St. Mary's Academy

    ST. MARY’S ACADEMY, 6905 Chef Menteur Blvd., New Orleans – Providing a superior Catholic education in a loving and nurturing environment is a standard for St. Mary’s Academy. Founded and administered by the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1867, the private Catholic school serves students in grades pre-K3 through 12. While the elementary school is co-educational, the middle/high school division continues its tradition as an all-girls school.
    Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for more than 50 consecutive years, St. Mary’s Academy is at the forefront of education. The school’s new 100,000-square-foot campus features 31 state-of-the-art classrooms and connecting wings. Each classroom is equipped with SMART Boards, DVDs and touch-enabled computers. All of the buildings are eco-friendly and energy efficient.
    For 145 years, St. Mary’s has maintained its commitment to educate the whole person – spiritually, academically, socially and culturally. Nine members of the Sisters of the Holy Family serve as administrators, faculty, staff and resource personnel, while dedicated and professional lay faculty and staff serve as an integral part of the institution. In addition to its qualified educators, St. Mary’s also employs a team of caring and committed guidance and mental health counselors.
    St. Mary’s is a well-disciplined, Christian-based school, and students are encouraged to establish a close relationship with Jesus. Daily religion classes in all grades, monthly eucharistic celebrations, annual retreats, daily prayers, required service hours and encouragement to follow their call to holiness and service further enhance the students’ spiritual development.
    St. Mary’s offers its students an academically challenging, college preparatory curriculum in academics, which features honors, Advanced Placement courses and college preparatory classes. Four units of math, science and English are provided for every student. The Class of 2012 received more than $3 million in scholarship awards.
    Students have more than 35 extracurricular activities from which to choose. In 1998, St. Mary’s became the first all-girls school in Orleans Parish to win the state basketball championship. Additionally, the school has produced several students who have garnered college athletic scholarships, as well as one WNBA star.
    Participating as a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, St. Mary’s also competes in volleyball, softball, cross country and track. The record in these areas also has been outstanding.
    The vibrant blue and gold of the marching unit, made up of band, color guards, flag carriers, drill team, majorettes and cheerleaders, elicit favorable comments as it marches in parades and performs in other events in the city and beyond. The choruses – senior, junior and Resurrection Singers – make their presence known and appreciated with many special appearances, including the annual SMA Spring Concert.
    Another central part of the St. Mary’s family that brings distinction and honor are its many alumnae. These women are effective, contributing members of their communities. St. Mary’s graduates are positioned in almost every facet of the business world and are elected officials, nurses, teachers, doctors, lawyers, religious, judges, engineers, entrepreneurs, administrators and, most of all, devoted, loving, Christian mothers. Several alumnae presently serve as members of the school’s faculty and administration.
    St. Mary’s plans to be around for a long time and is a great place with much to offer every student who enjoys a safe, caring, loving and challenging environment.