2023-24 Viewbook

4,800Square feet ofHowleyMak

Saint Joseph Academy students attend classes in a college-like setting, in both 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 was renovated, creating the expansive Howley 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.

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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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OUR CAMPUS

By the Numbers

1890 FOUNDED

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.

PRESENT DAY

The Congregation of St. Joseph includes more than 300 vowed religious sisters, 50 of whom reside in Cleveland, as well as more than 600 lay associates. Sharing one campus allows students and Sisters to build and maintain faith-filled relationships.

41% of current students have a family Legacy connection

58

Different zip codes represented

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.

Shannon Tomek Pastorello ’08

Procurement Agent, Turner Construction Company, graduate of University of Dayton, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 “25 Under 35” honoree

685

2 4 % eserper n t ytironim p o p u lations

34%areClevelan d r e s i stned

80% areCatholic;all faith s a r e emoclew

99 Different schools represented

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 Scholars Program showcase how meaningful experiential learning that begins in the classroom extends into real life applications.

Engineering & Design

Health Sciences

Global Scholars

Scan to learn more about our Distinguished Programs

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, 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, more than 150 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 and the Holoanatomy® Software Suite 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 SCHOLARS PROGRAM

A newer distinguished offering is the Global Scholars Program, 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.

CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS

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 school issued Chromebook for learning on and off campus and access to the vast resources in the Saint Joseph Academy Student Portal.

Howley 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. It features 14 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 accurate 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

1:1 Student to laptop ratio. Each student receives a Chromebook to further individualize her learning inside and outside the classroom

HoloAnatomy® Software Suite

Saint Joseph Academy is the only high school in the world to obtain the HoloAnatomy® Software Suite for classroom instruction. Using Microsoft HoloLens 2 headsets the HoloAnatomy® Software Suite, is a mixed-reality (MR) technology that allows users to see 3D holograms of the body’s bones, organs and systems to isolate and study parts of the human anatomy in ways that offer advanced learning and realistic detail.

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

FAITH FORMATION

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.

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.

Students attend 4+ spiritual retreats before graduation

9 Retreats offered/planned last year

27 Commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist in 2022

“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, AAHIVS Family Physician, MetroHealth, graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Drexel University, Hospital of

Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 “25 Under 35”

University

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of

honoree

SERVICE IN ACTION

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.

15,824+ hours of service completed in 2022-2023 school year

Arizona

9 Service-oriented clubs

9 Students recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA and InnerView in the Sixth Annual National Community Service Impact Awards

National Art Honor Society (NAHS) annual Empty Bowls fundraising event raised over $1,200 for the Greater Food Bank

9 Students participated in a virtual border immersion at the U.S./Mexico Border

One of the most valuable things that I think Saint Joseph Academy has to offer is that there is truly a niche for everyone, and opportunities for everyone to belong and discover something they are passionate about. The mission and vision of the Academy creates well-rounded young women capable and confident to take on the world. The combination of arts, academics, athletics and faith life offered by Saint Joseph Academy is unparalleled.

Kathleen Jones Hensley ‘15

7th Grade Science Teacher, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools, graduate of John Carroll University, Saint Joseph Academy 2023 “25 Under 35” honoree

Guatemala

West Virginia

Louisiana

Kentucky

Dominican Republic

Ohio

ACADEMICS

Our unique and challenging curriculum is highlighted by a Health Sciences Honors Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program, Global Scholars Program, Advanced Placement® (AP®) college level courses, Honors courses and Independent Studies. Socratic seminars and collaborative learning tools such as our state-ofthe-art HoloAnatomy® Software Suite, Anatomage Table and expanded Howley Makerspace innovation lab, enhance students’ problem solving skills while providing applicable, hands-on experience.

UNIQUE OFFERINGS

• Health Sciences Honors Program

• Engineering & Design Honors Program

• Global Scholars Program

• Mandarin Chinese

• 3D Design

• Women’s Leadership Symposium

• Women Leading in the 21st Century

• Facing History: Identity and Membership in American Society

39 Honors and Independent Study courses available

100+ Courses offered

Stay the COURSE

11:1 Student to teacher ratio provides attention and support to help achieve academic success

20 AP® courses available

26 Performing and visual arts courses

70% Of Seniors took AP® courses

“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 maledominated field or to have the audacity to run for office at the age of 25.”

Rep. Bride Sweeney ’10 State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives, graduate of John Carroll University, Saint Joseph Academy 2020 “25 Under 35” honoree

BLOCKparty

„ There are four academic blocks in a student’s class schedule

„ 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 25-minute Activity Blocks, time that can be used for lunch, club meetings, exercise, meetings with tutors, homework, prayerful reflection or social time with friends

JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL SHADOWING

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.

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.”

Meghan Crute ’02, MD, FAAD 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.

You go GRAD!

97%Of the Class of 2023 accepted into 148 different colleges and universities across the nation

43Ohio Honors Diplomas

5 Global Scholars Program Graduates 29 Health Sciences Honors Program Graduates

7 Engineering & Design Honors Program Graduates

25 Students Honored with Scholastic Art Awards

61%Graduated with a GPA of 3.7 or above

“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

SJA Class of 2023 graduates were 3x more likely than the national average to choose engineering as a major.

3 National Merit Finalists, 2 National Commended Scholars, 1 College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar

Graduates have been accepted into these highly selective College and Universities*:

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.

Scan the QR code for a full list of current club offerings.

50+ Student-led clubs offered

*Over the last five years

Did you know?

Students may also participate in 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

32 Years of participation in Model United Nations

Yearbook Club received third-party high honor for the 2019 Yearbook

92 Members of the Class of 2023 and 2024 were inducted into the National Honor Society

Mock Trial advanced to Regional competition

6 Members of the Class of 2023 and 2024 were inducted into the National Art Honor Society

13 Students participated in the OMEA District Honors Festival

ATHLETICS

15 VARSITY SPORTS

Basketball

Bowling

Crew

Cross Country

Golf

Gymnastics

Lacrosse

Rugby

Soccer

Softball

Swimming & Diving

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball

Indoor Track & Field

BASKETBALL

Varsity basketball won second District Championship in school history and reached the Elite Eight in the Division 1 OHSAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history for 2021

Saint Joseph Academy is an independent athletics school and is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 57% 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 Student-Athletes signed NCAA National Letters of Intent

VOLLEYBALL

OHSAA Division 1 District Champions for 2021

RUGBY

Varsity team won the 2023 State Championship for the 8th time in program’s history

GYMNASTICS

1 Athlete became the first gymnast in the program’s history to qualify for OHSAA D1 Gymnastics State Meet

CREW

The Program won Midwest Team Championship for first time in school history; in SRAA National Championship Regatta, Varsity 4+ placed 3rd, Junior 8+ placed 3rd and Freshman 8+ placed 2nd

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.

Just can’t hide that

JAGUARpride

Sarah Lehane Walsh ’05 Buyer, TJX Companies, Inc., graduate of Boston College, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee

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.

Pride Bowl

An annual spirited flag football tournament between students and faculty followed by a bonfire.

Upper Class Induction

Family, friends, faculty and staff gather to celebrate the Junior class as they rise into the higher ranks of upperclasswomen.

Paws for Pride

A high-energy day highlighting Saint Joseph Academy’s school spirit, complete with exciting competitions, skits and games.

“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.

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.

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.

Experience why so many students believe Saint Joseph Academy feels like home.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to register for upcoming admission events.