St. Mary's Academy Viewbook

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BELIEVE IN YOUR POTENTIAL AND POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Coeducational Preschool-Grade 8

All-Girls High School

Guided by our Mission

St. Mary’s Academy fosters excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect provide the foundation for students to be powerful agents of change.

OUR LORETTO SCHOOL VALUES

St. Mary’s Academy was founded in 1864 by the Sisters of Loretto in downtown Denver. SMA is a school that puts faith, beliefs, and spirituality into action, prioritizing service learning, and encouraging students to love, accept, and treat others with respect.

Faith — Experiencing the enduring love of God, we build hope, foster community, and act in charity and service.

Community — We strive to build interdependent relationships, which are affirming, inclusive, empowering, and compassionate.

Justice — We promote change in systems and relationships that are oppressive. We work to create systems in which people are treated fairly and impartially.

Respect — We are open to differences and believe in the potential of each person. We promote the dignity of every person and protect the sacredness of all creation.

MARY AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

St. Mary’s Academy is a Catholic, independent school grounded in the Loretto tradition. We have accepted families of every faith and background since our founding in 1864.

By mirroring the giving nature of Mary, we nurture our relationship with God and a tender love for all. We are inspired to exercise compassion at school in how we relate to each other, through prayer and in community service-learning.

We believe in the fundamental message of God as taught and lived by Jesus, to love without bounds.

The Sisters of Loretto have long been champions of social and environmental justice, and I am humbled by their good work. My hope is that my work as an artist and art educator can help future generations find a sense of wonder in the Creation, and work to protect it.”

OUR HISTORY

1812

The Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross, originally named the Little Society of the Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross, were founded in rural Nerinx, Kentucky.

1875

SMA issued the first High School diploma granted in the Colorado Territory to Jessie Forshee, who became a Sister of Loretto.

Students and Sisters of Loretto gather in front of the school in the 1880s, the second building on the original site.

1876

Colorado was granted statehood.

SMA’s second location at 1370 Pennsylvania Street.

SMA relocated to 14th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, where Margaret “Molly” Brown was our neighbor. Molly Brown was an early benefactor and generously contributed to the school. 1910

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1864

March

Father (later Bishop) Joseph P. Machebeuf purchased a residence at the corner of 14th Street and California Street in downtown Denver, and called upon the Sisters of Loretto to establish a school.

Today, the location is the site of the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center, where a plaque commemorates SMA as the site’s first resident.

June

Sisters Joanna Walsh, Ignatia Mora, and Beatriz Maes Torres traveled from Santa Fe, NM, to open St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Denver.

August

SMA opened, welcoming girls from elementary to high school grades. The campus eventually expanded to take up half the city block.

The first location of SMA, at the corner of 14th and California.

Late

SMA began to welcome boys into the lower grades.

Boys and girls in a Lower School classroom.

First
SMA in 1864 in the “Rocky Mountain News”, admitting students of all faiths.
Jessie Forshee

SMA celebrated 100 years of educating Denver by adding the High School building.

The Middle School building and Biddle Athletics Fields were completed.

SMA moved to Englewood, converting a large family home into the school and residence for the Sisters. The following year, a new building was constructed to accommodate all the grades. Today, it is the Lower School.

Bishop Evans Sports Center opened.

SMA celebrated its 150th anniversary, and the Community Center building opened.

SMA celebrated the bicentennial of the Sisters of Loretto with events that honored Loretto’s history, mission, and vibrant community.

SMA celebrated 160 years of educating Denver.

Students celebrating the 160th anniversary of SMA.
Students celebrating the 150th anniversary of SMA.
Groundbreaking for the High School.
Aerial view of what today is the Sanders House and the Lower School in the late 1950s.

WHY CHOOSE AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL?

According to the National Association of Independent Schools:

• Independent school graduates are more engaged in nonacademic activities than their counterparts at public schools, including participating in student clubs or groups, recreational sports, and fraternities or sororities.

• Independent school students are likelier than public school students to complete a bachelor’s or advanced degree by their mid-20s.

• Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.

• The curriculum is created with input from our faculty and staff, who are most familiar with our mission and students, following proven research and best practices.

• Small class sizes enable more one-on-one education, resulting in high academic achievements and success.

• Small schools have a greater focus on academics, report higher levels of respect among classmates, and have a greater tendency to nurture academic achievement than public schools, which tend to have larger class sizes.

• A greater focus on the whole child ensures that students develop the foundation to evolve into well-rounded adults with the education and life skills to become powerful agents of change.

• The community welcomes and respects all students and families and values multiculturalism.

• Parents are a crucial community component, and involvement is highly encouraged.

709

Students

31%

Students of color

Student-toteacher ratio

Zip codes represented 12:1

43% Of students are Catholic

Over $2 million in need-based financial aid awarded annually

66

WHY CHOOSE A CATHOLIC SCHOOL?

According to the Council for American Private Education:

• Catholic schools tend to produce graduates who demonstrate higher levels of civic engagement, are more open to diverse views, and are strongly committed to service as adults.

• Catholic schools teach that service to others is a basic tenet of the Catholic faith.

• Data shows that Catholic school students consistently score higher on advanced assessment tests than students attending public and other private and religious schools.

• Students who attend religious schools score at an academic level about 12 months ahead of their counterparts.

• A Catholic school education helps students build a strong moral framework. Students are encouraged to live with compassion, joy, and respect

• Catholic school graduates are more civically engaged, more likely to vote, and more dedicated to service as adults.

• The Catholic faith is focused on building a strong community and lifting up other community members.

MEET OUR PASSIONATE EDUCATORS

As life-long learners, our faculty members bring their enthusiasm for growth into every classroom interaction.

“I fell in love with SMA from day one! There is something innately wonderful about this school. SMA values everything I believe in — creating a warm, safe, loving environment where students feel supported to grow and make mistakes; having the opportunity to implement new ideas and activities; and having the feeling of family and my second home is immeasurable.”

~ Emma von Tscharner, Grade 1 Teacher

“All children deserve to be in a school where they are known and feel a part of a community. SMA students learn to care for each other first, and then go out into the world to spread justice.”

~ Sara Barton, Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher

“I am delighted that my students find joy in learning a new language, showcasing their talents, and gaining confidence. These experiences are truly memorable and rewarding.” ~ Zoe Wang, Middle and High School Mandarin Teacher

“This place is special. The combination of academic excellence and moral development produces graduates who are both capable and thoughtful — two qualities the world could use more of.” ~ Pete Sniegowski, English Department Chair and Campus Astronomer

BENEFITS OF AN SMA EDUCATION

St. Mary’s Academy delivers a values-based, visionary educational experience from Preschool through Grade 12, that heralds back to our founding in 1864 as the first school in Colorado. Our priority every day is nurturing and inspiring humans to be confident in their roles and committed to their callings, who live our Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect throughout their lives. We take pride in our Loretto heritage and are a living testament of a community where values and service shape character and purpose.

We inspire a love of learning in students at every stage of growth. At the core of SMA is a whole-child approach, which recognizes that every student is unique and deserving of an education that values and supports their individual needs and curiosity, one that meets them where they are and equips them to go very far. This philosophy promotes the pursuit of passions and fosters deep engagement and motivation, and a culture where students cheer each other on. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum builds strong foundations, critical thinking, and collaborative abilities within a framework of relevance and real-world applications. From innovative, research-based lower school methodologies…to a middle school program that expertly supports socialemotional and intellectual growth…to a collegiate-style high school program that develops leaders of every young woman, students are immersed in academics, sports, arts, and activities that prepare them for diverse fields of study in a fast-changing world.

We believe that cultivating confidence in learners is a cornerstone to mental wellbeing, consistent progress, and high achievement. Our comprehensive support network of expert educators, learning specialists, advisors, and counselors work together to ensure a healthy, community-oriented environment.

SMA graduates treasure the education they receive and lifelong friendships fostered at our legendary institution. We take pride in our long-standing tradition of producing graduates who achieve great success in higher education and careers. For the past 160 years, we have been producing powerful agents of change — good human beings — who are steadfast in making

The Integrated STEAM Experience

Our commitment to the arts, sciences, and humanities builds understanding, critical thinking, and respect for multiple perspectives. Our integrated STEAM experience harnesses these skills for the betterment of humanity.

• Students develop strong collaboration skills through project-based study, learning to contribute their unique knowledge, skills, and talents toward a shared objective.

• Students acquire diverse problem-solving approaches, honing their ability to apply technical knowledge, creativity, and imagination to overcome challenges.

• Through collaborative experiences, students enhance their emotional intelligence and social skills. They become more expressive and socially adaptable, and develop empathy, leadership abilities, and lasting friendships.

• Students gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, art materials, digital tools, hardware, and machines, broadening their technical proficiency across various media and platforms.

• Students cultivate critical thinking skills, learning to examine the factual and logical merit of new information, form rational and informed opinions, and transcend personal biases.

• The curriculum fosters inquisitiveness and curiosity about various topics, encouraging students to ask more profound questions about how and why things work.

• Students learn to apply theoretical and academic concepts to realworld situations, bridging the gap between abstract ideas and practical applications.

CREATING THE FUTURE IN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

St. Mary’s Academy has proudly offered a comprehensive visual and performing arts program since our founding in 1864. Our arts education begins with three-year-olds in the Early Learning Program and continues through high school graduation.

The program integrates seamlessly with our STEAM curriculum to promote crossdisciplinary learning, creativity, and collaboration. Students work with practicing artist-educators in fully equipped studios and performance spaces.

Lower School students develop persistence and skill-building while discovering stories of artists from broad backgrounds. Student artwork is regularly exhibited in campus galleries and community venues. Musical performances occur at special events and assemblies throughout the year.

Middle School students build advanced skills through foundational courses and specialized electives. Students become more confident in self-expression and social interaction during this developmental period.

High School students develop technical skills and design-thinking approaches through comprehensive course offerings. Students are consistently recognized with high honors in competitions and are accepted into the top art schools.

Through our campus-wide programming, including the All-Academy Musical and the SMAlapalooza Music Festival, we create opportunities for students to connect across grade levels, celebrate their talents, and experience the joy of shared artistic endeavors.

Lower School students experience classes in the Arts every day

In the Middle School, all students take orchestra, band, or choir classes

High School students place at the Scholastic Art Awards every year

Faculty are practicing artists and inspire students to take creative risks and develop their unique artistic voices.

EARLY LEARNING

Coeducational Preschool and Prekindergarten

At SMA, we believe that fostering a love for learning from the very beginning has far-reaching benefits in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Our Early Learning Program for three- and four year-old children promotes curiosity, self-confidence, and a heightened capacity for learning. Grounded in scientific research and best practices, our five-day-a-week program is designed to inspire wonder and exploration.

Our exceptional, caring educators create a play-based environment where children make sense of the world around them, develop essential skills, and form meaningful connections. They engage hands-on activities and inquirybased exploration in specially designed classrooms and with a great green campus that beckons small hands and feet with garden boxes, walking paths, playgrounds, and a butterfly bridge.

Our whole-child, literacy-rich curriculum develops global awareness, creativity, empathy, leadership, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, cultural competence, and a growth mindset among our youngest learners, And, in alignment with our Loretto School Values, our early learners participate in ageappropriate service projects. Heart is always a strong part of an SMA education.

LOWER SCHOOL

Coeducational Kindergarten – Grade 5

St. Mary’s Academy Lower School provides a challenging, research-based curriculum within a supportive, community-oriented environment. Our educational approach centers on hands-on, project-based learning that sparks curiosity and develops critical thinking skills.

We employ evidence-based teaching methods across all subjects. Our literacy program follows the science of reading with explicit, systematic instruction, while mathematics begins with problembased learning where students tackle real-world challenges collaboratively. Science education emphasizes inquiry-based investigations aligned with Next Generation Science standards. Comprehensive programming includes world languages, visual and performing arts, physical education, and technology integration. Service learning is woven throughout the program.

Small class sizes ensure individualized attention from master teachers, learning specialists, and teaching assistants. Students benefit from integrated learning experiences that connect subjects meaningfully — from applying math skills in science to incorporating literacy across the curriculum.

Our approach builds strong academic foundations while nurturing the whole child, preparing students for Middle School success and to become thoughtful and engaged global citizens.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Co-educational Grades 6 – 8

St. Mary’s Academy Middle School embraces the unique developmental stage of early adolescence, when students’ changing brains are primed for complex, abstract thinking and deeper global awareness. Our Community Action Team advisory model fosters strong individual identity and interpersonal growth.

Our curriculum prioritizes the mastery of analytical, problem-solving, and writing skills essential for rigorous college-prep high school success. The interconnectivity of STEAM drives innovation across our MakerSpace and classrooms.

Small classes ensure personalized attention from faculty who serve as role models of curiosity and exploration. Students discover passions through diverse offerings, including three world languages, comprehensive arts courses, field studies, and electives like shark tank, gardening, photography, and multimedia design.

More than just a place of learning, the Middle School is a supportive community that sees, respects, and values each individual, developing confident students ready for academic excellence and meaningful global engagement.

3 World language offerings – French, Mandarin, Spanish Elective classes in STEAM, visual arts, performing arts, life skills, and communication

Yearly trips and international travel opportunities including Keystone Science Camp, Costa Rica, Washington D.C., and more

Daily socialemotional and community building programming emphasized in Community Action Teams

HIGH SCHOOL

All-Girls, Grades 9 – 12

In a supportive and invigorating community, the High School experience at St. Mary’s Academy prepares students for college and for life by living out our mission of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service.

A challenging and personalized curriculum is at the core of our High School experience. Students engage in a diverse array of courses, including Advanced Placement and Honors classes across multiple disciplines, STEAM programming, comprehensive fine arts offerings in visual arts, music, and theater, extensive world language programs, and unique electives that allow students to explore their interests.

SMA students are intelligent, diverse, and committed to becoming ethical leaders and compassionate citizens. Whether students are experimenting in the collegiate-style labs, competing on the playing field, leading a club meeting, editing a publication, or performing on stage, they’re engaged in creative, collaborative, and inspired learning. Students learn to think critically and to solve problems through multiple lenses, no matter the task.

Our faculty inspire students to think deeply, explore intensively, and confidently express themselves. Each girl is known, valued, and supported in her academic and personal growth.

We encourage our students to step outside their comfort zones, take academic risks, and discover their unique potential. This approach cultivates strong, confident, and compassionate young women prepared to positively impact the world.

While impressive college acceptances speak to our academic rigor and student successes, the true value of an SMA education lies in shaping confident, compassionate young women, joining a sisterhood that spans generations.

Graduates carry forward an excellent education and a global perspective rooted in our Loretto School Values. They step into the world prepared for college and to be powerful agents of change.

22

10

Honor Societies in Art, English, French, International Thespian Group, Math, National Honor Society,
AP Courses offered

The All-Girls Advantage

The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools has researched and identified 14 benefits our students gain from attending an All-Girls High School:

• Greater cultural competency to bridge racial and cultural differences

• Stronger community involvement

• Increased civic and political engagement, creating globally-minded changemakers

• Fostering girls’ voices in an environment where they are empowered to speak freely

• Developing confident leadership skills, with the goal of embodying courage and achieving effectiveness

• Building self-confidence as every girl finds her place in the community

• Emphasis on how girls learn by harnessing their distinct learning styles

• Inspirational learning environment

• Academic achievement within a culture that values and promotes accomplishments

• Fostering increased interest and confidence in STEM fields

• Excellent mentoring through a nurturing environment upheld by a network of peers, teachers, and school leaders

• Freedom from stereotypes

• Higher aspirations and motivation to achieve greatness

• Preparation of girls for the real world, increasing their likelihood of effectively managing stress, pressure, opportunities, and challenges.

Lower School athletes compete in the Catholic Schools Activities League

93% of Middle School students participate in at least one sport

Middle School athletes compete in the Association of Colorado Independent Schools 95% of High School athletes receive CHSAA Academic Honors

Swim & Dive State

Champions: 2024

Recent Wildcat Alumnae Compete At:

• American University

• Carleton College

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Clarkson University

• Colby College

• College of William & Mary

• Colorado College

• Connecticut College

• Denison University

• DePauw University

• Emory University

• Gettysburg College

• Haverford College

• Hollins University

• Lewis & Clark College

• New Jersey Institute of Technology

• Oregon State University

• Pepperdine University

• Providence College

• Regis University

• Rhodes College

• Saint Louis University

• University of California

San Diego

• University of Denver

• University of Florida

• University of Kansas

• University of Missouri

• University of Notre Dame

• University of Rochester

• University of San Diego

• Westmont College

• Willamette University

• Yale University

UNLEASH YOUR WILDCAT SPIRIT

Competing in athletics is an integral part of the St. Mary’s Academy experience, and our teams are a source of pride for the entire SMA community.

The Athletics Department offers a comprehensive and competitive program for students in Grades 1-12.

A broad range of teams and competitive levels allow for both strong varsity teams and wide participation at the JV, Middle School, and Lower School levels. We value participation and believe in the benefits afforded to students through competition.

We are extremely proud of our 2025 Individual State Champion in Tennis, 2025 Individual State Champion in Dive, 2024 Swim & Dive State Championship Team, and our Golf State Championship Team from 2023, 2022, and 2021.

ATHLETIC WELLNESS

SMA’s strength and conditioning and nutrition programs empower our scholar-athletes to build resilience and fuel their performance through science-based training and education. All High School athletes engage in seasonal strength and conditioning sessions tailored to their sport. Monthly nutrition seminars provide practical guidance to help students make informed choices that support athletic success and lifelong wellness.

“When I first arrived at SMA, I was a timid young athlete. I expected to grow physically and master technical skills, but I didn’t anticipate how much I’d develop as a competitor and leader. I learned to stay composed under pressure, rally teammates, and find that extra gear when everything was on the line. The competitive fire and leadership skills I gained have shaped who I am and I’ll continue to draw on them. ”

~ Lauren Messerle ‘25

DEVELOPING CRITICALLY NEEDED LEADERS

Learning to lead begins during a student’s first days at St. Mary’s Academy. The earlier students are exposed to leadership, the more likely they are to take on leadership roles later in life.

In the Lower School, students in Grades 4 and 5 have the opportunity to be recognized as Loretto Leaders, meeting with Sisters of Loretto to learn about leadership and taking on various responsibilities such as giving tours to visitors, greeting guests at community events, leading assemblies, and creating heartfelt greeting cards for residents of nearby nursing homes.

The Middle School believes that every student has the potential to be a leader. Any student who wishes to run for student council is welcome, allowing them to represent their peers and contribute to decision-making processes. Students can also serve as ambassadors, hosting prospective students, and giving tours to families and visiting guest speakers. By the time they leave Middle School, our eighth graders have learned to be role models to younger students and gained a greater understanding of leadership’s importance.

In High School, every leader is a girl and every girl is a leader. Students take leadership responsibilities in the classroom and run dozens of clubs, honor societies, affinity groups, and organizations like the National Honor Society, The Burning Page Literary Arts Magazine, Student Council, Student Association, the Diversity Club, and so much more.

Growing up at St. Mary’s Academy has taught me to lead with dignity and kindness. I believe that no matter the challenge, leaders should stay true to themselves and the voices of the people around them to truly make an impact on the world.”

~

Heesoo Kim ‘24

100%

Every student participates in service learning

More than 40 Advisory ServiceLearning outings in the Middle School

8,730 hours of service completed by the Class of 2025

Full-time Director of Service Learning in the High School

One of the most memorable moments from my time teaching at SMA occurred during an advisory servicelearning trip to Angelica Village. During this trip, my Spanish class had the opportunity to interact with several native Spanish speakers. It was incredibly inspiring to see my students use their newly acquired language skills to connect with and learn from the broader community.”

School Spanish Teacher

SERVICE IS A PART OF OUR CULTURE

Service learning is at the heart of our values-based education at St. Mary’s Academy.

The Lower School works to instill a sense of social responsibility in students. Each month, students highlight a nonprofit organization, providing an opportunity for them to learn more about distinct missions and donate resources to serve others locally and abroad.

As students progress to the Middle School, they participate in dedicated service days, where they engage in hands-on activities that directly benefit local organizations and individuals in need.

In High School, service learning is a requirement for graduation. While students are required to complete 100 hours of service, most students graduate with far more and often become board members and junior leaders.

PORTRAIT OF OUR GRADUATES

Our Portrait of a Graduate statements define our expectations and support the design of an excellent academic program and overall experience that is driven by our Loretto School Values. When students demonstrate these outcomes, they are truly living Loretto.

Join Hands.

“An example of living Loretto is welcoming people when they are somewhere new. In the first month of school, lots of people welcomed me, by saying hi, or offering for me to sit with them, or talking with me at recess.”

~ Juniper S., MS ‘24

“I hope to become a leader within the healthcare community as someone who understands the importance of human connection and the value of individual stories and backgrounds, especially within the medical field.”

~ Gabrielle Smith ‘25

Act with Integrity.

“It’s like with soccer when I learned that I can get better even when no one is watching. You can take that mindset and use it to become a better person, like giving a houseless person a water bottle or doing something to help the environment. That’s what acting with integrity looks like.”

~Victor W., LS ‘24

“Have faith in yourself and those around you to be good.”

~ Hawk F., MS ‘25

Exercise Empathy.

“Exercising kindness means using your power to make the lives of other people better, and to make your community a more positive place.”

~ Dottie H., LS ‘24

“St. Mary’s Academy graduates exercise empathy through their commitment to service and one another. We seek to see and understand each other and be supporters as much as leaders.”

~ RJ Jacob ‘25

Stand Tall.

“Standing tall is an important skill to have. And it means that no matter what happens and no matter what people tell you, you keep going.”

Patrick S., MS ‘24

“SMA has a wonderful ability to shape every student into a leader of the community. From my experience serving as Student Association president and STUCO president, I believe that every SMA graduate now understands the importance of having confidence in not just your own but others’ voices and opinions as well.”

~ Hannah Reyes ‘24

Value Voices.

“SMA has taught me to value voices no matter whose it is. If it’s a teacher, a student, or a new person, you should always respect them and think about what they’re saying.”

~ Kennedy G., LS ‘24

“I believe that everyone should value each other’s voices and opinions, because if we just listen to ourselves how will our knowledge grow? How will we learn from our mistakes? We won’t. But if we listen to others, our peers, and our teachers, we will grow as people and become more compassionate.”

~ Zoe R., MS ‘24

Speak Out.

“As I’ve gotten older and grown as an SMA kid, I’ve learned to speak out more for what’s right and to use my voice more than I ever have before. I thank SMA for helping me develop this attribute—one I hadn’t discovered until I came here.” ~ Bailey P., MS ‘25

“To be a member of the Loretto community means to care and to advocate for something beyond yourself, whether that be for the environment, a friend, or a social justice cause. ‘Living Loretto’ means finding community while working toward a bigger goal.”

~ Maria Storch ‘24

Embrace Challenge.

“SMA has been a place where I can learn hard things, and feel accomplished afterwards. Thinking deeply can be challenging but you usually are better off because you did.”

~ Sophie C., LS ‘24

“SMA teachers always emphasize the importance of using your voice in novel ways and thinking outside the box. I have been taught to look at issues from every angle and perspective, to understand any situation at a deeper level, and to prioritize these attributes.” ~ Liv Lane ‘24

Believe in your potential and power to change the world.

“The Lower School has empowered me to change the world because the teachers are loving and kind, and teach you that you can do anything. Every student becomes your friend and believes in you.”

~ Burke E., LS ‘24

“Live with Christ in mind and realize what our Loretto Sisters did for us. Believe that there is something greater than us out there. It teaches us humility.”

~ Annika L., MS ‘24

“If given the opportunity to change the world, I would emphasize the power of representation. My experiences have shown me that true representation extends beyond ourselves. It validates identities, inspires possibilities, and ensures that my voice has a place in our world. When we see ourselves reflected in leadership positions, sports, and clubs, we gain the confidence to put all barriers down and pursue our biggest dreams and goals.”

~ Aleena Nauman ‘25

THE SMA COMMUNITY

Our community is what makes St. Mary’s Academy magical. Here, students, faculty, families, and alumnae form deep and lasting friendships that extend beyond continuation and graduations. Parents and caregivers find meaningful ways to contribute through volunteer opportunities and active participation in Academy Parents, our parent organization that strengthens the bonds within our community.

Throughout the year, we gather for cherished events, including Chalk the Walk, continuation and graduation ceremonies, Fall Festival, Family Game Night, and more.

The generous spirit of our community shines brightest at our annual Golf Tournament and at our Gala, where SMA families come together to raise funds for tuition support, ensuring more students can access the transformative education that prioritizes our Loretto School Values.

The reach of our alumnae network spans internationally, with over 4,000 graduates who remain connected through mentoring programs, social opportunities, and our annual Reunion Weekend on campus.

What makes SMA truly unique and special is our community. When you step onto campus, you immediately feel welcomed, valued, and supported. This creates an atmosphere where students want to come and learn, not have to come and learn.”

AGENTS OF CHANGE

Honorable Ollie MarieVictoire ‘42 served as a California Superior Court Justice.

Dr. Jane Lubchenco ‘65 was the first woman to serve as Chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Dr. Condoleezza Rice ‘71 served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and as the 20th U.S. National Security Advisor. She is currently the director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and part owner of the Denver Broncos.

Chloi Clark ‘20 competed on the University of Florida gymnastics team and was a member of the SEC Gymnastics Community Service Team.

Natalie Green ‘24 was awarded the Junior Volunteer Award from Children’s Hospital of Colorado.

JoAnna Kennedy ‘26 recently took home the ‘Silver Ball’ at the National Indoor Tennis Championships.

Honorable Sarah Castle ‘02 is a judge on the 16th Circuit Court of Missouri, and a Paralympics gold medalist.

J.K. Scott, MS ‘10, is a football punter for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sophia Ritchie ‘26 partnered with Project Helping to create a teen advisory board tackling youth mental health challenges.

Declan K., MS ‘24, invented a charging cord organizer, the Hexacaddy, with proceeds to benefit the U.S. Paralympic Ski and Snowboard Team.

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