A group of our Belles from each class and tie color were asked to share #WhySMA is their high school choice:

1. Faith and Prayer

One of the benefits of attending a Catholic school is the importance of incorporating faith and prayer throughout the school day. At St. Mary’s Academy, we begin each morning with a prayer, each class with a prayer, and our weekly Faculty/Staff meetings with a prayer. The SMA community is committed to leading the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as we develop young women to grow in their faith.

2. Career Path Programs – Arts, Business, Engineering and Health Careers

The unique academic and career based path programs at St. Mary’s Academy provide our students with curriculum that incorporates theories, hands on projects and community partnerships. The Career Path Programs are connected to local organizations and universities including Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University, US FIRST and Mount Saint Mary’s University.  School field trips to Raytheon, SpaceX, Deloitte and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center expose our students to innovative leads in the STEM fields.

Providing an after school music program through Harmony Project and student performances through Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre, enables our students to receive an Arts education in a time when budget cuts are affecting art programs. In addition, St. Mary’s Academy is proud to be the only all-female Project Lead the Way high school in Southern California.

3. Bonds of Sisterhood

Since 1889, St. Mary’s Academy has educated young women of distinction in a Catholic, private,  college preparatory setting. The legacy of the tie colors and other traditions has created a special bond between our current students and alumnae throughout generations. The legacy of families choosing St. Mary’s Academy to educate their daughters, granddaughters, aunts, cousins and nieces is one of the treasured aspects of our school.

4. Welcoming environment

High school is one of the most important educational and social developmental times for today’s youth. We are pleased to provide a space where our students feel welcomed, accepted and safe which is essential to academic learning. We have formed a Christian community that nurtures and challenges each young woman to attain her full potential.

5. Supportive Faculty and Staff

Serving as a faculty or staff member in Catholic education is a special calling. Our faculty and staff understand the importance of our students’ spiritual and personal development during these formative years.  Our faculty and staff support our students inside and outside the classroom through tutoring, assisting with college applications, serving as club moderators to support student events and hosting award ceremonies to recognize student academic achievements.

Did you know…

There is still time to become a Belle like us! St. Mary’s Academy is accepting second round applications for incoming freshmen and transfer students for the 2017-2018 school year. Apply online at smabelles.org or call the Admissions Director at (310) 674-8470 ext. 204.