2021-22 Admission Viewbook
Saint Joseph Academy students attend classes in a college-like setting, in both the Academy building and Fitzmaurice Hall.
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Fitzmaurice Hall is named in recognition of Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice, CSJ. The adaptive re-use of this building enables students to attend Social Studies/Humanities and CORE Ministry/Theology classes where the Sisters lived, worked and prayed for more than 100 years. The renovation preserves the building’s rich history and distinctive architecture while updating it to support 21st century learning dynamics.
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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 was renovated, creating an expansive Makerspace innovation lab. This hands-on space creates a larger area for students to activate their imaginations and bring their ideas to life. Through 3D printers, laser engravers, routers, vinyl cutters, a clean room, plasma cutter (CRP), an embroidery machine and digital cameras, girls learn anything is possible. Creative technology tools in Graphic Arts, Digital Media and Production Labs enable students to gain experience with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud Suite graphic design software, Google Tilt Brush systems, a photography light box, green screen and more.
OUR CAMPUS
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The Congregation of St. Joseph includes more than 400 vowed religious sisters, 60 of whom reside in Cleveland, as well as 675 lay associates. Sharing one campus allows students and Sisters to build and maintain faith-filled relationships.
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In 1890, the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph opened a school for young women in Cleveland. Thirty years before women had the right to vote, Saint Joseph Academy began helping young women flourish and develop into leaders in their faith, their families, their communities and the world.
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PAST CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS
Different zip codes represented by our current students
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Acceptance – that is by far the greatest thing I think Saint Joseph Academy has that so many other schools don’t. It doesn’t matter what you look like, where you are from, what your interests are – you will fit in at Saint Joseph Academy. This is so important because it allows girls to be themselves and develop into the young women they have such great potential to become.
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Shannon Tomek Pastorello ’08 Assistant Superintendent and Civil Engineer, Turner Construction Company, graduate of University of Dayton, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 “25 Under 35” honoree
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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 Health Sciences Honors Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program and the Global Program showcase how meaningful experiential learning that begins in the classroom extends into real life applications.
Engineering & Design
Health Sciences
Global
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 Makerspace innovation lab frequently, working on class and service learning projects. Many departments outside of engineering and science often take their classes into the Makerspace innovation lab to create projects that tie back to the lessons taught in the classroom. The Engineering & Design Honors Program includes two pathways, 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.
HEALTH SCIENCES HONORS PROGRAM The Health Sciences Honors Program is designed to prepare students for Health Sciences-related careers through mutual learning and engagement enriched by healthcare professions in education, workforce and community partnerships. Since its inception in 2016, 122 young women have graduated from Saint Joseph Academy’s Health Sciences Honors Program. By offering two pathways, 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. The Anatomage Table enables students to learn how to dissect and visualize real human tissue, as well as isolate areas of the human body with the simple touch of a finger. By using the Anatomage Table, students gain experience with advanced technology normally only available at the collegiate level. Participation in this sought-after program results in well-prepared students ready for their college-level education.
GLOBAL PROGRAM A new distinguished offering is the Global Program, dedicated to ensuring students have meaningful and authentic experiences traveling throughout the U.S. and/or abroad. Inherent in such a program is a desire to stress the importance of establishing personal connections with others in communities around the world to help students become aware of different cultures and global issues. Global Program participants have the opportunity to collaborate with schools around the world through teleconferencing equipment made possible through a membership with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). By communicating with others around the world, students strengthen their world language skills and increase their cultural aptitude. Students in this program visit and/or participate in cultural tours, homestays, service immersion trips, exchanges and Model United Nations (UN) competitions.
Girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools. Dr. Richard A. Holmgren Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Saint Joseph Academy is committed to leading the way with technology. From our infrastructure to our classrooms, students have access to the most relevant systems and technology used in today’s universities and corporate environments. As part of this pledge each student has her own Chromebook laptop for learning on and off campus and access to the vast resources in the Saint Joseph Academy Student Portal.
Makerspace Innovation Lab This collaborative space encourages all students to create, invent and explore using a variety of materials and tools, as well as combine subject matter such as science, mathematics, design, World Languages and English. Its features include fourteen 3D printers, two laser cutters/ engravers, a router, two vinyl cutters, digital cameras, a green screen, clean room plasma cutter (CRP) and much more.
Anatomage Table The Anatomage Table, known as “the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system on the market,” enables students to dissect and visualize real human tissue, as well as isolate areas of the human body at the simple touch of a finger. By utilizing the Anatomage Table, Saint Joseph Academy students stand out among their peers when applying to colleges and universities. Saint Joseph Academy was the first high school in Northeast Ohio with this state-of-the-art Anatomage Table.
Creative Technology Tools Saint Joseph Academy’s digital learning environment is comprised of a wide range of creative technology tools for individual and class exploration, design, innovation and discovery, including: 50 iMacs with the full Creative Cloud Suite 50 MacBook Pros for classroom projects and long-term loan to students 8 State-of-the-Art Virtual Reality Systems that include applications such as Google Tilt Brush, which allow students to paint in a 3D virtual reality environment
Classroom Collaboration Tools Each classroom features the latest technology in interactive SMART Boards, providing access to online resources and integrating with other technology. In addition, global teleconferencing equipment for collaboration around the world is available as part of our membership with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC).
Nazareth Library The award-winning Nazareth Library is home to an abundance of online resources that can be accessed at anytime with more than 7,000 eBooks and DVDs. Students are encouraged to join Sursum Libros, an incentive program that celebrates and encourages students to read for pleasure beyond what they are required to complete in the classroom.
THE CHARACTER OF A SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY GRADUATE 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
FAITH FORMATION At the very heart of the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph is the theme of unity: working and living to bring all people into union with God, each other and all of creation. This charism is embraced at Saint Joseph Academy, shaping young women into living out unifying love each and every day. Four years of spiritual development enable our students to embody the qualities of 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.
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.
Students attend 4+ spiritual retreats before graduation
12 Retreats offered/ planned last year
28 Commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist in 2020
“Saint Joseph Academy has a tradition of social justice and Catholic social teaching. Under the guidance of the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, it fosters a culture of exploring complex ethical and sociopolitical issues in the context of stewardship, love of neighbor and global responsibility. My years at Saint Joseph Academy shaped my conscience and worldview in a way that still guides me today.” Meghan Fallon Fibbi ’05, DO, MPH Family Physician, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Drexel University, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 “25 Under 35” honoree
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SERVICE IN ACTION
hours of service completed over the past five years
Students have countless 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. Over the years, local, regional and international trips serving our dear neighbor have included Arizona, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio and West Virginia.
Ohio Kentucky West Virginia
Arizona Louisiana
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
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Service-oriented clubs 75 Students signed up to provide childcare to healthcare professionals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic 20 Art portraits created for frontline healthcare workers through National Art Honor Society 13 Students participated in a virtual border immersion at the U.S./Mexico Border
Saint Joseph Academy’s focus on social justice changed my life. At Saint Joseph Academy, you are challenged to think beyond the four walls of the classroom and envision your place in the world, the impact you can have in it. I graduated from Saint Joseph Academy charged with a responsibility to take action – to roll up my sleeves and make a positive impact on society. Kelly Glasenapp Lisy ’04 Director of Teacher Programs, Teach for America, graduate of Boston University and Arizona State University, Saint Joseph Academy 2016 “25 Under 35” honoree
ACADEMICS Our unique and challenging curriculum is highlighted by a Health Sciences Honors Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program, Global Program, Advanced Placement (AP®) college level courses, Honors courses and Independent Studies. Socratic seminars and collaborative learning tools such as our state-ofthe-art Anatomage Table and expanded Makerspace innovation lab, enhance students’ problem solving skills while providing applicable, hands-on experience.
1:1 Student to laptop ratio. Each student receives a Chromebook laptop to further individualize her learning inside and outside the classroom
UNIQUE OFFERINGS • Health Sciences Honors Program • Engineering & Design Honors Program • Global Program • Mandarin Chinese • 3D Design • Women’s Leadership Symposium • Women Leading in the 21st Century • Facing History and Ourselves
Stay the 120+ Courses offered
32% Of students participate in Performing Arts programs 19 Advanced Placement (AP®) courses available
COURSE
12:1 Student to teacher ratio provides attention and support to help achieve academic success 82% Of Seniors took Advanced Placement (AP®) courses
29 Performing and visual arts courses 27 Honors courses available
“It’s more than just a high school, it’s a lifetime community. Saint Joseph Academy helped develop my confidence. Being surrounded by other ambitious women and teachers who always expected the most out of you, helped me realize my capabilities. I truly believe without my Saint Joseph Academy experience, I would not have had the confidence to seek to work in a historically cutthroat male-dominated field or to have the audacity to run for office at the age of 25.” Bride Sweeney ’10 State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives, graduate of John Carroll University, Saint Joseph Academy 2020 “25 Under 35” honoree
Academic Block A
BLOCK party Longer length classes allow more time for interaction with teachers and other students, to collaborate on group projects, complete labs and more Eases the transition from high school to college scheduling In the middle of each day there are three 30-minute Activity Blocks, time that can be used for lunch, club meetings, exercise, meetings with tutors, homework, prayerful reflection or social time with friends
Academic Block B
There are four academic blocks in a student’s class schedule
The educational opportunities, personal connections and spiritual support you are blessed with at Saint Joseph Academy are truly amazing. Your fellow Jaguars become your sisters and the entire Academy community becomes your extended family. Everyone sincerely wants to see you succeed and will go out of their way to help you achieve your dreams. I have never experienced a more welcoming, nurturing, supportive environment. I would not be who I am and where I am in life had it not been for my experiences at Saint Joseph Academy.”
Academic Block C
Meghan Crute ’02, MD
Academic Block D
In the spring semester of their Junior year, students participate in a three-day 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.
Activity Blocks
JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL SHADOWING
Dermatologist, Spectrum Dermatology, graduate of Xavier University and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Saint Joseph Academy 2019 “25 Under 35” honoree
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
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 post-secondary education and future career choices.
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You go GRAD! Of the Class of 2021 accepted into 136 different colleges and universities across the nation
Students Honored with Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
$15+
Million in merit and scholarship awards
52%
Of graduates received scholarships
58 87
Ohio Honors Diplomas
Students Named AP® Scholars
SJA Class of 2021 graduates were 3x more likely than the national average to choose engineering as a major.
*Over the last four years
Graduates have been accepted into these highly selective College and Universities*: Berklee College of Music • Cornell University • Georgetown University • Harvard University Georgia Institute of Technology • Northwestern University • Purdue 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 Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania • University of Pittsburgh • Vanderbilt University • Yale University
1 National Merit Finalist, 1 National Commended Scholar, 1 College Board National Recognition Program Scholar
“Saint Joseph Academy is a welcoming place where you can always be yourself. At the Academy, you will mature as a young woman of faith while pursuing whatever academic, athletic or artistic interests you have. The inclusive and supportive culture at Saint Joseph Academy will enable you to achieve success, however you may define it. I promise you will have a lot of fun along the way developing friendships that will last long after high school.” Emily Kollin ’06 Aerospace Engineer, NASA Kennedy Space Center, graduate of The Ohio State University, Georgia Institute of Technology and The University of Texas at Austin, Saint Joseph Academy 2019 “25 Under 35” honoree
ACADEMIC
Academic Jaguars Chinese Club Debate & Discussion Engineering Club French Club Italian Club Latin Club Literary Magazine: Calliope Maker’s Club Math Club Mock Trial Model United Nations National Art Honor Society National Honor Society Newspaper Club: Jaguar Beat Science Club Spanish Club Yearbook Club
ARTS
Art Club Dance Team Drama Program Shakespeare Competition Show Choir Club The Academy Chorale: a cappella group
CLUB SPORTS Crew (Fall) Intramurals Sailing (Spring) Ski & Snowboard Club Winter Guard
CLUBS Numerous clubs and activities, for nearly every student interest, provide students with many diverse opportunities for personal growth, development and to help discover their passions. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and take initiative to start a club where there is interest.
30 Years of participation in Model United Nations
76 Members of the Class of 2021 and 2022 were inducted into the National Honor Society
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1 Student received a National Silver Medal through the 2021 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Student clubs offered
1 Dazzle Award nomination earned for the category of “Best Actress”
Mock Trial Qualified for the fourthconsecutive Regional competition
SPECIAL INTEREST Academy Ambassadors Announcement Crew Book Club Chess Club Entrepreneurship Club Irish Heritage Club Middle Eastern Cultural Club Ultimate Fan Club
SERVICE
American Sign Language Club Cancer Awareness Club CSPJ: Catholic Schools for Peace & Justice ECOS: Environmental Concern of Students Free to Smile Club Friends with L’Arche Glamour Gals HPAC: Health Professionals Affinity Community Key Club Labre Program National Art Honor Society National Honor Society Opening Minds through Art Voices for Change
Yearbook Club Received third-party high honor for 2019 Yearbook
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Did you know ? Students may also participate in cheerleading, marching band and flag corps through St. Edward High School and flag corps through Saint Ignatius High School.
Saint Joseph Academy is a special place that allows you to be who you are completely and fully, even if you are still figuring yourself out along the way. The faculty and students that you meet at the Academy will help shape the path that will set you up for success in your future and career. Laura McCarty Waryk ’07 Creative Manager, Saint Joseph Academy, graduate of Mercyhurst University, Saint Joseph Academy 2019 “25 Under 35” honoree
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.
Paws for Pride
Freshmen Rose Ceremony
The Academy community welcomes the Freshmen class by presenting each Freshman with a yellow rose.
Upper Class Induction
Family, friends, faculty and staff gather to celebrate the Junior class as they rise into the higher ranks of upperclasswomen.
Pride Bowl
Walk of the Roses
An annual spirited flag football tournament between students and faculty followed by a bonfire.
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A day highlighting Saint Joseph Academy’s school spirit, complete with exciting competitions, skits and games.
Graduating Seniors walk down Rocky River Drive dressed in all white, carrying a bouquet of a dozen red roses to their commencement ceremony.
College Acceptances Wall
Seniors gather at the College Acceptances Wall and ceremonially place a Jaguar paw print sticker on the card with the name of the college/university they plan to attend.
Did you know ? The Academy’s “Walk of the Roses” tradition started 78 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.
Home of our youth and memories so dear
ATHLETICS
Saint Joseph Academy is an independent athletics school and is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 55% of our students participate in one or more sports while maintaining an average GPA of 3.7 and have proven they are competitive on State and National levels.
15 VARSITY SPORTS Basketball Bowling Crew Cross Country Golf
Gymnastics Lacrosse Rugby Soccer Softball
Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Indoor Track & Field
15 Student-Athletes signed NCAA National Letters of Intent — the most in the Academy’s history
Just can’t hide that
JAGUAR pride
VOLLEYBALL
Advanced to the Division I Final Four in three of the last five seasons
CROSS COUNTRY Finished 14th in the State at the 2020 OHSAA Division I State meet at their fourth appearance in five years
TENNIS
Two athletes competed at the State tournament, the first time in the Academy’s history
SOCCER
While titles, medals and trophies were treasured, it was the teamwork that went into training that I truly valued. Athletics at Saint Joseph Academy taught me about commitment and accountability, trust and support, and compassion and understanding. I learned to deal with high-pressure situations in a constructive manner. Watching my coaches and serving as team captain developed my leadership skills, which play an important role in my career today. Sarah Lehane Walsh ’05 Buyer, TJX Companies, Inc., graduate of Boston College, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee
Posted a school record 12 wins and advanced to the school’s first District championship game
GOLF
One athlete competed at the District tournament, shooting a personal best of 90
BASKETBALL Four athletes honored with Basketball All-District awards
SWIMMING & DIVING
Six athletes competed in the District meet
BOWLING
Finished sixth place at the Sectional meet
EVERYBODY DO THE JAGUAR RUMBLE, EVERYBODY DO THE JAGUAR RUMBLE... JAGUAR...RUMBLE...JAGUAR...RUMBLE
GYMNASTICS
LACROSSE
Two athletes make their debut at the District championship
Set a school record with 14 wins in 2021 and advanced to the Regional qualifying game
INDOOR TRACK
RUGBY
SOFTBALL
CREW
13 athletes competed at the State indoor meet, 1 thrower finished in sixth place
State Runner-Up; ninth time competing at the State tournament
Varsity 8+ boat competed in the SRAA National Championship regatta
Won 19 games, captured the second District title in school history, and one athlete was named First-Team All-Ohio
I have many fond memories of playing at Saint Joseph Academy. My coach made it challenging and fun. I was fortunate to play with girls who became my best friends. Being inducted as a Hall of Fame honoree will serve as a platform to motivate, encourage and share my passion as a scholar-athlete with girls that I coach today. Katie Berry ’07 Judicial Assistant, Eighth District Court of Appeals Cuyahoga County, graduate of Walsh University, Saint Joseph Academy 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, SJA Assistant Basketball Coach
Important 8th Grade
Admission Events 2021-2022 All Events Require Registration
8TH GRADE SHADOWING Shadowing will begin on Monday, September 20.
FALL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 17, 12-4 p.m. Join us to learn more about Saint Joseph Academy. Open House is a wonderful opportunity to delve into our academic offerings, meet our amazing teachers, current students and coaches, as well as tour our beautiful campus including Fitzmaurice Hall and the Makerspace innovation lab renovation. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST (HSPT) Registration for a test date is required. There is a $20 fee. All 8th grade girls considering Saint Joseph Academy are required to take our Admission and Scholarship test as part of the application process.
Admission/Scholarship Consideration
HSPT/Admission Consideration
Saturday, October 30 Wednesday, November 3 Saturday, November 13
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Saturday, January 8, 2022 Test results from these dates will not be considered for academic scholarships.
Visit www.sja1890.org/admission for more details and to register for any of these events.
VIRTUAL VISITS The “Visit” section of our website includes many ways to explore the Academy virtually, at your convenience - watch a virtual tour video or use an interactive map of our campus.
Saint Joseph Academy has an open admissions policy. Students of any race, religion, color, nationality, and ethnic origin are admitted and accorded all rights, privileges, programs and activities through the Academy admissions policies, scholarships, athletics and other school-administered programs. All applicants are reviewed regarding past school achievement, behavioral and academic records, standardized test scores and the applicant’s desire to attend Saint Joseph Academy. Applicant’s official records are reviewed and evaluated by the Admission Committee. A personal interview may be required prior to acceptance. The student and her parent/guardian will be contacted to set up an appointment with a member of the Admission Committee.
3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111 • 216.251.4868 • www.sja1890.org Sponsored by the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph
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