AT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY, WE BELIEVE IN PROVIDING A NURTURING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS CAN FLOURISH ACADEMICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND PERSONALLY.
As a leading educational institution in the Brownsville community, we are committed to fostering excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow
Established with a rich history and a strong foundation in Catholic values, Saint Joseph Academy has been a cornerstone of education in Brownsville for several decades. Academics at Saint Joseph Academy are designed to inspire intellectual curiosity and instill a lifelong love of learning Our dedicated faculty members employ innovative teaching methods and personalized attention to ensure each student reaches their full potential From our advanced placement courses to our fine arts and athletic programs, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that caters to diverse interests and talents
Beyond the classroom, we strive to cultivate a deep sense of spirituality and moral responsibility in our students Grounded in the Catholic faith, we encourage students to explore their spirituality, embrace their unique gifts, and contribute positively to their communities. Our commitment to servicelearning programs empowers students to make a meaningful difference in the world around them.
D U A L E N R O L L M E N T
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE, THE SJA STUDENT WILL HAVE EARNED THE COLLEGE CREDIT
38 COLLEGE CREDITS
AT NO COST TO FAMILIES
The TSC dual enrollment courses are taught by SJA faculty. UTRGV dual enrollment courses are taught by UTRGV faculty on the SJA campus, exclusively to SJA students. Upon successful completion of a dual enrollment course, the SJA student will have earned the college credit and an official college transcript will reflect the earned credits
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
The Signature Programs offer students a chance to connect with industry leaders, join seminars, and take part in community events, enriching their SJA journey.
These programs blend academics with career exposure, spanning fields like engineering, biotech, performing arts, and public service. Their aim is to help high schoolers explore their talents early on and pave the way for future college majors and careers.
DID YOU KNOW?
The distinguished faculty of SJA have an average of 20 years of professional teaching experience and 36% of faculty have advanced degrees.
SJA STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH A DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Graduation Requirements
28 CREDITS ARE REQUIRED TOGRADUATE
All students must complete a writing portfolio
A SIX YEAR CLASS SCHEDULE
7th Grade
Religious Studies 7
Language Arts 7 *
Language Enrichment 7
Pre – Algebra*
Physical Science 7
Texas History
Computer Literacy/Keyboarding
8th Grade
Religious Studies 8
Language Arts 8*
Algebra I * (1.0 HS credit)
Environmental Systems 8* (1.0 HS credit)
US History through 1877
Physical Education (One semester) (One semester)
Physical Education (One semester)
**Electives: (One semester)
Middle School Art
Applied Engineering I
Intro to Theater Arts
Mixed Choir
9th Grade
**Electives (semester courses)
Middle School Art (One semester)
Applied Engineering II (One semester)
Intro to Theater Arts (One semester)
Mixed Choir (One semester)
Health (0.5 HS credit)
**Beginning Spanish (Two semesters 1 0 HS credit)
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
*Unless satisfied at SJA in Grade 8
**Unless satisfied at SJA through Varsity athletics
F A I T H
SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
OFFERS EACH STUDENT AN EDUCATION THAT DRAWS FAITH, CULTURE, AND LIFE INTO HARMONY
Saint Joseph Academy follows Saint Marcellin Champagnat’s vision. At SJA, we lead young people to know and love Jesus and Mary, believing that they all can become good Christians and citizens. We welcome all young people, whatever their circumstances, offering each one an education that draws faith, culture, and life into harmony.
Every day is started in prayer, taking a moment to pause, reflect and pray for each other and those around us. Every student is required to attend monthly Liturgies, which are a collaboration between
students and our local priests, and our Call to Ministry students.
Saint Joseph Academy offers comprehensive courses in theology, a requirement of every grade These courses enrich our campus and they address the personal and spiritual needs of the entire SJA family.
Retreats are a necessary component of faith formation and campus ministry Our retreat program is designed to provide an annual reflective experience for each student. This ensures that all students continually develop their own personal relationship with God, collectively build unity with their peers as a class, and process their growth as they mature as teenagers. During these offcampus retreats, students address questions of personal faith, build community, participate in challenging activities, and join in prayer experiencesall appropriate for their age level.
These annual class retreats provide opportunities for students to grow into:
• Faith-filled disciples
• Servant leaders
• Empowered witnesses
• Agents of justice and peace
• Spirit-filled members of family & community
All students will be required to perform the required amount of hours of community service per grade level each semester
Examples of acceptable community service include:
• Direct Service to the poor.
• Service with organizations that indirectly serve the poor. (In this case, students should be prompted to consider how their work indirectly served the poor)
• Service at or for a Church or faith community
• Service at City or County organizations and/or organized event.
P E R F O R M I N G A R T S
EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE STAGE
The Saint Joseph Academy Performing Arts Program offers students in grades 7–12 the chance to grow as both performers and technicians. Through an intensive, integrated curriculum, students sharpen their skills while discovering their unique talents. The program emphasizes high artistic standards, critical thinking, and whole-person development, preparing students to use their abilities both on stage and beyond
Participation is year-round, with rehearsals and productions woven into the school calendar Students may choose from courses such as Survey of Theatre, History, and Performance a journey from ancient Egyptian performance traditions to modern theatre or Performing Arts, where they explore improvisation, auditions, monologues, group scenes, movement, voice and diction, playwriting, Shakespeare, and theatre literature.
2024–2025: A Standout Year
This past year was one of the most successful performance seasons in SJA’s history. The program staged five major productions:
• The River Bride
• Bonnie and Clyde
• Rent: School Edition
• A Streetcar Named Desire
• The Scene
These productions showcased the depth of student talent both on stage and behind the scenes.
Palm Award Nominations
The program ’ s excellence was recognized with multiple Palm Award nominations, including two productions honored at the highest level.
For The River Bride
• Best Overall Production of a Play
• Best Actress –Madelynn Gonzalez
• Best Scenic Design –Diego Valenzuela
• Best Technical Crew
• Best Lighting Design
• Best Sound Design
For Bonnie and Clyde
• Best Ensemble of a Musical
• Best Actor – Mauricio Ibarra
• Best Actress –Madelynn Gonzalez
Honorable Mentions
for Bonnie and Clyde
• Best Overall Production of a Musical
• Best Choreography
• Best Supporting Actress –Jimena Herrera
• Best Featured Performer –Talia Treviño
• Best Scenic Design
• Best Lighting Design
• Best Sound Design
• Best Technical Crew
Student Achievements
The Class of 2025 is carrying SJA’s legacy forward into higher education:
• Jimena Herrera –Accepted to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.
• Diego Valenzuela –Accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
• Madelynn Gonzalez –Accepted to Texas State University to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
A T H L E T I C H I G H L I G H T S
Not only do The Bloodhounds excel academically, but we also excel athletically.
THE 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR SAW MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN SPORTS. However, being a Bloodhound means more than winning, we focus on discipline, hard work, commitment, and dedication to excellence on and off the playing field and/or courts.
15 SPORTS 32+ TEAMS
Sports Available at SJA
Fall:
Cheerleading (V)
Pom Squad (MS)
Cross Country (MS, JV & V)
Dance (V)
Football (MS, JV & V)
Volleyball (MS, F, JV & V)
Winter:
Basketball (MS, JV & V)
Soccer (JV & V)
Swimming (V)
Tennis (JV & V)
Powerlifting (V)
Spring:
Baseball (JV & V)
Golf (V)
Tennis (JV &V)
Track & Field (MS, JV & V)
92% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS
2024-2025 listing of State and District Championships
Football: District Champions, Area Champions
Girls Basketball: District Champions, Area Champions
Girls Track & Field: District Champions
Boys Soccer: Area Champions, Regional Champions, State Runner Up
Volleyball: Area Champions (First Time in School
History)
Powerlifting: State Qualifier
TAPPS Individual State Champions
• Olivia Wood, Discus, Track & Field
• Nicole Richer, Pole Vault, Track & Field
18
STUDENTS AWARDED ALL-STATE BY TAPPS
For the last 9 years, bloodhounds continued their athletic dream of playing at the collegiate level
‘16 Abraham Caram –
Texas Lutheran University, Football
’17 Valeria Tapia – UTRGV, Basketball
’17 Ricardo Miner – Trinity University, Football
’18 Kai Money – UT Austin, Football
’19 Pablo Zolezzi – Texas A&M University
College Station, Track & Field
‘20 Allison Stachowiak –
Texas A&M University Kingsville, Volleyball
‘20 Sergio Martinez – Marist College, Football
’22 Martin Tapia - Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Basketball
’23 Ethan Gallegos –
Eastern New Mexico State University, Football
’23 Amanda Hinojos –
Hofstra University, Track and Field
’23 Gerry Martinez –
University of St. Thomas, Basketball
’24 Alondra Loya –
University of Incarnate Word, Track and Field
’24 Deliany Cortinas –Ranger College, Volleyball
’24 Fran Gamez –
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Tennis
‘25 Carmina Tijerina–
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Volleyball
’25 Diego De la Cruz–
University of Texas El Paso, Football
’25 Claudio Torres–
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Football
’25 Silvia Martinez-Ibarra –
Concordia University, Golf
C L U B S & A C T I V I T I E S
36 CLUBS & ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM
Absorb & Apply Club (all grades)
Academic Coach (UIL/HS)
Active Minds
Bio Green Team (all grades)
B.I.O.N.I.C. Team (8-12)
Bloodhound Ambassadors (all grades)
Bloodhound Media Club (HS)
Book Clubs: Middle School; High School; Faculty/Staff
Business Club (11-12)
Chem Club
Chess Club (all grades)
Engineering Club (all grades)
Hope for Hounds (HS)
Hounds Forum (all grades)
Marist Youth Leaders (11-12)
Missions (Service Trip) (HS)
Model UN (HS)
National Art Honor Society (10-12)
National Honor Society (10-12)
National Jr. Art Honor Society (8-9)
National Junior Honor Society (8-9)
Pep Squad (HS)
Performing Arts (all grades)
Positive Peer Leadership Team (PPLT)
Rotary Interact Club (10-12)
Say What Bloodhounds
Service Through the Arts (all grades)
Science National Honor Society (10-12)
Scripture Club (all grades)
Spanish Honor Society (10-12)
Student Council (StuCo) (all grades)
Viva Women
W.E.L.L. Club (all grades)
Amanda Torres
Stella Filizola
Leslie Abrego
Luis Peña
Mary Beth Martin
Rodrigo Martinez ‘99
Sammy Lucio/Kevin Narro
Pam Quantz
Melody Middleton
Jesus Abrego
Sergio Lopez
Esmeralda Hernandez
Eric Gonzales
Armando Sanchez
Br. Ryan Richter
Br Ryan Richter/Daniela Solis ‘19
Eric Gonzales
Alonzo Garza, Jr.
Stella Filizola
Susy Ibarra ‘20
Faviola Sosa
Faviola Sosa/Blanca Espinoza
Francis Curley
Vilma Wolfe
Mary Beth Martin
Vilma Wolfe
Joseph LoGiudice
Jesus Abrego
Mary Beth Martin/Br Ryan Richter
Ana Barrera
Joseph LoGiudice
Daniela Solis ‘19
Ana Barrera
C O L L E G E P R E P
9 MILLION+ IN SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED BY THE CLASS OF 2025
Saint Joseph Academy is known for its comprehensive and supportive college counseling program, designed to help students navigate the complex process of college admissions and make informed decisions about their future educational pursuits. The college counseling department at Saint Joseph Academy provides personalized guidance and resources to assist students in identifying and applying to colleges that align with their academic interests, personal goals, and aspirations.
The college counseling process at Saint Joseph Academy typically begins in the 7th grade when students begin career testing and exploration. Our students and their families meet with a college counselor to discuss individual interests, strengths, and ambitions. The counselor helps students explore a wide range of college options, taking into consideration factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial considerations, ultimately finding the “best fit” for the student.
20% OF OUR SENIORS WERE ACCEPTED TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STATION
11.25% OF OUR SENIORS WERE ACCEPTED TO UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN
Throughout the college application process, the college counseling department at SJA offers valuable support in various areas:
1. College Research and Exploration
2. Standardized Testing Guidance
3 Application Assistance
4. Financial Aid and Scholarships
5. College Visits and Interviews
6 Decision-making Support
In addition to individualized support, Saint Joseph Academy's college counseling program may offer workshops, seminars, and guest speakers on various college admissions and career exploration topics. Saint Joseph Academy's college counseling program empowers students to make well-informed decisions about their future educational journey by providing a wealth of resources, personalized attention, and expert guidance.
384 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE CLASS OF 2025
WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED 2025
American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Arizona State University
Baldwin Wallace University
Ball State University
Baylor University
Blinn College
Boston Architectural College
Colorado State University
Columbia College Chicago
Concordia University
Drake University
Elon University
Fisher College
Georgia State University
Hawai'i Pacific University
Hofstra University
Holy Cross College
Houston Christian University
Indiana University
Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios
Superiores de Monterrey
Iona University
Ithaca College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Manhattan University
Marymount Manhattan College
Missouri State University
Montclair State University
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
Pace University
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Point Park University
Regis University
Rider University
Sam Houston State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Schreiner University
Shenandoah University
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
St. Edward's University
St. Mary's College (IN)
St. Mary's University
Suffolk University
Tarleton University
Tecnologico de Monterrey
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University - Blinn
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University - Galveston
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas A&M University - McAllen
Texas Christian University
Texas Lutheran University
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
The Catholic University of America
The Culinary Institute of America
The New School
The University of Alabama Birmingham
The University of Houston
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Trinity University
University of Central Florida
University of Dallas
University of Dayton
University of Findlay
University of Houston
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of the District of Columbia
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Toronto
Wagner College
Webster University
Yale University
HOW TO APPLY
STEP 1 SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION IN FACTS.
• Visit the SJA website at www.sja.us/admissions/application-process
• Create Account: Click on the online application button and go to apply now
• Complete the online application form
• Be sure to upload your student ’ s last report card, most recent standardized test scores, student photo and to provide ENGLISH & MATH teacher email.
STEP 2 TAKE THE SJA ENTRANCE EXAM
• Register to sit for the exam which will be held on Saturday October 11 and October 18 at 8:30 A.M. in the Brother Francis Garza Student Center
• For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (956) 542-3581 ext. 359 or email admissions@sja.us.
STEP 3 PAY THE APPLICATION FEE OF $125 ONLINE
• Regular Application: September 1 – October 31
Scan the QR code to apply now!
• Late Application: Submissions after October 31 ($150 fee)
VISIT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR
Campus Tours are conducted by appointment. Your tour will be led by a member of the Admissions Team and a student ambassador. As you tour the beautiful campus of SJA, you will meet faculty, and staff and have an opportunity to see firsthand, students at work. Schedule your tour today by contacting the Office of Admissions.
SHADOW VISITS “Bloodhound for a Day”
To get a firsthand look at a day in the life of a Bloodhound, we encourage future students to spend a day with a current SJA student
During a Shadow Day, future Bloodhounds are paired with a current Bloodhound Ambassador who will take the future Bloodhound to class, answer any questions, and show the future Bloodhound the campus
To schedule your Bloodhound for a Day experience, call the Office of Admissions
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact the Office of Admissions at (956)542-3581 ext 359 or at admissions@sja.us
TUITION AND FEES 2025-2026
Tuition:: $12,960.00
(billed monthly from May 1through April 1)
Registration Fee for Returning Students: $650 (non-refundable)
Registration Fee for New Students: $600 (non-refundable)
Parent Service Commitment Fee: $200
(billed with tuition July 1st and refunded to account if volunteer services are completed by parents)
Each year Saint Joseph Academy distributes approximately $409,516 IN TUITION ASSISTANCE
Close to 24% OF THE STUDENT BODY RECEIVES SOME FORM OF ASSISTANCE
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Tuition assistance refers to funds granted to make a Saint Joseph Academy education more affordable to families. Funds for financial assistance are generated by fundraising events, the St Joseph Academy Endowment Fund, the annual fund drive and through the contributions of generous alumni, parents and other donors All grants are based on a family’s demonstrated financial need and the program ’ s availability of funds.
Each year, Saint JosephAcademy distributes approximately $409,516 in tuition assistance Close to 24% of the student body receives some form of assistance.
Families can apply online for tuition assistance through FACTS beginning November 1. The deadline is January 31.
If families have not yet filed a current tax return at the time of application, W-2’s and/or 1099’s for the previous year are acceptable.
For more information, visit the Admissions page of the SJA website at sja.us/admissions/tuition-and-financialassistance
AS A LEADING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
IN THE BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY, we are committed to fostering excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow
