CAMPUS
When young women are supported and empowered to achieve academic, athletic and spiritual excellence, the opportunities are endless. At Saint Joseph Academy, many students refer to it as their second home.
Saint Joseph Academy, like a college campus has multiple buildings. -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 large area for students to activate their imaginations and bring their ideas to life. Through 3D printers, laser engravers, routers, vinyl cutters, plasma cutter (CRP), an embroidery machine and digital cameras, students 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.
Fitzmaurice Hall is named in recognition of Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice, CSJ. The adaptive re-use of this building enables all 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.
WHO WE ARE
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.
FOUNDED 1890
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, 40+ 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.
47% Of current students have a family Legacy connection 57 Different zip codes represented 113 Different school represented 79% Catholic; all faiths are welcome 36% Cleveland Residents 25% Represent minority populations
WHY SJA?
“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
“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.”
Rep. Bride Sweeney ’10
State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives, graduate of John Carroll University, Saint Joseph Academy 2020 “25 Under 35” honoree
“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
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, Humanities Scholars Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program and the Global Scholars Program showcase how meaningful experiential learning that begins in the classroom extends
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PROGRAMS
NEW! HUMANITIES SCHOLARS PROGRAM
New for the 2024-25 school year, the 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.
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
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. seek justice, strive to mend divisions and develop into leaders driven to meet the unmet needs of others.
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, 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.
“The HoloAnatomy® application allows my students to have a collaborative and immersive learning experience. Instead of only learning anatomy through pictures in their textbook, my students have different opportunities to learn, giving physical, social and visual learners a chance to excel. ”
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
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.
WOMEN OF Unifying Love
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.
FAITH FORMATION
Students are invited to become Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. In the 2023-24 School year 29 students were Commissioned.
Students attend 4+ spiritual retreats before graduation.
RETREATS OFFERED DURING THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR :
Grade Level Retreats: Freshmen Retreat, Sophomore Retreat, Senior Day of Reflection
Day Retreats: Student Leadership Retreat, Care for Creation Retreat (Spring/Fall), Makerspace Retreat (Spring/Fall), Senior Art Retreat (Senior/ Junior), Silent Retreat, Music Retreat and Writing Retreat
Overnight/MultiDay Retreats: Urban Plunge, Towpath Retreat, Kairos
“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
Assistant Athletic Director, Saint Joseph Academy, graduate of John Carroll University, Saint Joseph Academy 2023 “25 Under 35” honoree
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
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.
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.
15,215+ HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE COMPLETED IN 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Three students logged over 400+ hours during their four years at the Academy
Three students recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA and InnerView in the Seventh Annual National Community Service Impact Awards
National Art Honor Society (NAHS) annual Empty Bowls fundraising event raised over $1,360 for the Greater Food Bank
9 students participated in an immersive border experience with orderlinks in Tucson, Arizona
“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 the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 “25 Under 35” honoree
ACADEMICS
Our unique and challenging curriculum 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.
“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 OFFERINGS
COLLEGE BLOCK SCHEDULING
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, tutoring, homework, prayerful reflection or social time with friends
COURSE QUICK FACTS
100+ Courses offered
38 Honors and Independent Study courses available
19 AP® courses available
38 Honors and Independent Study courses available
UNIQUE OFFERINGS
Health Sciences Honors Program
Engineering & Design Honors Program
Global Scholars Program
Humanities Scholars Program
Mandarin Chinese
77% Of Seniors took AP® courses
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
3D Design
Women’s Leadership Symposium
Women Leading in the 21st Century
Facing History: Identity and Membership in American Society
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.
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 postsecondary education and future career choices.
OUTCOMES
98% Of the Class of 2024 accepted into 173 different colleges and universities across the nation
65 Ohio Honors Diplomas
30 Health Sciences Honors Program Graduates
8 Engineering & Design Honors Program Graduates
8 Engineering & Design Honors Program Graduates
62% Graduated with a GPA of 3.7 or above Class of 2024 earned $10,029,002 in merit-based scholarships from various colleges, universities, and organizations. (as reported)
“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
OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
6 National Commended Scholars
1 College Board National African American Recognition Awardee
2 College Board National Hispanic Recognition Awardees
2 Students earned highest composite score, 36, on ACT® Exam
The Academy’s Class of 2024 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
*Over the last five years
CLUBS
Over 50 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.
“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
33 Years of participation in Model United Nations
524 pounds of pop tabs were donated by Key Club to Ronald McDonald House
65 Members of the Class of 2024 and 2025 were inducted into the National Honor Society
10 Members of the Class of 2024 and 2025 were inducted into the National Art Honor Society
13 Students participated in the OMEA District Honors Festival
“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
ATHLETICS
aint Joseph Academy is an independent athletics school and is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 56% of our students participate in one or more sports and have proven they are competitive on State and National levels. The Academy offers 15 Varsity sports over three seasons: fall, winter, spring.
Swimming
Volleyball
Indoor Track & Field
Buyer, TJX Companies, Inc., graduate of Boston College, Saint Joseph Academy 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame
13 STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGNED NCAA NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT
VOLLEYBALL
Varsity Volleyball won the OSHAA Regional championship and advanced to the OSHAA Division I State Semifinal.
RUGBY
Varsity team is back-to-back state champions winning the 2024 Rugby Ohio State Championship for the 9th time in the program’s history.
CROSS COUNTRY
The Program placed ninth at the OHSAA Division I State Meet.
CREW
The program won the Midwest Team Championship for the second time in school history (2023 & 2024); Five boats competed in the SRAA National Championship Regatta: Varsity 8+(placed 19th), Varsity 4+ (placed 2nd), Junior 8+ (placed 5th) and Freshman 8+ (placed 11th).
SWIMMING
One student advanced to the OHSAA State Meet for 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle.
TRACK & FIELD
One student qualified for the 300m hurdles at the 2024 OSHAA Division I State Track & Field Meet.
Just can’t hide that
JAGUARpride
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.
Experience why so many students believe Saint Joseph Academy feels
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