FAQ
St. Mary’s Academy offers a unique educational opportunity for your child: a nurturing environment shaped by Loretto values, and a balance between high academic challenge and a full program in the arts and athletics. Below please find answers to frequently asked questions.
1. Who attends St. Mary’s Academy?
The St. Mary’s Academy student community is a diverse group of over 700 students. Hailing from over 70 zip codes each student is a unique member of our community. Demographically, 30 percent of the student body are students of color, 50 percent of our students are Catholic, and 34 percent 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?
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 St. Mary’s Academy. 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?
We offer a competitive sports program for boys and girls in grades 6-8 and for high school girls with an array of offerings from golf and cross country to soccer and field hockey. Students in the lower grades participate in a comprehensive sports program through our PE curriculum which features a survey of competitive sports in sixth grade. Parents and friends can follow Wildcat game highlights and check schedules at our athletics web site.
4. What are the arts offerings available to my child?
We are proud to offer a strong visual and performing arts program at all grade levels. Beginning in kindergarten, students have the opportunity to learn musical instruments, participate in theatrical performances and 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 2013-2014 school year is $15,600 for grades 1 through 12, $14,860 for Kindergarten and $10,500 for Junior Kindergarten. There are also division-specific fees for each child. In the 2012-2013 school year, over $1 million 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 students wear uniforms?
While there is not an official uniform, each division has its own dress code with specific guidelines for student attire.
7. What is the spiritual life of students at St. Mary’s Academy?
Our school was founded in the Catholic tradition by the Sisters of Loretto in 1864. Our community has always been inclusive and continues to be shaped by the diversity of our student body. 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 percent 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!
