St. Mary's Academy (Denver, Colorado)

St. Mary's Academy (Denver, Colorado) is a private, Catholic school located in Denver, Colorado, with a long history dating back to 1864, when it was founded by the Sisters of Loretto. The school has a strong affiliation with the Archdiocese of Denver and is part of the National Catholic Educational Association. St. Mary's Academy is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The school's mission is to provide a rigorous, Jesuit-inspired education, similar to that of Georgetown University and Boston College, with a focus on Ignatian spirituality.

● History

The history of St. Mary's Academy dates back to 1864, when it was founded by the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic order of nuns who were dedicated to education and social justice, similar to the Sisters of Mercy and the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena. The school was originally located in Downtown Denver and was known as the Loretto Academy, with a curriculum similar to that of Vassar College and Wellesley College. Over the years, the school has undergone several changes, including a move to its current location in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, and has been affiliated with various Catholic organizations, including the Archdiocese of Denver and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The school has also been influenced by the Second Vatican Council and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and has a strong connection to the University of Denver and Regis University.

● Academics

St. Mary's Academy offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on liberal arts and sciences, similar to that of Harvard University and Stanford University. The school is divided into three divisions: the Lower School, which includes preschool through 5th grade, the Middle School, which includes 6th grade through 8th grade, and the Upper School, which includes 9th grade through 12th grade. The school offers a range of courses, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes, as well as online courses through the National Cathedral School and the Lawrenceville School. St. Mary's Academy is also a member of the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and has a strong partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder and the Colorado School of Mines.

● Campus

The campus of St. Mary's Academy is located in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, on a 10-acre site that includes several buildings, including the Main Building, the Gymnasium, and the Library. The campus is also home to several sports fields and facilities, including a soccer field, a tennis court, and a track and field stadium, similar to those found at Notre Dame and University of Southern California. The school has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental education, and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including the use of solar panels and recycling programs, similar to those found at Middlebury College and University of California, Berkeley.

● Student Life

St. Mary's Academy offers a range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including sports teams, music groups, and community service organizations, similar to those found at Phillips Exeter Academy and Andover. The school has a strong focus on character development and leadership training, and offers several programs to help students develop their skills and interests, including the National Honor Society and the Student Council. St. Mary's Academy also has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers several programs to support students from diverse backgrounds, including the National Association of Independent Schools and the People of Color Conference.

● Athletics

St. Mary's Academy has a strong athletic program, with several sports teams that compete in the Colorado High School Activities Association and the Metro League, similar to those found at De La Salle High School and Loyola High School. The school offers a range of sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field, and has a strong commitment to sportsmanship and fair play, similar to the Olympic Games and the NCAA. St. Mary's Academy has won several championships in recent years, including the Colorado State Championship in soccer and basketball, and has produced several all-state and all-American athletes, including those who have gone on to compete at the University of Colorado and the University of Denver.

● Notable Alumni

St. Mary's Academy has a long list of notable alumni, including business leaders, politicians, and artists, similar to those found at Harvard University and Stanford University. Some notable alumni include Condoleezza Rice, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Kathleen Sebelius, who have all gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields, including diplomacy, law, and politics. The school has also produced several Olympic athletes, including Missy Franklin and Amy Van Dyken, who have competed in the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. St. Mary's Academy is proud of its strong tradition of producing leaders and achievers who go on to make a positive impact in the world, similar to those found at West Point and the Naval Academy. Category:Private schools in Colorado