Recruitment Booklet 2023-2024

St. Mary’s Dominican High School

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

Welcome to St. Mary's Dominican High School

In 1860, a small group of Dominican Sisters who were exemplary teachers and spiritual leaders traveled the long journey from Cabra, Ireland, to Louisiana to found what would become a New Orleans Catholic educational tradition. St. Mary’s Dominican High School, more than 160 years later, remains a legacy through generations leading to an eternity of Truth.

The pillars of Dominican life – prayer, study, community, and service – form the foundation of the Dominican student’s experience and the Dominican alumna’s loyalty. Throughout the Dominican educational process, students engage in the dialogue between faith and reason which prepares them for college and their apostolic leadership roles in the lifestyles and professions they later choose.

We invite prospective students and their families to learn more about Dominican and to begin experiencing firsthand the faith, joy, and excitement present in our Dominican community. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like any additional information as you consider options for high school.

May God bless you as you make your family decision!

In the spirit of St. Dominic,

Cynthia A. Thomas, O.P.A., Ed.D President

Carolyn F. Favre, O.P.A., M.Ed. Principal

I am Camille Truxillo, a Senior in the Class of 2024 at St. Mary’s Dominican High School. I have waited years to say those words; even before I stepped into the halls of Walmsley Avenue wearing my new saddle oxfords, I was excited to go to Dominican. My mom, grandmother, and aunts went to school here, and I heard so many good stories about it. However, their words could not prepare me for what life at Dominican is really like.

The first thing I learned about Dominican is that faith is truly central. The seven Dominican sisters who came from Cabra, Ireland, to Louisiana in 1860 instilled the Catholic tradition that is still prevalent today. As a Catholic school, Dominican incorporates faith, collaboration, and Veritas (Truth) into every class, organization, and event. Instead of focusing purely on STEM, language, and history, Dominican’s STREAM™ (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiative, ensures that a student grows as a whole person, mind, body, and soul.

The next aspect I discovered was academics, addressing the question every prospective student asks about high school: Is it hard? The short answer is yes. High school is hard; it’s hard to leave friends from middle school, learn a whole new campus, and deal with more advanced academics. However, Dominican prepares students for every challenge they face and makes sure that we have fun along the way. I know that I can approach my teachers, go to the Learning Center (an area in the library for student and teacher tutoring outside of class), or meet with my guidance counselor if I ever need help. It is common to see faculty help students work on research papers, perform labs in science classes, or delve into the mysteries of Sacred Scripture and Tradition. Dominican, a BEST (Bioscience Enrichment for Students and Teachers) Science! participant, was the first high school nationwide to use a SynDaver™, a sophisticated full-body simulator, in anatomy classes, and offers a variety of Dual Enrollment and AP courses. Dominican students regularly receive scholarships, writing awards, and are recognized for exceptional standardized test scores.

Though I knew many Dominican alumnae already, nothing could have prepared me for the sense of solidarity and sisterhood at Dominican. On my first week of school, I got lost and had to ask a Junior where the chapel was. Not only did she point me in the right direction, but she also went to Mass with me, invited me to Discipleship meetings, and became one of my closest friends. It is very easy to form relationships with students and teachers at Dominican because of the sense of community fostered here. Gradewide retreats, Rally Day, pep rallies, and sporting events all bring us together to build one another up (and share some friendly competition). In addition, Dominican has over forty clubs and many outstanding sports teams that students can join. Even after graduation, Dominican has a strong alumnae base that supports the school community.

Dominican’s commitment to service astounded me when I first became a student. Every student completes at least 100 service hours by Junior year, and some even exceed this limit by as many as 400 additional volunteer hours! Dominican guides students to become young women who live their lives in service to God, others, and the common good. Schoolwide events like the Canned Food Drive (which donates hundreds of thousands of canned foods to Second Harvest Food Bank annually), Thanksgiving baskets, and Adopt-a-Family build an environment focused on generosity and service to the community.

The last four years at Dominican have been the best time of my life. In this time reflecting on Dominican’s four pillars, prayer, study, community, and service, I have come to realize that the people are really what make Dominican special. I am so grateful to have met so many amazing people throughout my high school career, and I cannot wait to see who comes along to carry on the Dominican tradition after I graduate. So, as a proud Dominican student, I now “Give a toast of praise” and say “thank you, Dominican, for giving me the best high school experience I could have asked for.”

EMBRACE OUR HISTORY. BECOME A PART OF THE DOMINICAN FAMILY.

Since 1860, St. Mary's Dominican High School has been a hallmark of Catholic education in New Orleans.

Dominican Order of Preachers founded by St. Dominic de Guzman

St. John the Baptist School for Girls on Dryades Street founded by Dominican Sisters from St. Mary’s Convent – Cabra, Dublin, Ireland

St. Mary's Dominican Academy on Dryades Street chartered under the name of New Orleans Female Dominican Academy

St. Mary's Dominican Academy boarding students relocated to St. Charles Avenue

Alumnae Association founded

The two St. Mary's Dominican Academies become one and are renamed St. Mary's Dominican High School

St. Mary’s Dominican High School accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

St. Mary’s Dominican High School relocated to Walmsley Avenue campus

St. Mary’s Dominican High School celebrated Sesquicentennial

Dominican Sisters of Peace established

STREAM™ Initiative announced

Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex completed

Erminia Wadsworth | Azby Fund Technology Center opened

MISSION PRAYER STUDY

St. Mary’s Dominican High School, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is a Catholic collegepreparatory program for young women rooted in the tradition of prayer, study, community, and service. With Jesus at its center, the Dominican community preaches the Word, radiates joy, advocates peace, promotes justice, seeks Truth, manifests Catholic values, and ministers to others.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

PRAYER

With Jesus at the center of Dominican education, our goal is to instill Catholic moral values, to encourage the practice of ethical behavior, and to support the spiritual growth of all students.

CHAPEL

Located at the center of campus, the Chapel reflects the school's mission and affirms that Jesus is the center of Dominican Catholic education.

DOMINICAN CATHOLIC IDENTITY

The Office of Dominican Catholic Identity invites students to explore and express their faith through participation in:

• Student Preachers

• Retreat Team

• Campus Ministry Club

• Liturgical Music Ministers

• Liturgical Participants

• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

• Pro-Life Club

• Discipleship

8 CELEBRATIONS OF MARY, OUR PATRONESS

COMMUNITY MASSES

Schoolwide and grade-level Masses are celebrated throughout the year on Holy Days of Obligation, feast days, and important Dominican milestones. Before school, weekly Mass is also celebrated by our school chaplain in the Our Lady, Queen of the Rosary Chapel.

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

The Religion curriculum at Dominican includes regular opportunities for students to learn how to pray and to develop the habit of prayer. Additional opportunities include:

• The Living Rosary

• Lenten Assembly

• Reconciliation Days

• Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

• Thursday Morning Mass

RETREAT PROGRAM

Each grade level attends a class retreat. The retreat's theme is based on a Bible verse.

• 8th grade - Matthew 18:20

• 9th grade - John 10:10

• 10th grade - John 6:54

• 11th grade - John 15:4

• 12th grade - Matthew 28:19

7

ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED

ON DOMINICAN CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Truth and Glory is a night of ministry offered to Dominican and Jesuit students. The night includes dynamic speakers, live music, Eucharistic Adoration, and time for refreshments and socializing.

7

STUDENT PREACHERS LEAD THE SCHOOL IN PRAYER AND REFLECTION DAILY

At the annual celebration of the Living Rosary, the Mysteries are expressed artistically by our students.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion participate in the schoolwide Masses throughout the year.

Grade-level retreats offer opportunities for cultivating a personal relationship with God, connecting with classmates, serving the community, and having fun.

Through Dominican's pillar of Prayer, I have grown as a daughter of Christ. Through my involvement in Student Preachers, I have had the opportunity to voice my relationship with Christ in the form of prayer. Dominican has given me the opportunity to grow closer with Christ while encouraging others to do the same through prayer.

Rooted in the heritage of the Order of Preachers, we witness to the living presence of the Risen Christ.

-The Dominican Sisters of Peace

-REESE '24

STUDY

Rooted in Truth – Veritas, the collegepreparatory curriculum fosters a love of learning within the four pillars:

PRAYER STUDY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Through curriculum and instruction, faculty and student formation, our students are engaged in the Dominican preaching mission. Academically, they not only learn subject content, but they also learn how to love learning. Structured, engaging lessons produce creative thinkers and problem solvers.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School fosters the growth of each individual’s spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical qualities through the education of the

11 STATE OF THE ART SCIENCE LABS

whole person. As a Catholic school, our primary goal is to instill in each student knowledge of moral values while promoting the practice of ethical behavior based on these values. This philosophy has always been our guide in the development of curriculum and facilities.

Dominican’s STREAM™ initiative, established in 2013, explores the relationship between faith and reason by integrating Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math

STREAM™ continues Dominican’s unique role in the formation of students into believing thinkers and thinking believers. Faculty, staff, and administration are engaged in exploring and discussing academic disciplines and how faith informs reason.

The Erminia Wadsworth | Azby Fund Technology Center is where students can work on research projects, study in groups, and collaborate on creative endeavors. The technology center is designed to strengthen students’ understanding and practice of responsible digital citizenship that is well-formed in Dominican Catholic values.

4 DEDICATED FINE ARTS STUDIOS

-Pope Francis Lumen Fidei, June 2013

6 FACULTY MEMBERS ACT MASTERY CERTIFIED

The gaze of science thus benefits from faith …

BEARER The Torch

Dominican was the first high school in the nation to acquire the SynDaver™. Anatomy and Physiology classes experience hands-on learning, using the SynDaver™ surgical model as the “patient.”

Dominican was the first Catholic high school in the New Orleans area to offer dual enrollment in Engineering. The course work addresses civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, plus naval architecture. Students completing the course will receive three credit hours that are fully transferable to any accredited university.

Introduction to Engineering addresses several college-level topics: electrical circuit analysis using multi-mesh theory, alternating current impedances and circuit analysis, shear and bending moment diagrams, internal combustion engine efficiency, and basics of naval architecture, to name a few.

Offering dual enrollment Engineering was a big step for Dominican and shows the commitment and vision of the administration. We both had the same vision, and it has come to pass.

-Kenneth Lannes, M.S.

Dominican math teacher and Adjunct Professor at UNO

Dominican, whether you're talking about the community, prayer, service, or academics, has a special aspect that can make bright-eyed middle-schoolers eager to come and be a part of it all. Not only does Dominican push every single one of us to be more academically inclined, but it also pushes you to step out of your comfort zone with the support of your peers and teachers. Seeing everyone forming sisterly bonds that would last a lifetime is what truly made me choose Dominican.

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM OF STUDIES

ROTATING/DROP SCHEDULE (56 MINUTE CLASSES)

The rotating/drop schedule affords students the opportunity to experience their classes at different points throughout the day. Students have a fresh start to each day, and they enjoy having something different to look forward to since their day-today schedules vary. The schedule gives students continuous exposure to subject matter because they see each class at least four times a week.

-Shannon Hauler, M.Ed. Academic Assistant Principal

“

Each Dominican student’s individualized program of studies is designed and tailored to meet her where she is and help her grow to reach her academic potential.

-Kailyn Smith Recruitment Director

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES 2023-2024

Art III AP

Calculus BC AP

Chemistry II AP

English III AP (Language & Composition)

English IV AP (Literature & Composition)

French IV AP

Latin IV AP

Physics AP

Psychology AP

Spanish IV AP

US Government AP

US History AP

World History AP

ELECTIVES 2023-2024

Half Credit Electives

Athletic P.E.

Band I, II (Beginning)

Band I, II (Intermediate)

Band I (Advanced)

Choir I, II (Beginning)

Choir I, II (Intermediate)

Choir I (Advanced)

Creative Writing

Digital Graphics

Law Studies

Psychology

Women Writers

One Credit Electives

Advanced Math II-Dual Enrollment

Anatomy & Physiology (Honors Available)

Art I

Art II, Art III (II Honors, III AP Available)

Biology II (Honors Available)

Calculus (Honors and AP Available)

Chemistry II AP

Computer Science (Honors Available)

Earth Science

Intro to Engineering-Dual Enrollment (Honors Available)

French I, II, III (Honors Available)

French IV AP

Latin I, II, III (Honors Available)

Latin IV AP

Physics (AP Available)

Psychology Honors or AP

Publications I, II (Yearbook)

Spanish I, II, III (Honors Available)

Spanish IV AP

World Geography

Dominican, while rooted in tradition, is committed to a culture of innovation and continuous school improvement. With an emphasis on communication, collaboration, and creativity, our curriculum fosters inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

EXEMPLARY FACULTY

68 members of academic faculty

41 have earned advanced or doctoral degrees

INNOVATIVE LEARNING

• Robust wireless network

• Microsoft Office 365

• PlusPortals

• Dominican student email

• Digital classroom displays

average years of classroom experience

ERMINIA WADSWORTH | AZBY FUND TECHNOLOGY CENTER

• Located in the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex

• State of the art facility where students can work on research projects, analyze data, synthesize information, and collaborate on creative endeavors

• Students can utilize three dedicated spaces:

◦ Video production studio with High-Definition video camera equipment, boom microphone, two mobile LED light panels, and a Green Screen

◦ Video production computer room for compiling and transmission of videos

• Staffed by technology and Microsoft Office specialists; open daily

STREAM™ CREATION SPACE

• Located in the Robotics Lab

• Engages students with technology and develops a culture of exploration, discovery, experimentation, and reflection

• Through participation in the creative process of taking an idea and making it a tangible object, students can appreciate God’s gift of creativity

• 3-D printers, laser cutter, sewing station and various components and supplies

• Room with a Cricut Maker® cutting machine and coordinating supplies

ERMINIA WADSWORTH LIBRARY

• Located in St. Mary's Hall

• Research facility that supports the academic program with print and online resources

• Staffed by two certified librarians; open daily

• Math and English Learning Center

◦ Resource center for assistance with research, class work, and homework

◦ Staffed by Math and English teachers; open daily

All students are required to bring a personal computing device to campus daily.

Before their Match Day at Dominican, students in Mrs. Koenig’s Biology II Honors class researched a medical specialty they were interested in and locations throughout the country with residency programs in that specialty. They ranked the programs in order of preference and on Match Day opened their envelopes to see if they matched with their program. Dr. Brian Credo, director of Archbishop Rummel’s Bio-Med track, and his students joined Dominican students for this lesson plan by the American Association of Medical Colleges.

COMMUNITY

Student life at Dominican extends beyond the classroom. The Dominican community is filled with caring faculty, staff, and students who provide a warm, loving, and eventful high school experience.

SISTERHOOD

Through community-building activities, young women develop leadership skills and build friendships that last a lifetime.

CLASS COLORS

Students show school spirit and class unity by proudly sporting their class colors at school events and pep rallies throughout the year. Juniors have the privilege to wear red sweaters and seniors wear special navy blue "senior sweaters." Each class can be recognized by its own color:

8th graders - PURPLE

Freshmen - GREEN

SophomoresJuniors - RED

Seniors - BLUE

40+ CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND TEAMS

RALLY DAY

The paramount spirit event of each school year for generations, Rally Day is an annual competition during which class levels perform, cheer, and compete against one another in a contest of creativity and spirit.

DANCES

• Back to School Dance

• Senior Ring Dance

• Neat-n-Sweet Dance

• 8th Grade Christmas Celebration

• Junior Prom

• Senior Prom

FINE ARTS

The Fine Arts program is designed to foster creativity and promote self-knowledge and expression through academic courses and extracurricular programs.

• Band

• Choir

• Theater Arts

• Studio Art

• Digital Graphics

19 SPORTS TEAMS

10 UNIQUE, DOMINICAN TRADITIONS

8th graders show class spirit in their purple costumes at the Back to School Dance, the pinnacle event of Spirit Week.

Classmates realize the importance and power of team work as they perform their Rally Day skit.

A week before the seniors receive their official class rings, members of the junior class make special “pom pom rings” to serve as placeholders for the real deal. Juniors present them to the seniors during a special assembly.

The pillar of community extends far beyond the walls of our school. I love that no matter where you go, you can always find the love and support of the Dominican community.

-Katey Alexander Dean of Student Services

I often tell our students 'do not just attend Dominican...experience Dominican.' While academics are a primary focus at DHS, our students are encouraged to make the best of their time in high school, to support one another in achieving personal and team goals, and to enjoy themselves.

-Paul Spitzfaden, Athletic Director

The pillar of Community means the most to me because it represents the lifelong friendships I have made at Dominican. Before I started high school, I always heard about the Dominican sisterhood and wanted to be a part of it. Now as a student, I am proud to be a part of the strong Dominican community that values friendship, education, and service to others.

Clubs & Organizations

ACADEMIC GAMES • ALTAR SERVERS • ANIME CLUB

• ATHLETICS • BAND • BETA CLUB • BIOTECHNOLOGY

CLUB • BOWLING • CHEERLEADERS • CHOIR •

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY COUNCIL • COLOR GUARD

• CRAFT CLUB • CULTURAL DIVERSITY CLUB • DEBS (DANCE TEAM) • DEBS JV (DANCE TEAM) •

DRAMA CLUB • ECOLOGY & STEWARDSHIP CLUB •

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

• FOREIGN LANGUAGE HONOR SOCIETIES • FRENCH

CLUB • INTRAMURALS • JUNIOR ENGINEERING

TECHNICAL SOCIETY

• JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE

• LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTERS • MU ALPHA THETA

• NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL

ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY

• NATIONAL HONOR

SOCIETY • PRO-LIFE CLUB • REGINA ROSARII

(YEARBOOK)

• RETREAT TEAM • ROBOTICS CLUB

• SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • SPANISH

CLUB • SPEECH/DEBATE CLUB

AMBASSADORS • STUDENT COUNCIL

• STUDENT

• STUDENT

PREACHERS • THE STAR (NEWSPAPER)

MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

• TRI-M

• VIDEO PRODUCTION CLUB

Athletics 2022-2023

CROSS COUNTRY

• District Runner Up

• Regional Runner Up

• Placed 5th in State

VOLLEYBALL

Division I State Champions

• District Champions

• Overall record of 43-3

SWIMMING

Division I State Runner-Up

• District Champions

• Metro Champions

• Individual State Champions-50 yard freestyle, 500 yard freestyle

• Relay State Champions-200 yard medley relay, 200 yard freestyle relay, 400 yard freestyle relay

• Individual District Champion-200 and 500 yard freestyles, 100 yard backstroke, 200 yard IM, 100 yard breast stroke, 100 yard butterfly

• Relay District Champions-200 yard freestyle relay, 400 yard freestyle relay, 200 yard medley relay

• Individual Metro Champion-100 yard backstroke

• Relay Metro Champions-200 yard medley, 400 yard freestyle relay

BASKETBALL

• District Runner Up

• Overall record of 23-8

• Advanced to regional round of playoffs

9 COLLEGE SIGNINGS

SOCCER

• District Runner Up

• Overall record of 19-3-6

• Advanced to semifinal round of playoffs

• WWL-TV A+ Athlete

SOFTBALL

• Overall record of 21-11

• District Champions

• Advanced to regional round of playoffs

GOLF

• Placed 4th in Metro

• Placed 2nd in District

• Placed 8th in Regionals

• Individual Regionals - 3rd

• Individual State - 5th

TENNIS

• District Runner Up

• Regional Runner Up

• Placed 5th in State

TRACK AND FIELD

• Placed 3rd in District

• Placed 8th in Regionals

• Individual District Champion-Long Jump and High Jump

GYMNASTICS

• Placed 5th in Division I

• Individual State Champion-Division I Level 8 with a perfect score on the Uneven Parallel Bars

21 LHSAA ALL ACADEMIC TEAM STUDENTS

STUDENTS

Dominican offers all major sports on the 8th grade, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels.

Witnessing to the risen presence of Christ, we serve! Through countless service opportunities in addition to a 100-hour service requirement, Dominican students cultivate self-knowledge and a greater awareness of others.

SCHOOL-WIDE SERVICE PROJECTS

• Adopt-a-Family

• Second Harvest Food Bank Canned Food Drive

• Thanksgiving Baskets

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Dominican students have served over 250 organizations in the 2022-2023 school year including:

• Access Health Louisiana

• Angels' Place

• Audubon Nature Institute

• Camp Trinity

• Catholic Charities

• Children's Hospital New Orleans

• Children's Museum

• Common Ground Relief

• Dominican Sisters of Peace – Peace Center

• East Jefferson Medical Center

• Elevate New Orleans

• Glass Half Full

• Greenlight NOLA

• Hams for Fams

• Henry Aucoin Foundation

• Hogs for the Cause

250+ SITES SERVED

58,541

ITEMS DONATED TO SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

• Jefferson Parish Westbank Animal Shelter

• Kinglsey House

• Letters for Destiny

• Louisiana Speech and Language Center

• New Orleans Museum of Art

• New Orleans VA Medical Center

• Ochsner Main Campus Medical Center

• Second Harvest Food Bank

• St. Michael Special School

• Tulane Hospital

• Tulane Medical Center

• VATEP Vietnamese American

• Tutoring and Education Program

• West Jefferson Medical Center

• Youth Rebuilding NOLA

24,000

“ When Dominicans serve their neighbors, wherever it may be, they are serving Christ. They fulfill the two great commandments of the law, the love of God, and the love of neighbor.

-St. Catherine of Siena Dominican Saint and Doctor of the Church

Out of the four pillars, Service means the most to me. I've used this pillar in my everyday life as a student at Dominican and even outside of school. Performing acts of service, either by donating to the canned food drive or volunteering at a local summer camp, has taught me how to give back to my community. It has also made me part of a community that loves to give back.

CLASS OF CLASS OF

172 Graduates

115 Honor Graduates

Over $27 million in scholarships and awards

$4.4 million in TOPS

795 college credit semester hrs. earned

24,685 community service hours

18 AP Scholars

8 Seniors Recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

1 Senior earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT

3 Seniors Recognized by College Board as National African American or Hispanic Program Scholars

The Class of 2023 gained acceptance into 181 colleges and universities around the United States and internationally

University of Alabama at Birmingham • The University of Alabama • Albright College •Appalachian State University • Arizona State University-Tempe •University of Arizona • University of Arkansas • Auburn University • Barton College •Baylor University • Belhaven University • Belmont Abbey College • Belmont University  • Bennington College • Berry College • Bethune-Cookman University • Boston University • Brandeis University • California Lutheran University • University of California-Davis • University of California-Santa Cruz • Catholic University of America • University of Central Arkansas • University of Central Florida • Champlain College • Chapman University • College of Charleston • Christian Brothers University • Clark Atlanta University • Clemson University • University of Colorado Boulder • University of Colorado Denver • University of Colorado - Colorado Springs • Colorado State University-Fort Collins • Columbia College • Columbia College Chicago • University of Connecticut • Cornish College of the Arts • University of Dallas • Defiance College • Delta State University • University of Denver • DePaul University • Dillard University • Elizabeth City State University • Emory & Henry College • University of Evansville • Fairleigh Dickinson University • Fisher College • Fisk University • Florida A&M University • Florida Gulf Coast University • Florida Institute of Technology • Florida Polytechnic University • Florida State University • University of Florida • Fordham University • Furman University • Georgetown University • Georgia Institute of Technology • Georgia State University • University of Georgia • Grambling State University • Hampton University • Hannibal-LaGrange University • Harrisburg University of Science and Technology • High Point University • Hilbert College • University of Houston • Howard University • University of Illinois-Chicago • Indiana Tech • Indiana University-Bloomington • Ithaca College • Jackson State University • Jacksonville University • James Madison University • Kansas State University • University of La Verne • Langston University • University of Louisiana Monroe • Louisiana State University • Louisiana State University-Eunice • Louisiana Tech University • University of Louisiana at Lafayette • Loyola Marymount University • Loyola University Chicago • Loyola University New Orleans • Marquette University • University of Mary Hardin-Baylor • University of Maryland Eastern Shore • Marymount Manhattan College • Mercer University • Michigan State University • Millsaps College • Milwaukee School of Engineering • Mississippi State University • University of Mississippi • University of Missouri-Columbia • Morgan State University • Mount Saint Mary’s University • National University of Ireland • New Mexico State University • University of New Orleans • Nicholls State University • Norfolk State University • North Carolina A&T State University • University of North Texas • University of Northern Colorado • Northern Illinois University • Northwestern State University of Louisiana • University of Notre Dame • Nova Southeastern University • Ohio University • University of Oklahoma • Oregon State University • Pace University • Palm Beach Atlantic University • Paul Quinn College • Pennsylvania State University • Pfeiffer University • University of Pittsburg • University of Portland • Quinnipiac University • Regis University • Rhodes College • Rice University • Roanoke University • Robert Morris University • Rochester Institute of Technology • Rollins College • Saint Leo University • Samford University • University of San Diego • Savannah College of Art & Design • Seton Hall University • Sewanee: The University of the South • Shaw University • Shelton State Community College • Simon Fraser University • University of South Carolina-Columbia • University of South Florida • Southeast Missouri State University • Southeastern Louisiana University • University of Southern California • Southern Methodist University • University of Southern Mississippi • Southern University and A&M College • Southern University at New Orleans • Southern Utah University • Spelman College • Spring Hill College • Saint Edward’s University • St. John’s University-New York • Stonehill College • University of Tampa • Temple University • University of Tennessee, Knoxville • Texas A&M University • Texas Christian University • Texas Southern University • The University of Texas at Austin • Culinary Institute of America •

Profile of a Dominican Graduate

A Dominican graduate is encouraged to be a woman of integrity who seeks Truth, Veritas. Embracing the Dominican program and aspiring to its ideals, she:

Upcoming Recruitment Events

September 2023

FALL SPEND-A-DAYS

September 8, 13, 28

October 23, 25, 30, 31

November 1, 7

DEB MINI CAMP

September 9

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION SESSION

October 2023

November 2023

September 20

SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL

September 29

STREAM™ SATURDAY

October 7

OPEN HOUSE

October 19

CHEER MINI CAMP

October 28

SHADOW MY SADDLES

November 4

SPRING SPEND-A-DAYS

February 28

April 10, 11

DESTINATION DOMINICAN

March 8

BLACK AND WHITE FRIDAY NIGHT

April 19

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Applicants are accepted on the basis of previous academic performance (grades, standardized test scores, conduct, attendance), performance on the High School Placement Test, and a desire to become a part of the Dominican community.

Placement for accepted students is determined by the High School Placement Test, standardized test scores, and her elementary school record.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TUITION

All- inclusive tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $11,320. Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year will be published in February 2024.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School partners with Blackbaud Tuition Management to manage your tuition account. Blackbaud Tuition Management offers a number of payment options, including annual, semi-annual, and monthly payment schedules.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Several academic scholarships are awarded each year to incoming students who demonstrate academic excellence. The criteria used to determine scholarship recipients include elementary school grades, standardized test scores, conduct and effort grades, and Dominican High School Placement Test scores. Financial aid scholarships are awarded based on need. These scholarships require an application to Blackbaud Financial Aid Management. All scholarship recipients are notified in May.

WORK STUDY PROGRAM

Upon acceptance to Dominican, students in financial need may apply for tuition assistance through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management. Dominican does not grant full tuition waivers. The Work Study Program offers partial tuition reduction in return for on-campus work. Work Study participants are notified by the Finance Office in May.

IMPORTANT ADMISSION DATES

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Dominican Open House

November 8, 2023

Application forms available at Catholic elementary schools and at www.stmarysdominican.org

January 2024

High School Testing Day (January 13)

Interviews

February 23, 2024

Notifications of Acceptance

CONTACT INFORMATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

Kailyn Smith, Recruitment Director 504.865.5028

ksmith@stmdhs.org

April Myers, Tuition/Accounting Manager 504.865.8471

amyers@stmdhs.org

Paul Spitzfaden, Athletic Director 504.865.5011

pspitzfaden@stmdhs.org

Sponsored by The Dominican Sisters of Peace

Vice

Cynthia A. Thomas, O.P.A., Ed.D. President

Carolyn F. Favre, O.P.A., M.Ed.

Vice President, Principal

Maureen S. Wright, O.P., Ph.D.

President,

Dominican Catholic Identity

Jamie G.

Lassere

Vice President, Advancement

Catherine V. Thomson Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Alma Mater Toast of Praise

Alma Mater, home of learning! Hear our voices loud in praise; While our loyal hearts are yearning To far heights thy name to raise.

Peace and love and wisdom hoary

In thy halls our youth has found; Ours 'twill be to spread thy glory, Far and near thy fame to sound.

Proudly march we 'neath thy standard, Saints' and Sages' names enrolled. "VERITAS" has never wandered From thy shield full centuries old.

Peace and love and wisdom hoary

In thy halls our youth has found; Ours 'twill be to spread thy glory, Far and near thy fame to sound.

Here's a toast of praise to the school we love –Dominicans are we!

To the school that keeps our spirits high ... It's known for loyalty

It makes the players what they ought to be. Dominican's the only school for me! So ... Here's a toast of praise to the school we love –To you, Dominican!

St. Mary’s Dominican High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition grants, and athletic and other school administered programs.