Empowering young women to lead with confidence, pursue academic excellence and build a more compassionate world.
It’s tradition...
Through beloved traditions at Saint Joseph Academy, students build a greater sense of community with their classmates, teachers and alumnae. Traditions begin the first week of a student’s freshman year and continue through senior year. These shared experiences build the foundation of a sisterhood our young women will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Freshman Rose Ceremony
The Academy community welcomes the freshmen class by presenting each freshman with a yellow rose.
College Acceptances Wall
Seniors gather at the College Acceptances Wall and ceremonially place a Jaguar paw print sticker on the logo of the college/ university they plan to attend.
Upper Class Induction
Family, friends, faculty and staff gather to celebrate the junior class as they rise into the higher ranks of upperclasswomen.
“Walk of the Roses”
Graduating seniors walk down Rocky River Drive dressed in all white, carrying a bouquet of a dozen red roses to their commencement ceremony.
Paws for Pride
A high-energy day highlighting Saint Joseph Academy’s school spirit, complete with exciting competitions, skits and games.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Academy’s “Walk of the Roses” tradition started 80 years ago when the Class of 1943 made the inaugural walk from Saint Joseph Academy down Rocky River Drive to Our Lady of Angels Church.
MISSION STATEMENT
Saint Joseph Academy, rooted in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph, fosters unifying relationships with God and all creation, empowers each young woman to achieve academic excellence, and inspires a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.
THE CHARACTER OF A SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY GRADUATE
In the tradition of the Congregation of St. Joseph, the graduate of Saint Joseph Academy is a woman who lives Unifying Love through Empathetic Justice, Service to the Dear Neighbor Without Distinction, Personal Integrity and Emerging Wisdom.
Unifying Love
Nourished by prayer, scripture and the sacraments, she exhibits inclusivity, mutuality and oneness in relationships with God, others and Earth.
Service to the Dear Neighbor Without Distinction
Recognizing relationship as the primary service, she makes herself vulnerable in meeting the unmet needs of others.
Empathetic Justice
Devoted to doing justice with compassion and respect for others, she works for systemic change to bring about global equality.
Personal Integrity
Valuing the wellness of body, mind and spirit, she discovers and owns her unique gifts and skills, claims her leadership ability and moves forward with confidence, courage, honesty and initiative.
Emerging Wisdom
Enlightened by intellectual curiosity, discernment and openness, she thinks critically, reflects regularly, broadens her perspectives and embraces the challenges of new ideas.
PICTURESQUE CAMPUS
STUDENT BODY HIGLIGHTS
43% 113 54 77% 22%
Of current students have a family legacy connection Different schools represented Different zip codes represented
Catholic; all faiths are welcome Represent minority populations
Saint Joseph Academy’s beautiful campus has two buildings, the Academy building and Fitzmaurice Hall. The Academy building is home to our Science, English, Math, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Engineering and Athletic Departments. An entire wing of the third floor is dedicated to the Howley Makerspace innovation lab giving students a hands-on learning space for individual and collaborative projects. Fitzmaurice Hall is home to our Social Studies and CORE Ministry/Theology Departments and common gathering spaces for students.
Coming soon!
A new addition will be added to the Academy building that will have a welcoming front entrance and student commons; improved athletics, wellness and physical education facilities and expanded performing arts facilities.
ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
COLLEGE BLOCK SCHEDULING
Our unique and challenging curriculum in college block scheduling is highlighted by Advanced Placement® (AP®) college level courses, Honors courses and Independent Studies. Socratic seminars and collaborative learning tools enhance students’ problem solving skills while providing applicable, hands-on experience.
See sample Freshman schedule pictured to the right.
*Freshmen can take AP® World History. This is a year-round class offered during B Block.
COURSE QUICK FACTS
100+ Courses offered
39 Honors and Independent Study courses available
20 AP® courses available
College Credit Plus (CCP) classes available
77% Of Seniors took AP® courses
UNIQUE COURSE OFFERINGS
3-D Design
Anatomy and Physiology
Cybersecurity
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Instructional Music
Mandarin Chinese
Metals/Glass
12:1 Student to teacher ratio provides attention and support to help achieve academic success
26 Performing and Visual Arts courses
Over 25% of students participate in Performing Arts programs
Microbiology and Zoology
Pre-Engineering
Women Leading in the 21st Century
Saint Joseph Academy has advanced technology tools including a 4,800 square-foot Howley Makerspace innovation lab, HoloLens 2 headsets with the HoloAnatomy® Software Suite, an Anatomage Table and Google Tilt Brush® systems that provide students with a foundation for careers in health sciences, mathematics, engineering and design.
JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL SHADOWING PROGRAM
In the second semester of their Junior year, students participate in a Professional Shadowing Program, which empowers them to explore real-world careers. This experience enables students to hone their career interests prior to the college selection process.
Distinguished Programs
Beyond the everyday curriculum, Saint Joseph Academy students have the opportunity to participate in unique programs designed to prepare them for a life of compassionate leadership and service in potential careers. The Academy Humanities Scholars Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program, Global Scholars Program and Health Sciences Honors Program, showcase how meaningful experiential learning that begins in the classroom extends into real life applications.
Scan the QR code for more information on our Distinguished Programs.
Girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools.
A. Holmgren
Dr. Richard
Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools
DISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS
ACADEMY HUMANITIES SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Academy Humanities Scholars Program immerses students in the exploration of what makes us human, preparing them for a life of compassionate leadership and service. Through comprehensive studies in literature, history, theology, and the arts, students will learn to preserve the past, appreciate the present, and envision the future of humanity. Participants will develop into inquisitive learners who broaden their perspectives by seeking emerging wisdom to become informed and empathetic citizens who think critically and act with integrity.
ENGINEERING & DESIGN HONORS PROGRAM
Students in the Engineering & Design Honors Program gain insights into the interconnectivity of engineering and design disciplines in an engaging way that helps them discover potential career paths. The program encourages students to develop critical thinking skills to become compassionate leaders. Students in the Engineering & Design Honors Program use the Howley Makerspace innovation lab frequently, working on class and service learning projects. Many departments outside of engineering and science often take their classes into the Howley Makerspace innovation lab to create projects that tie back to the lessons taught in the classroom. The Engineering & Design Honors Program includes two pathways, Purple and Gold, allowing students to choose their course of study that matches their goals and aspirations. This program provides students with the prerequisite skills and confidence necessary to become highly successful in a college STEAM environment. seek justice, strive to mend divisions and develop into leaders driven to meet the unmet needs of others.
GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Global Scholars Program is dedicated to ensuring students develop into inventive collaborators and agents of change for our worldwide community. Participants will develop cross-cultural knowledge and communications skills and excel at thinking critically about global change. This is accomplished through the attainment of a deep understanding of the interconnected and interdependent nature of the world and the importance of establishing personal connections.
PAST CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS
:
Belgium, China, England, Italy, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Peru and Spain
HEALTH SCIENCES HONORS PROGRAM
The Health Sciences Honors Program is designed to prepare students for Health Sciencesrelated careers through mutual learning and engagement enriched by healthcare professions in education, workforce and community partnerships. Since its inception in 2016, more than 150 young women have graduated from Saint Joseph Academy’s Health Sciences Honors Program. By offering two pathways, Purple and Gold, the program enables students to select courses that match their specific career goals, whether they want to pursue a doctoral degree or start a career immediately following college graduation. Students are provided with an authentic professional experience through experiential learning while also engaging in a rigorous mathematics, humanities and science curriculum. The program is designed to develop critical thinkers and foster compassionate leadership.
FAITH & SERVICE
Students have numerous opportunities to continue to grow in their faith, recognize the importance of God in their lives and understand the impact they can make on their local, regional and global communities.
FAITH FORMATION
Students attend 4+ spiritual retreats before graduation.
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
At Saint Joseph Academy, we believe that relationship and encounter are primary to the faith development of our students. Service hour requirements are designed to provide students with the opportunity to encounter Christ in the face of the poor and marginalized.
Freshman and sophomore students are required to complete 10 hours of direct service with organizations that serve marginalized members of the greater Cleveland community. Junior and senior students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to continue serving with the organizations she encountered during her freshman and sophomore years.
13,330+ Hours of Direct Service Completed During the 2024-25 School Year
Members of the senior class are invited to become Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.
During the summer, students have the opportunity to travel on service trips to West Virginia and the Dominican Republic.
VISUAL ARTS
Saint Joseph Academy students have access to the latest tools to express their creativity. Students have numerous opportunities to enter their pieces in national, state and local contests, exhibitions and shows.
DIGITAL ARTS
Our visual art courses gives students the freedom to explore their own artistic visions through our Howley Makerspace innovation lab, digital media and production labs and our 3-D virtual reality environment.
FINE ARTS
Under direction of our talented and accomplished faculty, students explore many creative avenues, learn the newest software programs and design three-dimensionally with a variety of hands-on projects.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Students explore how digital photography impacts visual literacy and how photography can be used as visual storytelling.
PERFORMING ARTS
Saint Joseph Academy has robust performing arts offerings such as choirs, instrumental music, and theater.
THEATER
Each year, students have the opportunity to become involved in the Academy’s production of a musical and/or play.
VOCAL MUSIC
The Academy Chorale and Concert Choir perform together at various community events. The Academy Chorale also sings at Masses and prayer services.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Saint Joseph Academy offers a variety of instrumental music classes including Orchestra, Jazz Band and Concert Band.
ATHLETICS
Saint Joseph Academy is an independent athletics school and is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 59% of our students participate in one or more sports and have proven they are competitive on State and National levels. The 2024-2025 school year marked the highest number of seniors, 17, committing to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level.
The Academy offers 15 Varsity sports over three seasons: fall, winter and spring.
BASKETBALL
BOWLING
CREW
CROSS COUNTRY
GOLF
GYMNASTICS
INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
LACROSSE
RUGBY
SOCCER
SOFTBALL
SWIMMING & DIVING
TENNIS
TRACK & FIELD
VOLLEYBALL
Just can’t hide that
OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES
98% Of the Class of 2025 accepted into 172 different colleges and universities across the nation
38 Ohio Honors Diplomas
62% Graduated with a GPA of 3.7 or above
Class of 2025 nearly $21 million in merit-based scholarships from various colleges, universities, and organizations. (as reported)
Each student is encouraged and empowered to succeed in academics and beyond. Our dedicated School Counselors, along with Student Support Services staff, work closely with students to help them achieve at their highest level. Student Support also comes in the forms of peer-to-peer tutoring, support in the writing lab, Title 1 Math tutoring and academic office meetings.
Our College Counselors guide students along their journey to success beyond the Academy, preparing them for postsecondary education and future career choices.
OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2 National Merit Finalists
1 College Board National Hispanic Recognition Awardee
2 Students earned highest composite score, 36, on ACT® Exam
The Academy’s Class of 2025 graduates were 3x more likely than the national average to choose engineering as a major.
Graduates have been accepted into these highly selective college and universities*:
Art Institute of Chicago
Berklee College of Music
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Cornell University
Emory University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Georgia Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Rensselaer Polytech Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Savannah College of Art and Design
The Ohio State University
Trinity College Dublin Tufts University
University of California Irvine
University of Miami
University of Notre Dame
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Virginia
University of Pittsburgh
Villanova University
Vanderbilt University
Yale University
TUITION & AFFORDABILITY
Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $19,150 before tuition assistance.* We are aware of the many sacrifices that families make to send their daughters to Saint Joseph Academy and take great care each year to grant assistance to families in need. Accordingly, approximately 80% of our students receive scholarship awards or tuition assistance.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Families are encouraged to apply for the wide range of tuition assistance programs offered to help offset the cost of tuition.
Cleveland Scholarship Program
Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) Grants
Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program
Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program (available to all students)
Saint Joseph Academy Tuition Assistance Award
$3.1M+ Financial assistance and merit awards given in the 2024-25 school year
SCHOLARSHIPS
Saint Joseph Academy awards a number of scholarships, ranging from $500$7,500. Many of these scholarships are available through the generosity of our donors.
100+ Scholarships offered to incoming and current students
*There is an additional technology fee and a deposit/registration fee.
ADMISSION ROADMAP
NAVIGATING THE ADMISSION PROCESS Shadow
SJA Application Due Dates
Catholic School Applicants: January 12, 2026 via Digital Academy
Public, Private, and Homeschool Applicants: January 23, 2026 via MySJA Application* *January 23rd is our priority deadline for non-Catholic school applicants. Applications received after will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
September - December
Spend a day on campus attending classes and meeting our teachers and students.
Offers Released December 2025
First Round of Decision Letters Mailed February 11, 2026 Confirm Enrollment
Submit enrollment deposit to confirm your place in the Class of 2030.
For any questions regarding the Admission process visit sja1890.org/admission or email Miss Jaclyn Moran at jmoran@sja1890.org
Preview Night
September 16, 2025
Experience life as a Jaguar! Girls in grades 7 & 8 and their families are invited to explore what makes SJA unique.
Fall Open House
October 5, 2025
Receive a personalized tour of our beautiful campus! Learn about academic offerings and meet our amazing teachers, coaches and students!
FACTS Application & Scholarship Application Deadline
November 7, 2025
considered for financial aid and SJA scholarships, families must submit their applications by November 7th.
Class of 2030 Welcome Party
High School Placement Test
October 11, 18, 22 or January 24
To be considered for admission at SJA, all applicants must complete a High School Placement Test.
Class of 2030 Course Registration
UPCOMING EVENTS
8th Grade Shadowing: September - December*
Preview Night: September 16, 2025
Fall Open House: October 5, 2025
Junior Jaguar Experience: October 10, 2025
Trunk or Treat: October 12, 2025
High School Placement Test (HSPT) Admission Testing:
October 11, 2025
October 18, 2025
October 22, 2025
January 24, 2026
Youth Basketball Night: December 3, 2025
*Multiple dates offered
Visit sja1890.org/visit
Experience why so many students believe Saint Joseph Academy feels like home.
Scan this QR code to complete our Inquiry Form to create your parent/ guardian MySJA account to register for upcoming admission events.
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