St. Mary's High School 2020-2021 Admissions Guide

SCHOOL

school admissions guide ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL ST M A RYS A NNA P OLIS.ORG 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1

Welcome to St. Mary’s HIGH SCHOOL St. Mary’s High School is a Catholic collegepreparatory school serving students in grades nine through twelve. Anchored in faith, rooted in tradition and committed to excellence, our programs build lifelong learners who are servant leaders. At St. Mary’s, you’re not just one in the crowd—you’re a member of a community.

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Our Mission The mission of St. Mary’s High School is to foster Catholic moral integrity in our students and to prepare them for higher education and the challenges of today’s society. In the spirit of the mission of the Redemptorists and of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, we strive to create an atmosphere for the development of mind, body and spirit. St. Mary’s seeks to guide each student on the path of service to family, school, parish, community and nation.

by the numbers School Founded: Total Enrollment: Faculty & Staff: Student Clubs: Athletic Teams:

1946 475 50 30 36

2020 Graduates Accepted to College: 100%

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With the Saints, You’re Home Overlooking Spa Creek, St. Mary’s waterfront campus is an integral component of the student experience.

From freshman orientation and outdoor Mass to prom photographs and commencement ceremonies, these signature moments are an unforgettable part of the culture of being a Saint.

Downtown Annapolis St. Mary’s main campus is located in historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland, within walking distance of the U.S. Naval Academy, Maryland Government House and the many local shops and restaurants of Main Street.

St. Mary’s Church On the grounds of the beautiful gothic church adjacent to the school, students are gifted with time to pray, attend Mass and visit our Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

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Charles Carroll House Birthplace to Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Charles Carroll House and Gardens serve as site to several school activities including commencement ceremonies each spring.

St. Mary’s Team and Ministry House In 2007, St. Mary’s constructed a state-of-the-art turf field on Bestgate Road, which was then replaced in 2019. The St. Mary’s Team and Ministry House was built and dedicated in the fall of 2017 and includes a weight room, training room and meeting spaces for athletic teams and ministries.

Faith St. Mary’s Teaches More Than Just Academics

St. Mary’s both teaches and is a living example of the Christian identity that we seek to instill in every student.

Faith is an integral part of all we do; we welcome all faiths at St. Mary’s. During the four years of required theology curriculum, students are led to understand the foundations of faith and teachings of Jesus Christ. All students attend Mass monthly in our beautiful, historic church or occasionally on the waterfront along the banks of Spa Creek.

At St. Mary’s, we want to cultivate not only a heart for Christ and His Church, but also a heart for service. Students are required to complete at least 75 hours of service in order to graduate:

In choosing a Catholic environment for the high school journey, students are exposed to opportunities to express and deepen their faith through classroom curriculum and Campus Ministry Program activities including liturgy, sacraments, retreats, prayer, service and social events.

Junior - (20 hours)

Freshman - (10 hours)

Serving the church, children and families

Sophomore - (15 hours) Serving those in poverty

Serving the elderly, sick and disabled

Senior - (30 hours)

Serving the local or global community

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Academics Saints Set the Standard

Academic rigor is at the forefront at St. Mary’s. Students earn thirty-two credits following four years of study, including an extensive suite of elective options and academic programs that allow for variety in both subject matter interest and academic aptitude. There is a unique path for every student.

Those wishing to pursue a more challenging curriculum can become a Charles Carroll or Parvis Scholar and select from the 35 honors and advanced placement courses available to all St. Mary’s students.

Class Scheduling Instead of seven or eight classes per semester, St. Mary’s utilizes a format of four 85-minute classes per day that is consistent with college life and is often heralded by St. Mary’s alumni as among the most significant factors contributing to college success. Study takes on greater depth and focus under this schedule, emphasizing not only the mastery of important information, but also the development of critical and analytical skills.

College Preparation In preparation for higher education, St. Mary’s has a full-time college advisor who works with students as early as freshman year. All students are issued a Naviance account that tracks their journey at St. Mary’s academically, athletically, artistically and socially. Each year, St. Mary’s welcomes over 70 college representatives as visitors to our campus, promotes and discusses college fairs and offers application boot camps. We explore every facet of the college application and decision process, from the search to financial aid, scholarships and acceptance, with students to meet the needs of each individual and their family.

Guidance

The Class of 2020 • 100 percent of the Class of 2020 accepted to a university or college.

• Graduates of the Class of 2020 were accepted for admissions to 146 colleges and universities.

• The Class of 2020 earned over $11 million in academic scholarships.

• 20 students will be attending a Catholic university.

• The Class of 2020 will attend colleges and universities in 24 different states and the District of Columbia.

• 32 students will play a sport at the collegiate level.

• Four students will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy, one attending the United States Military Academy West Point and three students will be attending college on a full Navy ROTC scholarship.

• 35 students graduated as 13-Year Club members.

St. Mary’s guidance team is proud of our students’ commitment to academic excellence and believes the department is an extension of the social, career, college and faith aspects of the school. Students are paired with a counselor who stays with them through graduation, assisting with academic issues, course selection, scheduling, social issues and standardized testing. Conferencing with parents, students and faculty promotes clear-cut goals and identifies the need for intervention.

Alumni St. Mary’s graduates have furthered their education at many of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. In the last five years, St. Mary’s graduates were accepted for admission to institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy, Georgetown University, Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, the University of Notre Dame and Johns Hopkins University.

Student Focus St. Mary’s typically enrolls around 475 students with an average class size of 20. With nearly 80 percent of all faculty members having earned advanced degrees in their subject areas, St. Mary’s teachers strive to challenge students of varying abilities and learning styles, tailoring their approach to the needs of both the class and the student.

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St. Mary’s Class of 2020 college acceptances Graduates were accepted for admissions to 146 college and universities in 24 different states and the District of Columbia.

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Technology Integration

Social Studies

Technology and STEM are vibrant at St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s is a 1:1 iPad school, providing students access to robust digital resources related to course material and enabling out-ofclassroom communication with teachers and peers.

Social Studies instruction at St. Mary’s High School has been organized to prepare students to be knowledgeable, informed, and active citizens in an increasingly diverse community and nation and a more interdependent world. Social Studies programs in History, Geography, Sociology and Psychology exist to ensure that the values and ideals that have shaped individuals, families, society and government continue to be instilled in the students of St. Mary’s. Advanced Placement classes are offered in Human Geography, United States History and American Government.

St. Mary’s takes pride in its ever-evolving technology curriculum. Every freshman is required to take Cyber Literacy, a course combining the study of electricity, programming, robotics and liberal arts, to achieve their required high school technology credit. There are also many opportunities for those inclined to continue their study of cyber curricula including the St. Isidore Cyber Program, participation in the SeaPerch Competition at the U.S. Naval Academy and student clubs such as the STEM club.

English Five English credits are required for graduation. Core courses are Writing and Literature: Elements of Composition, Writing and Literature: Elements of Analysis, Modern American Literature, British Literature and World Literature. Honors courses are available in all of these core courses for the above-average student who qualifies. In addition, qualifying seniors may substitute Advanced Placement Literature and Composition for World Literature.

Science St. Mary’s High School offers a challenging science curriculum that provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills as they pursue scientific knowledge, integrating technology and hands-on experience throughout Annapolis and beyond. Courses stress an active involvement in lab work and analyzing scientific data. Electives are varied to meet the special interests and levels of students.

Math The goal of the St. Mary’s Math Department is to provide each student with a solid foundation in mathematics in preparation for success in college. The math curriculum at St. Mary’s challenges students to become independent learners and creative problemsolvers as they develop important critical thinking skills.

Foreign Language St. Mary’s Foreign Language Department is dynamic and offers students the opportunity to be immersed in multiple languages: French, Latin and Spanish. Highlights of the foreign language program include: • • • •

Field trips and international trips to destinations in Europe and Central America Spanish student exchange & French summer exchange programs Service opportunities in the community French, Latin & Spanish Foreign Language Honor Societies

St. Isidore Cyber Program Named for the patron saint of computers and the internet, this rigorous program weaves the elements of St. Mary’s existing curriculum together with innovative instruction in cyber studies, computer science and engineering.

Consisting of four classes plus a capstone field experience, the St. Isidore program goes beyond traditional STEM programs with an interdisciplinary approach that integrates humanities, liberal arts and technology at each level of the program. Program courses and activities culminate in the acquisition of a cyber certificate upon graduation

Environmental Studies The Environmental Studies Certificate Program at St. Mary’s High School takes full advantage of opportunities available to a campus and community located near the Chesapeake Bay. Students in this program explore the responsibilities associated with environmental stewardship through academic study, hands-on experience, community service and a capstone field project component. Students also take advantage of a wide variety of partnering opportunities with local, regional and national environmental organizations including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Conservancy, Sierra Club, Spa Creek Conservancy and the Surfrider Foundation.

Charles Carroll Scholar Program Following freshman year, academically-eligible students are offered the opportunity to pursue study as part of the Charles Carroll Scholars Program. Requirements for this challenging program of studies may be pursued in either of two “strands,” Math and Science or Humanities and Fine Arts, according to ability and interest. The Charles Carroll Scholars Program is designed to involve gifted students at the highest level of academic study while simultaneously providing opportunities for original research or composition, and exposure to cultural programs outside of the school.

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Campus life At St. Mary’s students can shine on the field, on the stage and in the classroom.

St. Mary’s campus is full of spirited students who truly love being Saints. Each student has a unique St. Mary’s story; no two are the same. St. Mary’s fosters a sense of community and support for one another that will hopefully become a lifelong touchstone in the lives of each student. Students are active participants in campus life from the classroom to various events, sports fields and beyond. They lead the daily announcements, manage the yearbook and head or organize the school’s many clubs and activities. They are constantly immersed in trying new things, giving their four-year journey their all and planning their future at the college of their choice.

Leadership Opportunities National Honor Society: The National Honor Society is a national organization of students whose membership is determined according to criteria of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Academically eligible juniors and seniors at St. Mary’s are invited to apply.

COSA (Council on Student Affairs): COSA is the governing body and voice of St. Mary’s students. The members of COSA have a great deal of responsibility as it relates to spirit events and campus life. COSA students span all grade levels and hold their elected office for the entirety of the school year. This leadership role is ideal for students who want to use their God-given voice and talents to make a difference for their peers.

SAIL Program (Student Athletes in Leadership): SAIL is a program that furthers the leadership skills and potential of student athletes and captains. The program aids students in learning to create and inspire a culture of excellence on and off the field. The goal of SAIL is to ensure all student athlete leaders reach their full potential. Sail members meet several times a year to discuss the qualities, commitments and responsibilities of team leaders. SAIL promotes communication between St. Mary’s athletics department, administration and student athletes.

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FINE ARTS Fine Arts St. Mary’s High School is committed to the belief that each and every student can be taught to enhance their Godgiven creativity. Student artists and performers succeed in a variety of artistic endeavors including drama, music and the visual arts. These areas of study are actively cultivated not only inside the classroom, but outside in the school community as well. Students enrich their lives and the lives of others through the arts and St. Mary’s is proud to offer several courses, extracurriculars and clubs in the arts.

Courses: • • • • • •

Art I Art II Honors Art History & Appreciation Advanced Placement Studio Art Cinematic Art Ceramics

• • • • • •

Ceramics II Honors Art History and Appreciation Public Speaking and Performance Beginner Band Concert Band Music Theory

High School Theatre: St. Mary’s Theatre thrives on the creative participation of literally dozens of people.

Students are involved in every aspect of production, including: acting, stage management, costume design and construction, set construction and painting, set decoration and props construction, lighting and sound design, publicity and house and hospitality.

St. Mary’s Band Program: The band program provides students wishing to pursue music both inside and outside the classroom with the opportunity to play and develop their skills in St. Mary’s brand new band room, complete with a full music library and dedicated sound system.

Art Club: Art Club provides students with the opportunity to grow as individual artists outside of a structured class setting with open student time. Members also participate in various art projects within the school, parish and surrounding community.

Liturgical Music Ensemble: The Liturgical Music Ensemble provides music for monthly school liturgies and leads the music ministry for fellow students.

Forensic Speech and Debate Club: Under the dedicated training of Midshipman coaches, students have the opportunity to prepare speech or debate content and travel to high schools across Maryland and Virginia to compete against other students and performers. Individual performance events include delivery of original speeches, declamation of famous speeches, impromptu speaking, storytelling and theatrical scenes.

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ATHLETICS Consistent with St. Mary’s High School as a whole, the Athletic Department is committed to the quest for excellence; to the personal formation of students in their development as whole persons-spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially, through a commitment to teamwork and the growth of a strong sense of community. All of this is done with a firm foundation of time honored Catholic values.

Fifty percent of student athletes play more than one sport. Annually, over 200 student athletes make the academic honor roll and approximately 25 percent of graduating seniors commit to play a sport at the collegiate level.

With the collaboration of the St. Mary’s Athletic Department staff, the Athletic Training staff, the Strength and Conditioning staff and the team

coaches, we seek to optimize peak physical performance and implement recovery programs designed specially to meet the demands of the high school athlete. St. Mary’s prides itself on building an environment where athletes strive to attain both individual and team goals, gain confidence, learn discipline and establish a strong work ethic.

Saints Athletic Teams All teams compete in the highly competitive IAAM and MIAA Conferences. The Sailing Team competes in the ISSA.

Fall

Winter

Spring

Boys Cross Country Girls Cross Country Field Hockey Football Boys Soccer Volleyball Sailing

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Boys Indoor Track Girls Indoor Track Boys Swimming Girls Swimming Wrestling

Baseball Golf Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Boys Track & Field Girls Track & Field Tennis Sailing

Fall Championships

Winter Championships

Spring Championships

Boys Cross Country: 2010, 2004, 2001, 1997, 1995

Boys Basketball: 2009, 2007, 2003

Baseball: 2015, 2014, 2007, 2004

Girls Cross Country: 2018, 2009

Girls Basketball: 2013, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992

Golf: 2012, 2011, 1998

Football: 2018, 2017, 2008, 2007, 2002, 1996, 1995, 1990

Boys Swimming: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Girls Lacrosse: 2005, 1997

Boys Soccer: 2005, 1998, 1995

Girls Swimming: 2016, 2015

Girls Soccer: 2017, 2015, 2014, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996

Wrestling: 2019, 2018, 2013, 2012, 2006, 1994, 1991, 1990

Field Hockey: 2018 Volleyball: 2019

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Boys Lacrosse: 2015, 1996, 1993 Boys Track & Field: 2013, 2011 Girls Track & Field: 2008 Sailing: Phoebe King 2019

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St. Mary’s Clubs St. Mary’s has 30 clubs to suit all interests, many created by the students, including: Cooking Club Environmental Club Eucharistic Ministers Hope for Healing Junior Civitan Leaders in Action Mock Trial Model United Nations SAAD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) STEM Club Yearbook Yoga & Stand Up Paddleboarding

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Continue the Conversation Dominic Lamolinara Director of Admissions dlamolinara@stmarysannapolis.org

St. Mary’s High School 113 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 410-990-4236 www.stmarysannapolis.org

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Spun from blue of Mary’s mantle, Woven of the purest white, Raise the flag of dear St. Mary’s, Symbol of the true and bright.

Sons salute and daughters hail her, Stand beneath her folds always.

Ever loyal to St. Mary’s, Alma Mater all our days!

SCHOOL 113 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 18

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