SJA is grounded in the Catholic faith We encourage students to explore their spirituality, embrace their unique gifts, and contribute positively to their communities.
Welcome 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. Our commitment to
service-learning programs
empowers students to make a
meaningful difference in the world
around them.
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COLLEGE CREDITS
AT NO COST TO FAMILIES
Dual Enrollment
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.
Religion Religious Studies 7 – Intro To Jesus Religious Studies 8 – Life in Christ Religious Studies 9 – Church History Religious Studies 10 – Sacred Scripture Religious Studies 11 – Social Justice Religious Studies 12 Call to Ministry Religion and Ecology English Language Arts 7 (H) Language Enrichment Language Arts 8 (H) English 9 (H) English 10 (H) English 11 (DE UTRGV) English 12 (DE UTRGV) Yearbook Speech Journalism Mathematics Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) (H) Math 8 (Pre-Algebra) Algebra I (H) Geometry (H) Algebra II (DE TSC) Pre-Calculus (DE TSC) Calculus I AP Calculus AB/BC Science Integrated Science Applied Engineering (7) Applied Engineering (8) Environmental Systems (8) Biology (H) Chemistry (H) Physics (H) AP Physics Astronomy Honors Anatomy & Physiology AP Chemistry AP Biology Engineering 1,2
Social Studies Texas History US History through 1877 World Geography AP Human Geography World History AP World History US History since 1877 US History (DE UTRGV) American Government (DE UTRGV) Economics (DE UTRGV) AP Psychology Sociology Psychology Fine Arts Middle Division Art Two-Dimensional Art and Design Three-Dimensional Design Choir Middle Division Choir Middle Division Theatre AP Art History AP 2D Art and Design Modern Languages Beginning Spanish Intermediate Spanish Advanced Spanish AP Spanish Language and Culture AP Spanish Literature Physical Education Physical Education (Boys & Girls) Lifetime Wellness and Fitness Pursuits Athletic Conditioning Health Computer Science Computer Literacy and Keyboarding Computer Science I AP Computer Science Principles
Business Business Management Business Entrepreneurship Library Library Aide Internship Other College Readiness Research Methods Academic Decathlon (H+AP) Civil Engineering Student Leadership Codes: ((H) - Honors course available (DE) - Dual Enrollment course available (H+AP) - Additional weight with requirements satisfied
Graduation Requirements
28 CREDITS ARE
REQUIRED TO GRADUATE Religious Studies
4.0 Credits
English
4.0 Credits
Mathematics
4.0 Credits
Science
4.0 Credits
Social Studies
4.0 Credits
Modern Languages
3.0 Credits
Fine Arts
1.0 Credit
Computer Science
1.0 Credit
Physical Education
1.0 Credit
Electives
1.0 Credit
Health
0.5 Credit
Speech
0.5 Credit
All students must complete a writing portfolio
30%
OF THE ACADEMIC PERSONNEL HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
21
TEACHER RATIO
14:1
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 (One semester) Physical Education (One semester)
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)
**Electives: (One semester) Middle School Art Applied Engineering I Intro to Theater Arts Mixed Choir
**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)
9th Grade Religious Studies 9 English 9 Mathematics Science World Geography Modern Language I Computer Science I
1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit
10th Grade Religious Studies 10 English 10 Mathematics Science World History Modern Language II Fine Art/Health*/Elective
1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit
11th Grade Religious Studies 11 English 11 Mathematics Science US History Modern Language III Fine Arts/Elective PE **
1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 0.5 Credit 0.5 Credit
12th Grade Religious Studies 12 English 12 Mathematics Science * Economics/Government Modern Language II Fine Art Health*/Elective
1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 1.0 Credit 0.5 Credit 1.5 Credits
*Unless satisfied at SJA in Grade 8 **Unless satisfied at SJA through Varsity athletics
SJA STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH THE DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT IF THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATION
Faith 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
SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
and citizens. We welcome all young people, whatever their circumstances, offering each one
OFFERS EACH
an education that draws faith,
STUDENT
culture, and life into harmony.
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 off-campus
retreats, students address questions
of personal faith, build community,
participate in challenging activities,
and join in prayer experiences - all
appropriate for their age level.
These annual class retreats provide
SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY OFFERS EACH STUDENT AN EDUCATION THAT DRAWS FAITH, CULTURE, AND LIFE INTO HARMONY
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.
15 SPORTS
Athletic Highlights 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) 2025-2026 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, Semi Finalist
Not only do The Bloodhounds excel academically, but we also excel athletically. THE 2025-2026 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.
32+ TEAMS
92%
OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS
50
STUDENTS AWARDED ALL-STATE BY TAPPS
TAPPS Individual State Champions • Olivia Wood, Discus, Track & Field • Reid Starkey: Discus Track & Field For the last 11 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 ’17 Miles Fowkes- Texas A&M , Football ’17 Rodolfo Cabido-Tec de Monterrey-Toluca, Basketball ’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 ’26 Johnny Cardona-St. Thomas University Miami, Soccer ’26 Reid Starkey-Harding University, Track & Field ’26 Jesus Osio- Harding University, Track & Field
37
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM
Clubs & Activities Academic Coach (UIL) Bio Green Team B.I.O.N.I.C. Team Bloodhound Ambassadors Bloodhound Media
Book Clubs Breaking Hounds Initiative Business Club ChemClub Chess Club Corps of Cadets Engineering Club eSports Club Fishing Club Hearts for Healing Hearts on Mission (Service Trips) Hope for Hounds Liturgy Choir Marist Youth Leadership Team Model UN National Art Honor Society National Honor Society National Jr. Art Honor Society National Junior Honor Society Philosophy Club Positive Peer Leadership Team Rotary Interact Club Rotary Interact Junior Club Say What Bloodhounds Scene It All Movie Club Science National Honor Society Scripture Club Service Through the Arts Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Student Council (StuCo) SWAMP: Society of Writers, Artists, Musicians, & Poets Viva Women
Mr. Pena Ms. Martin Mr. Martinez ‘99 Coach Lucio/ Mr. Narro Mrs. Quantz Mr. Sanchez Mr. Abrego Mr. Lopez/ Mr. Molina Mr. Mora Ms. Hernandez Mr. Fonrouge ‘14 Mr. McKenzie Mrs. Cazares Ms. D. Solis ‘19 Mr. Gonzales Ms. Ibarra ‘20 Br. Sam Amos Mr. Gonzales Mr. Garza Dr. Filizola Ms. Ibarra ‘20 Ms. Sosa Br. Sam Amos Ms. Wolfe Ms. Martin Mrs. Cazares Ms. Wolfe Mr. Abrego Ms. Martin Mrs. Abrego Ms. Barrera Mr. LoGiudice Ms. Ibarra Ms. D. Solis ‘19
$9,181,764
IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
College Prep 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.
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.
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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE CLASS OF 2026
WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED 2026 Abilene Christian University Austin College Baylor University Boston College Boston University Columbia University Dallas Baptist University Florida State University Fordham University Georgetown University · Gonzaga University Hampden – Sydney College Harvard University Hawaii Pacific University · Hofstra University Holy Cross College IE University · Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey Iona College Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago McGill University New York Film Academy New York University Newbury College Northwestern University Oberlin College of Arts & Sciences Otis College of Art & Design Our Lady of the Lake University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Purdue University Ranger College Rice University Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design Schreiner University Seattle University Southern Methodist University Southwestern University St. Edward’s University St. Mary’s University Stetson University Texas A&M University Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Texas A&M Galveston Texas A&M University Kingsville
Texas A&M University San Antonio Texas Christian University Texas Lutheran University Texas State University Texas Tech University The New School Trinity University Tulane University Universidad Autónoma de Monterrey Universidad de Monterrey Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de Mexico The University of Alabama University of Alaska Anchorage University of California Berkeley University of California Davis University of California Los Angeles University of California San Diego University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Dallas University of Georgia University of Houston University of the Incarnate Word University of Louisville University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Missouri Columbia · University of North Texas University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester University of St. Andrews University of St. Thomas – Houston University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California The American Musical and Drama Academy The University of Oklahoma 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 Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Vanderbilt University Washington & Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Yale University
Start the Application Process HOW TO APPLY
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Each year Saint Joseph Academy distributes approximately
$367,666
IN TUITION ASSISTANCE
Close to 15%
OF THE STUDENT BODY RECEIVES SOME FORM OF ASSISTANCE
AS A LEADING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN THE BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY, we are committed to fostering excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow