 5 Required Community Service Hours
7th Grade – 5 Required Community Service Hours
8th Grade – 10 Required Community Service Hours
9th Grade – 15 Required Community Service Hours
10th Grade – 20 Required Community Service Hours
11th Grade – 25 Required Community Service Hours
12th Grade – 25 Required Community Service Hours

GRADUATION POLICY

Full participation in the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies at St. Mary’s Academy is a privilege, and not a right, for the student and her parents. Therefore, the privilege of participating in these ceremonies with one’s class is governed by the following principles:

1. Successful completion of the course of studies required by the State.
2. Successful completion of the course of studies required by St. Mary’s Academy.
3. Fulfillment of the required number of days of attendance.
4. Fulfillment of all senior activities. (as described in the Student Handbook)
5. Resolution of all financial indebtedness.
6. Certification by the Administration that the student has followed the rules and regulations of the school to such an extent that the student has earned the privilege of being an active participant in the baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies.

These rules and regulations specifically include the section on suspension and dismissal as found in the STUDENT HANDBOOK. However, other egregious breaches of rules and regulations may be considered by the Administration before bestowing on the student the privilege of being able to participate in the above mentioned ceremonies.

God is at the forefront of everything at St. Mary’s Academy. Every school day begins and ends with prayer and students are encouraged to develop a close relationship with God.

Opportunities for spiritual growth include monthly Masses, retreats and Religion classes. Every student also has access to the school’s Chaplain, who not only offers Masses but consultation and the Sacrament of Confession.

The St. Mary’s Academy student learns to model Christian behavior both in and outside of school. Community service projects, peer mediation and fellowship activities further enhance her spiritual development.

From the moment that a young woman steps on campus, she is taught that not only is she special, she is a “Daughter of the King.”

Students are encouraged to live as true Christians and to model their lives after Jesus and the Blessed Mother, the patron of the school. The school provides opportunities for the following:

• Annual Retreats
• Monthly Masses
• Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Daily visits to Campus Church
• Participation in the Living Rosary
• Service Learning Program
• Campus Chaplain
• Student Eucharistic Ministers

Preparing our students to enter any arena with grace, style and confidence is a unique facet of the Maryite curriculum. With lessons on topics such as “Dressing for Success,” Effective Communication,” “Poise and Presentation,” and “Fine Dining,” St. Mary’s Academy is highly regarded for the caliber of its students.

Reinforcing the etiquette lessons are activities such as the annual Mother and Daughter Event and the Debutante Ball.

St. Mary’s Academy was one of the first schools to present its students to society, regardless of race or socio-economic status. Every member of the senior class is formally presented to society by her father or close family friend.