FAQ
St. Mary’s Academy offers a very unique educational opportunity for your child. For boys and girls in grades kindergarten through grade 8 and only girls in our high school, SMA provides a nurturing environment shaped by Loretto values and a balance between high academic challenge and expectations and a full program in the arts and athletics.
Below please find answers to frequently asked questions about the Academy as a whole and each division.
1. Who attends St. Mary’s Academy?
The St. Mary’s Academy student community is a diverse group of over 730 students. Hailing from over 80 zip codes each SMA student is a unique member of our community. Demographically, 26% of the student body are students of color, 50% of our students are Catholic, and 25% of our students receive need-based tuition assistance. Our student body is boys and girls from kindergarten through 8th grade and all girls in grades 9 through 12.
2. How does my child apply to St. Mary’s Academy?
Please visit Apply to SMA for a complete description of our admissions process. Applications are generally begun in the Fall/Winter preceding the school year a student wishes to attend SMA. We will continue to accept applications through the spring and summer on a space available basis.
3. Does St. Mary’s Academy offer a sports program?
Please visit our Athletics Website for a complete listing of our competitive sports program available in grades 7-12. Students in lower grades participate in a comprehensive sports program through our PE curriculum featuring a survey of competitive sports in 6th grade.
4. What are the Arts offerings available to my child?
St. Mary’s Academy is proud to offer a strong visual and performing arts program at all grade levels. Beginning in kindergarten students will have opportunity to learn musical instruments, participate in theatrical performances and to sing in various choral groups. Our visual arts program is equally broad including drawing, painting, ceramics, 3D design and photography.
5. What is the tuition at St. Mary’s Academy? Is financial aid available?
Tuition for the 2010-2011 school year is $13,230. There are also division specific fees that due for each child. In the 2009-2010 school year over $1.2M was awarded in tuition assistance to boys and girls at all grade levels. All tuition assistance is need-based with the exception of a merit scholarship program available to qualified incoming 9th grade girls.
6. Do SMA students wear uniforms?
While there is not an official SMA uniform, each division has its own dress code with specific guidelines for student attire.
7. What is the spiritual life of students at SMA?
SMA was founded in the Catholic tradition by the Sisters of Loretto in 1864. Our spiritual identity is shaped by the diversity of our student body and has been an inclusive community for over 146 year. Students study theology at every grade level and Catholic mass and other prayer services are available throughout the school year. Theology curriculum and religious opportunities vary in the different divisions. Approximately 50% of our families are Catholic while the remaining half of our families represents a broad range of faiths.
I am certain we have traveled the globe in our commute to St. Mary’s Academy since we first came to SMA eight years ago. I was taught by Sisters of Loretto and I wanted my child to have a similar road map. We never waver. We never search. We make the trek and will continue to knowing this is one of the finest schools in Colorado. A special trip indeed!
