THE MARY LOUIS ACADEMY
ACADEMIC COURSE CATALOG
2026-2027
Sisters of St. Joseph Schools are Catholic college-preparatory educational communities of excellence, created to empower young women to become the leaders of tomorrow. Steeped in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, our schools foster respect for oneness with creation, and are committed to nurturing inclusive love, unity, reconciliation, justice and peace. We strive to develop compassionate, confident students, rooted in the gospel of Jesus, who use their exceptional academic and leadership skills to address the needs of our times.
Core Values
Rooted in our common mission, we are committed to:
Spirituality
Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the traditions of the Catholic Church, our school communities strive to live and witness reconciliation, unity, justice, peace, and God's inclusive love. We seek union with God and with the sacred community of all God's creation, human and non-human.
Academic Excellence
Students at our schools achieve academic excellence while their individual gifts and talents are nourished. They are encouraged to become life-long learners through rigorous and innovative college preparatory curricula.
Leadership
Our schools prepare students to live their lives with honesty and integrity. We strive to develop women leaders who earn respect by actions and decisions marked with strength, humility, empathy and authenticity.
Service
Our schools encourage students to become responsible, compassionate citizens committed to justice and peace in global society. Our students embrace opportunities to respond to the needs of others through service and advocacy.
Community
Our schools are unique, diverse, and caring Christian communities where all are welcomed and respected. In this sacred environment, our students grow in self-respect, hospitality, and care for the dear neighbor.
The Mary Louis Academy, established by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Brentwood, New York, is a girls’ Catholic academic high school which offers excellent preparation for college, a career and life. The curriculum which is followed ensures that the student will earn all the credits necessary for The New York State Regents Diploma and have the opportunity to earn The New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, the highest diploma available. The Honors, Accelerated and Advanced Placement Program enhances this curriculum and gives each student the way to develop a schedule that will enrich her experience and provide opportunities in her college career. Juniors and Seniors may earn high school and college credits simultaneously because of affiliation with the university level through St. John's University's College Advantage Program.
Parents/Guardians and students are urged to consult this book frequently and to read it carefully because it provides all the information a student needs to plan her courses for graduation. The Mary Louis Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies or school activities.
The Mary Louis Academy is registered by the University of the State of New York and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
The Mary Louis Academy awards two types of high school diplomas:
● TMLA Diploma + NYS Regents Diploma;
● TMLA Diploma + Advanced Regents Diploma.
Both diploma types require that students exceed New York State requirements, including but not limited to successfully earning 26.5 credits and completing four credits of Religion coursework.
TMLA Diploma + New York State Regents Diploma Requirements
Department (alpha order)
(minimum) Regents Examinations+
Additional three (3) credits across English, Fine Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science or World Languages*
(0.5 per year)
of one Math exam (e.g., Integrated Algebra, Geometry)
credits A minimum of one Science exam (e.g., Living Environment, Chemistry)
minimum of one Social Studies exam (e.g., Global History & Geography, US History and Government)
credits
additional exam in Math, Science, Social Studies or World Languages.
* Not required courses for NYS Regents Diploma but required for TMLA Diploma
+ A student must pass five Regents examinations with minimum scores of 65. She must pass one English, Math, Science and Social Studies exam, plus a fifth in Math, Science, Social Studies or World Languages.
TMLA Diploma + New York State
Regents Diploma
Additional three (3)
* Not required courses for NYS Regents Diploma but required for TMLA Diploma + A student must pass the required additional Regents examinations with minimum scores of 65 to earn an Advanced Regents Diploma.
DIPLOMA DESIGNATIONS
The Mary Louis Academy will offer students the opportunity to apply for Diploma Designations in Art, Literary Arts, STEM, Sports Medicine, American History and Civics and Pre-Medicine. These designations are described in each corresponding subject area of this catalog. In order to receive the diploma designation upon graduation, the student must complete the prescribed program/course of study. These designations are designed to enhance the educational experience of a TMLA student.
STUDENT SCHEDULES
Student schedules at The Mary Louis Academy are individually crafted within the guidelines set by the Board of Regents of the State of New York. Each student, in consultation with her parents / guardians, plans her schedule from among Regents, Honors, Accelerated and AP Courses. In planning her schedule, a student should seriously consider Honors and AP courses because such courses provide an in-depth educational experience.
When a student is enrolled in a Regents Course she is required to take and pass the Regents Examination. When a student is enrolled in an AP Course she is required to take the AP Examination.
Transcripts for students transferring to The Mary Louis Academy will be individually evaluated:
PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULE
ALL Freshwomen Schedules - Grade 9
Department Available Course Options
English English 9 or English 9 Honors
Fine Arts Vocal Techniques or Music in Our Lives or Studio Art or Theater Arts
Mathematics Algebra I or Algebra I Honors Geometry or Geometry Honors*
Physical Education Physical Education 9 or Dance
Religion Religion 9
Science Life Science: Biology or Life Science: Biology Honors or Chemistry or Chemistry Honors*
Social Studies Global History 9 or AP World History 9
World Languages French I or Italian I or Spanish I
Student Services Skills 9
Additional Information
Students interested in appealing English 9 placement are required to take a placement exam in June prior to Grade 9.
Students choose one Fine Arts course during their freshwomen year.
Students interested in appealing Geometry or Geometry Honors are required to take a placement exam in June prior to Grade 9 regardless of Algebra I Regents score.
N/A
N/A
Students interested in appealing Chemistry or Chemistry Honors are required to take a placement exam in June prior to Grade 9 regardless of Living Environment Regents score.
Chemistry Prerequisite: 85% on the Algebra Regents and successful completion of the course, and 80% on the Living Environment Regents and successful completion of the course.
Students interested in appealing AP World History placement are required to take a placement exam in June prior to Grade 9.
In the event that a student entering Grade 9 has completed the entry level of a world language, she will be required to take a placement exam in June to determine the correct world language enrollment. Native speakers are required to begin the study of a new language.
N/A
* In the event that a student entering Grade 9 has completed Geometry in Grade 8, she will be required to take a placement exam in June to determine the correct Math enrollment.
ALL Sophomore Schedules - Grade 10
Department
English English 10 or English 10 Honors
Fine Arts
Available Course Options
Art majors must take Drawing Orchestra or Glee Club upon approval
Health Health for Living
Mathematics
Physical Education
Geometry or Geometry Honors or Algebra 2 Trig or Algebra 2 Trig Honors
Physical Education 10 or Swim Gym or Dance or Leaders Training
Religion Religion 10
Science
Social Studies
World Languages
Chemistry or Chemistry Honors or AP Chemistry or Physics or Physics Honors or Earth Science or Earth Science Honors
Global 10 or AP World History 10*
*Prerequisite AP World History 9
French 2 or Italian 2 or Spanish 2
Student Services Skills/PSAT Prep
ALL Junior Schedules - Grade 11
Department
English English 11 or AP Language and Composition
Electives AP Seminar or Level 1 of second World Language
Fine Arts
Available Course Options
Music in Our Lives or Music History or Vocal Techniques or Studio Art or Orchestra and Glee Club upon approval
Art Majors must take Painting Students with a Music Concentration must take The History of Musical Styles and Theory
Mathematics Algebra 2 Trig or Algebra 2 Trig Honors or Precalculus or AP Precalculus
Physical Education
JR/SR Physical Education or Swim Gym or Dance or Leaders Training or Advanced leaders
Students pursuing the Sports Med Diploma Designations must take First Aid
Religion Religion 11
Science Chemistry or Chemistry Honors or Earth Science or Earth Science Honors or Physics or Physics Honors or AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics
Social Studies US History or AP US History
World Languages
*Required for Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation French 3 or Italian 3 or Spanish 3 or Spanish III or AP Spanish
Student Services Junior Seminar/SAT Prep
SENIOR WHO HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN PRE-CALCULUS - Grade 12
Department (alpha order)
Req’d
English Yes
English 12
AP English Literature or AP Research*
Available Course Options
*Prerequisite is AP Seminar in Junior year
Fine Arts Optional AP Art History or AP Music Theory upon approval or Orchestra and Glee Club upon approval or Digital Art and Graphic Design
Students who are Art Majors must take Digital Art, AP Art, and/or AP Art History Students with a Music Concentration must take AP Music Theory
Mathematics Yes
Physical Education Yes
Religion Yes
Pre-Calculus or AP Pre-Calculus or Intro to CalcH
JR/SR Physical Education or Swim Gym or Dance or Advanced Leaders or Independent Leaders
First Aid may be taken as an elective
Women of the Word or Christology Honors or Comparative Religions and Old Testament Honors
Science Electives Optional Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology Honors or AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics or Forensics or Contemporary Science or AP Computer Science
Social Studies Yes AP Government and Politics or Current Issues or US Government and Economics
Electives x 2 Yes
Choose 2
English elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or Social Studies elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or Science Elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or 4th year of World Language or AP Seminar or AP Art History
Student Services Yes Senior Seminar/College Readiness
SENIOR WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN PRE-CALCULUS - Grade 12
Department Req’d
English Yes English 12 or AP English Literature or AP Research*
Fine Arts
Available Course Options
*Prerequisite AP Seminar in Junior year
Optional AP Art History or AP Music Theory upon approval or Orchestra and Glee Club upon approval or Digital Art and Graphic Design
Math Choose one Math or one Science
Physical Education Yes
Students who are Art Majors must take Digital Art, AP Art, and/or AP Art History Students with a Music Concentration must take AP Music Theory
AP Calculus AB or AP Computer Science
Physical Education 12 or Swim Gym or Dance or Advanced Leaders or Independent Leaders
First Aid may be taken as an elective
Religion Yes Women of the Word or Christology Honors or Comparative Religions and Old Testament Honors
Science Choose one Math or one Science
Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology Honors
AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics or Forensics or Contemporary Science or AP Computer Science
Social Studies Yes AP Government and Politics or Current Issues or US Government and Economics
Elective x 2 Yes
Choose 2
English elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or Social Studies elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or Science Elective (in lieu of 4th year of World Language) or 4th year of World Language or
AP Seminar or AP Art History
Student Services Yes Senior Seminar/College Readiness
HONORS AND AP COURSES
Each student is encouraged to take Honors and AP courses which enhance her academic experience and open opportunities for acceptance into college. A student wishing to take Honors and Advanced Placement courses should meet the following Academic Requirements and must apply for the course of her choice.
HONORS and AP COURSES
SY 25-26 End of Year Grade Requirements
*Acceptance into Honors and AP Courses is at the discretion of the department. Additional requirements or documentation may be required.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grade Points
Grade Points are determined on final grades as follows:
A+ 95-100 4.0 grade points
A 90-94 3.5 grade points
B+ 85-89
B 80-84
C+ 75-79
grade points
grade points
grade points
C 70-74 1.5 grade points
D 65-69 1.0 grade points
F below 65 0 grade points
*In the event that a student successfully completes an Honors or AP Course, her final grade will be weighted and adjusted accordingly and reflected in her end-of-year GPA.
Honor Roll
Principal's List: G.P.A. of 3.9 or over [and no grade less than 90]
First Honors: G.P.A. of 3.5 [and no grade less than 85]
Second Honors: G.P.A. of 3.2 [and no grade less than 80]
National Honor Society
Juniors and Seniors who achieve a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 are eligible for the Mary Louis Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Rank
Rank is calculated cumulatively on the G.P.A. at the end of each year and will be reported exactly.
FAILURES
Course Failure
Any student who fails one or two course(s) [whether a 1-credit or .50-credit course] must attend summer school in order to remove the failure(s). A student who fails three courses or has a failure after attending summer school will be required to attend a conference with her parents/guardians and school leadership. Individual cases will be considered in view of the student’s interests and capabilities, and diploma requirements.
Regents Examination Failure
If a student fails a Regents Examination, it is her obligation to repeat the examination. She may choose one of the following:
1. Take the course in summer school and retake the required Regents. or
2. Take an accredited Regents Prep Course during the summer and retake the required Regents.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
TMLA Literary Arts Diploma Designation
The English Department will offer a Diploma Designation in Literary Arts to a student who fulfills the following requirements:
● English 10 Honors
● Grade 11 Advanced Placement Language and Composition
● Grade 12 Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
● Either Grade 11 Elective Advanced Placement Seminar or Grade 12 Elective Advanced Placement Seminar
Literary Arts Diploma Designation students who chose to take both Advance Placement Language and Composition and Advanced Placement Seminar in 11th Grade may elect to take only Advanced Placement Research in 12th Grade, and are not required to take Grade 12 Advanced Placement Literature and Composition.
The TMLA Literary Arts Diploma Designation requires a five-year study of courses within the English curriculum, as outlined above. Acceptance into the program (assessed during the course selection process in the student's 9th grade) will be based on:
● Maintaining an average of 90% in English
● Recommendation of 9th grade teacher
● An interview with the Department Chair
Additional Requirement: A three-year membership in one of the following extracurricular activities:
● Genesians
● Mariel
● Crusader
● Speech and Debate
This membership supplement would mandate attendance standards as well as participation proposed by the Moderator of the activity in conjunction with the Chair of the English Department.
Freshwoman English
1100 English 9
1 Credit Introduction to Literary Genres & High School Writing
This course includes the study of grammatical correctness and usage as well as the skills needed to excel in high school writing. Emphasis is placed on the development of writing skills from single paragraphs to full essays by year’s end. Literature will introduce works from each of the major genres: fiction, nonfiction, drama and poetry. Selected works are studied both for comprehension and analysis, as well as attention to the authors' use of language. A structured vocabulary program is also included, as well a digital grammar packet. Continued emphasis will be placed on aspects of the NYS Standards for English 7-12, as well as the National Core Curriculum.
Freshwoman English Honors
1110 English 9H
1 Credit Introduction to Literary Genres & High School Writing
This course is an accelerated and expanded version of English 1100, including all aspects of the course as described above. Students will move more quickly through the development of writing skills and the study of English Grammar and Usage. In addition, students will read a number of more challenging literary works, including The Good Earth, The Hobbit, Silas Marner and selections from Homer’s Odyssey. Modern and Contemporary novels and plays will be studied as well, although here too, the selections may be more rigorous than in English 1100. Students should be prepared to participate fully and consistently as a basic requirement of this course.
Sophomore English
1200 English 10 1 Credit Survey of American Literature & Preliminary Research Skills
This course examines American authors and their works, from the earliest Puritans to the more contemporary and diverse voices of our society. Students will study American literature in a variety of genres, including authors such as Poe, Hawthorne, Steinbeck, Miller, Wharton and Walker. This course emphasizes the continued development of writing and critical thinking skills and incorporates a structured vocabulary program and grammar packet in preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. In addition, students of this course will be introduced to basic research skills, particularly the creation of in-text citations and alignment with a Work Cited page. Finally, students of English 10 will prepare to take the NYS Regents Exam at the conclusion of this course.
Sophomore English Honors
1210 English 10H 1 Credit Survey of American Literature & Preliminary Research Skills
This course is an accelerated and expanded version of English 1200, featuring a number of alternate titles and further study of selected works from the canon of American literature, most notably Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter and Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. All aspects of English 1200 described above will be covered in this course as well; however, the Grammar and Usage topics covered will be more extensive, and there will be more advanced analysis of each literary work. As with English 1200, students of this course will be introduced to basic research skills, particularly the creation of in-text citations and alignment with a Works Cited page. Finally, students of English 10H will prepare to take the NYS Regents Exam at the conclusion of this course.
Junior English
1300 English 11
1 Credit Survey of British Literature & Intermediate Research Skills
This course introduces students to works from the canon of British Literature, including selections from Shakespeare, Du Maurier, Shelly and Austen, as well as verse from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and selections from Beowulf, accompanied by a brief history and development of the English Language. More contemporary works of British literature will be included as well, from authors such as Ian McEwan, Zadie Smith and Nick Hornby. Skills related to the SAT and ACT will be an integral part of this course, as well as further development of research skills, most notably paraphrasing and summarizing from more sophisticated sources. Continued emphasis will be placed on the development of more advanced writing skills, in alignment with NYS Standards for English 7-12, as well at the National Core Curriculum.
Advanced Placement English
1320 JR AP
1 Credit Advanced Placement Language and Composition
This course examines various rhetorical devices and strategies of writing in preparation for the AP English Language and Composition Exam, as outlined by the College Board. Materials will be drawn from a wide variety of non-fiction sources, including speeches of Florence Kelley and Sojourner Truth, and pieces from The New Yorker. In addition, this course has a literary fiction component, focused on works from the British canon, including selections from Shakespear, Chaucer, Austen, Shaw and others. The class will discuss rhetorical appeals to reason and to emotion, and will consider the relationship among the speaker, audience, message and purpose of text. Student of this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language. The cost of this exam is assumed by the student.
Senior English
1400 English 12 1
Credit
20th Century Literature & Composition for College
This course explores a broad range of 20th Century literature through in-depth analysis, discussion and activities. Selections include classics from the early decades of the 20th Century, selections from midcentury authors such as Capote and Salinger, and works of fiction and drama that reach into the 21st Century, from authors such as Amy Tan, James McBride and Chad Harbach. The other major focus on this course, Composition for College, is intended to prepare students for college-level writing across a range of academic disciplines. Students will employ research and writing skills from sophomore and junior year, along with the final skills they will need to write a college-level research paper. This course will begin with an in-depth process for writing college application essays and supplementary statements.
Advanced Placement English
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
1420 SR AP 1
Credit
This is a college-level introductory course in English literature, aimed at preparing students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature and Composition, and for the rigors of university writing. Students will develop skill in literary analysis and advanced composition, as well as advanced methods of research and expression. These skills will enable them to complete a research paper based on major literary work suggested by the College Board, as well as college application essays and supplementary statements. The core material of this course is structured as nine units, three each of short fiction, poetry and major works. Authors will reflect a broad range of literary styles from the Renaissance to the present day, with an emphasis on 20th Century writers; such authors include Aldous Huxley, Henrik Ibsen, Herman Ibsen, Herman Melville, Jhumpa Lahiri, John Updike, Margaret Atwood and many others. Literary papers, discussions and classwork will focus on authorial techniques and universal questions that arise from consideration of each work. Students of this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature. The cost of this exam is assumed by the student.
AP Seminar
JR 1321
SR 1421
1 Credit
AP Seminar is the first course in a two-year program comprising two separate AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who complete AP Seminar in their Junior year will have the opportunity to take AP Research in their Senior year and earn the AP Capstone Diploma from the College Board. AP Seminar teaches students how to conduct and present research and concludes with both a graded performance task and AP Seminar Exam. This is a rigorous, interdisciplinary, student-focused program, in which students choose the topics they research.
AP Research
SR 1421
1 Credit
This course is the final half of the College Board’s AP Capstone program. It is offered exclusively to Seniors who have completed AP Seminar in their Junior year, and builds upon the skills mastered in that course. In AP Research, students will conduct a year-long independent research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in an academic paper and oral presentation. This demanding course allows students to investigate their own academic interests while developing advanced research, writing and critical thinking skills. Through close collaboration with the teacher, students will navigate the full research process from formulating a research question to defending their conclusion.
Students are required to earn 1 credit in Fine Arts. This credit may be earned in a combination of Art, Music and/or Theatre Arts
Art Department
The Art Department seeks to foster student creativity for planning and producing works of art in a variety of media. A technical mastery necessary for the creation of a two-dimensional work and an understanding of major art historical movements are other goals of this department.
TMLA Advanced Art Diploma Designation
The Art Department will administer an Advanced Art Diploma Designation to any four-year Art Major who, in addition to the Art Concentration requirements completes any of the following,
● An internship with any of the major museums in NYC (The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, The Whitney, etc.)
● An internship with any Art Gallery
● An outside course with any of the major Art Colleges (Pratt, FIT, SVA, Parsons, etc.)
ART MAJOR
Students who wish to apply to become an Art major must provide the following:
● Samples of their work
● A short essay describing why they would like to be an Art Major
These will be evaluated by the Fine Arts Committee, along with current performance in art courses. Decisions will be based on both a student’s skill as well as passion and commitment to fulfilling the requirements of an Art Major. Students must take Studio Art, Drawing and Painting in sequence. Painting is also a Prerequisite for AP Studio Art. Students who wish to be an Art Major must complete the additional required three units of credit, inclusive of the Drawing, Painting, AP Art, and/or AP Art History and/or Digital Art.
Studio Art
6110 Studio Art
0.50 Credit
This foundation course focuses on those basic elements of design (space, light, color, form, line and texture), which are used to create an image. Examples of each element are treated in project form which requires the student’s experimentation with a variety of media. During their Freshwoman year, students will be invited to apply to the Art Major program. Upon approval by faculty and chairperson, students will take a full four-year sequence of Art classes which includes Studio Art, Drawing, Painting and one of the following classes: AP Art, AP Art History or Digital Art.
Drawing 6120 Drawing 1 Credit
Drawing is an introduction to the conceptual and technical skills of drawing and hand rendering, suitable for artists at every level of experience. Students will learn to use many different media, including graphite, colored pencils, ink, charcoal, and digital media to depict many different kinds of subjects. Projects will begin with a brief study of technique, and we will look at examples of the kinds of work we will create. All finished pieces should be considered as potential portfolio pieces for college admissions and competitions.
Painting 6130 Painting 1 Credit
The painting course deals with the media of watercolor and acrylics. Using watercolor, the student will experiment with the techniques of wash, wet-into-wet, dry brush and opaque watercolor. In acrylic painting particular attention is given to the study of color and its properties as well as to a variety of painting techniques. This course may be taken for college credit through the College Advantage Program.
AP Art
6150 AP Art 1
This course provides an opportunity for the talented student to work intensively on a self-led visual inquiry culminating in a portfolio for submission to The College Board for college credit. The student will be guided in the preparation of an extensive amount of college level work. Enrollment in this course is especially helpful to the student who anticipates attending Art school or majoring in Art. (The cost of this exam is assumed by the student.)
*Prerequisite - Art 921 (Painting) or Chairperson Approval
AP Art History
6151 AP Art History 1
AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis. (The cost of this exam is assumed by the student.)
Materials Fee for the above courses are as follows:
Studio Art
Advanced Placement Art
Drawing
Digital Art
Painting
$50.00
$75.00
$75.00
$75.00
$75.00
Students who wish to be an Art Major must complete the additional required three units of credit, inclusive of the Drawing, Painting, AP Art, and/or AP Art History and/or Digital Art.
Digital Art
6141 Digital Art
0.50 Credit
This course is an introduction to the techniques, technology, and craft of digital art. The course will include 3D modeling and 3D printing techniques, as well as the inner workings of a 3D printer and how to properly maintain one. Students will explore the basics of animation and virtual reality, as well as the applications of digital drawing and illustration. The students will incorporate aesthetic insight, conceptual skill, and professional techniques to produce a portfolio of finished works applicable to architecture and engineering, animation, video game design, and visual effects.
Graphic Design
6142 Graphic Design
0.50 Credit
Graphic Design introduces students to the art of visual communication through hands-on, project-based design work. In this course, students learn how to create ideas into bold visual language that communicates and tells a story. By exploring fundamental design principles such as typography, layout, and hierarchy, students create real-world inspired projects including poster design, logo creation, brand identities, self-made magazine spreads, book layouts, packaging concepts, and mock website or app interfaces! This course emphasizes experimentation, visual storytelling, and creative problem-solving, allowing students to build confidence in their ideas and develop a personal design style using digital tools. Graphic Design is ideal for students who love art, media, and visual culture, or for anyone curious about how design shapes the world around us.
Music Department
The goal of the Music Department is to instill in the student an appreciation for music through participation in musical activities, listening experiences, and an understanding of the major musical styles and forms which have influenced the music of today. The program is also designed to provide the student with the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with others in the school and community through both vocal and instrumental performances.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION
Students who wish to follow a concentration in Instrumental Music are advised to register for the Orchestra Freshwoman year and include both the History of Music Styles and Theory in Junior year and AP Music Theory in their schedules in Senior Year.
Students who wish to follow a concentration in Vocal Performance must register for 6512 - Vocal Techniques in Freshwoman year. They must also register for the Glee Club as well as The History of Musical Styles and Theory in Junior year and take AP Music Theory in Senior year. These students may also choose to expand their Music experience by taking the Music Courses available – 6510, 6511 and 6512, (Descriptions listed below).
Music In Our Lives
6510 Music in Our Lives
0.50 Credit Music In Our Lives is a comprehensive, project-based music course that offers students the opportunity to create, perform, listen to and analyze music. Students will learn how music affects every aspect of their own lives. It explores the various ways that music affects our lives through social, cultural and historical contexts.
History of Musical Styles & Theory
6511 History of Musical Styles
0.50 Credit
Students will explore the traditional styles of music through the ages to give them the basic skills necessary for the appreciation of all types of music. This course will include basic theory such as note reading, scales and key signatures to prepare them for the AP Music Theory course and examination that they can choose to take in their Senior year.
Vocal Techniques
6512 Vocal Techniques
0.50 Credit
The focus of this course is instruction in note reading, singing, various vocal styles and a proper and healthy singing technique. In-class performances (both groups, as well as solo or duet) are a required part of the class. Students enrolled in this course will be eligible to join the Glee Club in January.
AP Music Theory
6550 AP Music Theory 1 Credit
An Advanced Music Theory course, AP Music Theory will include an in-depth exploration of the five musical elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and style. Application of theory through analysis, composition and aural skills will be a main component of the course. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
*Prerequisite - History of Musical Styles and Theory or Department Chairperson Approval
Music Performance Courses
Orchestra
6513 Orchestra 1 Credit
This performing ensemble focuses on the study of musical styles and forms, correct instrumental techniques, and the interpretation of music notation, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the orchestral literature. This class will meet during the cycle in addition to at least one afternoon per week. Members of the Orchestra: Attendance at all rehearsals and the Christmas and Spring Concerts is a requirement for credit.*
*Prerequisite - An audition is required for students wishing to be in Orchestra.
*Credit may be applied to the Fine Arts requirement or to a performance credit for those taking the sequence in Fine Arts, only if the student is registered and attends class within the day's schedule.
Glee Club 6514 Glee Club 1 Credit
This performing ensemble focuses on the study of correct singing technique, music notation, sight-singing and diction, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the choral literature. This class will meet during the cycle in addition to at least one afternoon per week. *Members of the Glee Club may also be asked to participate in a variety of performances during the year. Attendance at all rehearsals and the Christmas Concert, Spring Concert and Graduation is a requirement for credit. *Prerequisite - Students wishing to be in Glee Club must audition or take Music 6512 (Vocal Techniques).
Intro to Theater Arts
6910 Theater Arts
0.50 Credit
This course provides students with experience in every aspect of theater: performance, directing, production, costumes, make-up, lighting, sound and program management. Attendance and continuity in productions are essential factors in earning credit. Freshwomen taking the Theater Arts course must belong to Genesians as part of their course work. Students must attend monthly General Meetings as well as committee meetings after school.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
The Mathematics Department aims to actively involve each student in acquiring skills of analysis and logical reasoning, along with proficiency in computation. The Department strives to maintain an atmosphere in which students experience the freedom and confidence to question and gain confidence as they master Mathematical skills. All students are required to have a TI-84 Plus or TI -84 CE+ Graphing Calculator for all of their mathematics courses.
TMLA
STEM Diploma Designation (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
The TMLA STEM program is open to students that are interested in pursuing careers in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science. Admission to this program is by departmental approval and available to qualified sophomores who have met the following requirements:
● Maintained a minimum average of 90% in both Math and Science and remain in good academic standing in current Math and Science courses.
● Attained a grade of at least 80% on all Math and Science Regents examinations
Curriculum includes:
● Sophomore Year: Regular or Honors Math course and Regular or Honors Science course per the advisement of the Department Chair.
● Junior Year: Regular or Honors Math course and Regular or Honors Science course per the advisement of the Department Chair.
● Senior Year: One Math and one Science course from the following options: AP Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, and Intro to Calculus H; AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Forensics.
Electives:
You must complete one STEM elective in your junior or senior year. These courses include but are not limited to: Introduction to AP Computer Science, a second Math or Science course, Greek and Latin Root Words, Science Research or Digital Art.
Other Requirements:
● Membership in a STEM extra-curricular activity (GEM, Robotics Club, a Science Club, Architecture Club)
● Attendance at scientific lectures or field trips as they are made available to enhance your studies
● Compete in one scientific or mathematical competition
● Peer tutor of Math or Science
● Attendance at STEM forums as directed by department chair
The STEM status of each student will be reviewed at the end of each year. STEM designation with Honor will be awarded to any STEM student that maintains a 90 average in all Math and Science courses and attains a grade of at least 80% on all Math and Science Regents examinations.
Math 9-Algebra I
2100 Math 9-Algebra I 1 Credit
This course will cover all the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Next Generation Standards Algebra 1 course. This course will culminate in the Algebra 1 Regents Exam in June.
Math 9-Algebra I Honors
2110 Math 9-Algebra I Honors 1
This course will cover all the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Next Generation Standards Algebra 1 course, as well as enrichment topics. This course will culminate in the Algebra 1 Regents Exam in June.
Math 10-Geometry
2200 Math 10-Geometry 1
This course will cover all the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Next Generation Standards Geometry Course. This course will culminate in the Geometry Regents Exam in June.
Math 10-Geometry Honors
2210 Math 10-Geometry Honors 1
This course will cover all the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Next Generation Standards Geometry Course, as well as enrichment topics. This course will culminate in the Geometry Regents Exam in June.
Math 11-Algebra II
2301 Math 11-Algebra II 1
This course will cover all of the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Algebra II Next Generation Standards course. This course will culminate in the Algebra II Regents Exam in June.
Math 11-Algebra II Honors
Credit
2310 Math 11-Algebra 11 Honors 1
This course will cover all of the topics in the New York State curriculum for the Algebra II course, as well as enrichment topics. This course will culminate in the Algebra II Regents Exam in June.
Pre-Calculus
Credit
2302 Pre-Calculus 1
This course is offered to students who have successfully completed the Regents curriculum. The topics covered include polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and polar functions, parametric equations, vectors, and matrices.
*Prerequisite - Algebra II
AP Pre-Calculus
2320 AP Pre-Calculus 1
This course is offered to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed the Regents curriculum in mathematics and meet the requirements listed below. The topics covered are polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and polar functions, parametric equations, vectors and matrices. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Pre-Calculus Examination in May. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.) This course may be taken for college credit through the College Advantage Program, St. John's University.
*Prerequisite - Algebra II; it is recommended that students applying for this course have an 90 average in previous honors math courses, or a 95 in non-honors math courses. Placement is based on teacher recommendation and Departmental Approval
Intro to Calculus Honors
2411 Intro to Calc-Honors 1
Credit
This course will cover pre-calculus topics with particular emphasis on functions and their graphs. This includes linear, quadratic, piecewise, greatest integer, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also includes calculus topics related to limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals and their applications. This course may be taken for college credit through the College Advantage Program. *It is recommended that students applying for this course have a 90 average in previous honors math courses, or a 95 in non-honors math courses. Placement is based on teacher recommendation and Departmental Approval
Math
2421 AP Calculus AB 1
Credit
The topics covered are Analytic Geometry, Functions, Limits, Differentiations of algebraic and transcendental functions, Integration, and Applications. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Calculus AB Examination in May. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.) This course may be taken for college credit through the College Advantage Program, St. John's University. *Prerequisite - Pre-Calculus; it is recommended that students applying for this course have a 90 average in previous honors math courses, or a 95 in non-honors math courses. Placement is based on teacher recommendation and Departmental Approval
AP Computer Science A
2424 AP Computer Science 1
Credit
AP Computer Science A is a college-level course that introduces students to the fundamentals of computer science and programming using the Java language. The course emphasizes problem-solving, algorithm development, and the design of programs that are correct, efficient, and maintainable. Students will explore key concepts such as object-oriented programming (OOP), including classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, as well as data structures like arrays, ArrayLists, and 2D arrays. Additionally, the course covers essential algorithms, recursion, and an introduction to sorting and searching techniques. Through hands-on coding projects and exam-style practice, students develop computational thinking skills and prepare for the AP exam, which assesses their ability to write and analyze Java code and apply programming concepts effectively. This course is also offered as course number 3424 in the Science Department. Final decision for admission to this class is based on teacher recommendations and departmental approval. Juniors and Seniors who have met NY State Requirements for an Advanced Regents Diploma are eligible to apply for this course. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
*Prerequisite – enrolled in or completed Algebra II
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ HEALTH DEPARTMENT
TMLA Sports Medicine Diploma Designation
The TMLA Sports Medicine Program is a multi-year track for motivated students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning, Orthopedics, etc. Students work with the TMLA Sports Medicine Staff to gain hands-on training, primarily after school, in the Athletic Training Room and during athletic events.
This distinction would require three years of study (beginning sophomore year) and availability after school hours. Acceptance to the Sports Medicine Program is very selective and assessed during the course selection process in the student’s 9th grade year.
Entrance Requirements:
Qualified rising sophomores must:
● Earn a grade of 85% or above in Biology/Biology Honors or Chemistry/Chemistry Honors
● Submit an application
● Sit for an interview with the Sports Medicine Staff
Curriculum Requirements:
To be awarded this designation, students must complete the following:
● Attend quarterly lectures*
● Complete labs, case assignments, research papers and online curriculum*
● Observe/Volunteer up to 10 hours per week with the Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach*
● 10-week Outpatient Clinical Internship (10 hours per week) + Patient Case Study presentation during Senior Year*
Volunteer Hours Requirements:
● Sophomore Year: 50 hours
● Junior Year: 30 hours and research paper
● Senior Year: 100 hours
Additional Requirements:
● Sophomore Year: Year 1 lectures - Introduction to Sports Medicine *
● Junior Year: First Aid + CPR Certification Course and Year 2 lectures *
● Senior Year: Anatomy and Physiology and Year 3 lectures *
At the end of three years, Seniors will be eligible to sit for the Certified Personal Training Examination, accredited by the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF).
*Requirements are satisfied after school and weekends
To maintain status in this designation, students must complete all clinical (see above) and non-clinical hours, which include lecture, readings, assignments, a midterm and a final exam each year.
Freshwoman Physical Education 7100 FM Physical Education
0.50 Credit
The Freshwoman program commences with an introduction to physical education concepts. Fitness, as a part of one’s lifestyle, is the theme of this basic introduction called Body Wellness. This unit is followed by instruction in volleyball and an introduction to badminton. This course serves as the groundwork for the three major types of activities to be presented in subsequent years.
Sophomore Physical Education
7200 SM Physical Education 0.50 Credit
Sophomore level physical education consists of units on team and individual sports. The year’s instruction and activities include: fitness, soccer, and speedball.
Junior/Senior Physical Education
7501 JR/SR Physical Education 0.50 Credit
Junior and Senior physical education introduces students to a variety of lifetime activities that will help them acquire recreational skills for the future. This course consists of the following units: fitness, basketball, European team handball and backyard games.
Beginner Dance
7502 Dance 0.50 Credit
This Physical Education beginner course is open to all grade levels. It offers an introduction to the fundamentals of dance with an emphasis on form, style, and vocabulary. This class will improve the skill set of the student as well as teach important techniques in various dance styles. No dance experience required.
Elective Physical Education
Swim Gym
7503 Swim Gym 0.50 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
Instruction in swimming is provided at a community facility. The course is broken into two semesters. Swimming classes meet from September to January at the Camelot Pool, Wexford Terrace. The fee for the pool rental is approximately $120*, to be paid in September. The second semester is conducted at TMLA. It consists of a variety of activities according to grade level and student interest. Some of the activities would include basketball, weight training, European team handball, and project adventure. This includes activities to develop individual and group initiative, self-confidence and an increased level of agility and physical coordination. This class meets once per cycle at 7:35AM. Spaces are limited and preference will be given to students who have not had the opportunity to enroll in the course in previous years.
*All fees are subject to change.
PE
Grades 10 - 11
This course is open to selected Sophomore and Junior students who must first apply to the department for approval before registration. The student should possess a potential for leadership. Her fitness and skill level should permit her to learn advanced concepts and skills. The training program consists of instruction in skills, leading a warm-up, refereeing, leadership and mechanical principles. Students will meet once a cycle for instruction and preparation for leading in a physical education class. In addition to the scheduled classes, students will be assigned two additional classes.
* Departmental Approval Required
Grades 11 - 12
Students completing 7201 may select this course. In addition to the one scheduled class, students will be assigned to two additional classes. The course consists of review and further study to develop drills and officiate games.
*Prerequisite - 7201 Leaders Training and Departmental Approval
PE Independent Leaders
Grade 12 7401
Credit
Students completing 7301 may select this course. In addition to the independent instructional time, three physical education classes will be assigned. This course provides practical application of the previous leaders' coursework.
*Prerequisite - 7301 Advanced Leaders and Departmental Approval
HEALTH Requirements
All students are required to complete a course in health education during their sophomore year. Seniors may elect to enroll in Standard First Aid/New Method for American Red Cross certification. This course is for additional credit above the basic health requirement.
Health for Living
7202 Health
Credit Grade 10
This course explores key aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn about nutrition and how to make balanced food choices, understand noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease and their prevalence. The course also covers the effects and risk of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the body and mind. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions for their health and well-being.
First Aid/CPR/AED
7530 First Aid
Credit Grade *11 and 12
The course is designed in two parts: Part I - - the primary survey of life-threatening problems of respiration and circulation; Part II - - the secondary survey of various emergency situations from severe bleeding to diabetic shock. Students learn First Aid with adult CPR/AED. Students receive American Red Cross Certificates based on a minimum passing grade of 85% on both the written and skill test.
*Required for Sports Medicine Students
RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The Religious Studies Department seeks to provide an educational atmosphere in which the student can more easily achieve the gradual realization of the real meaning of Christ and His Church and God’s intrinsic relationship to the person living in a complex and ever-changing society. Thus, our approach is two-fold: imparting knowledge and values; presenting opportunities for forming faith and developing it.
The Religious Studies program is divided into two areas: Spiritual Development and four years course of study.
I. Spiritual Development
● Retreat
Each student participates in a day of reflection and prayer during her Retreat Day. Each year concentrates on a different theme which has a unique focus for that particular year.
● Christian Service
An essential component of the philosophy of The Mary Louis Academy and the course of study within the Department of Religious Studies involves our individual and communal call to "create an atmosphere of Christian ideals that will…make positive contributions to …society …" As such, the Religious Department's four-year curriculum is supplemented with a commitment to Christian service that will provide our students in all four years with opportunities to display their Catholic faith and commitment to Gospel values in various forms of service to the wider community.
As students’ progress through their four years of Religious Studies, they will be encouraged to participate in school-sponsored and/or individually orchestrated opportunities to share their talents, energy and resourcefulness to activities designed to improve the human condition. Such activities may include participation in charity walkathons to justice-oriented letterwriting campaigns to environmental cleanup programs to service in food pantries and homeless shelters - among many other forms of involvement. Further details regarding Christian service will be provided in-class as each academic year unfolds.
II. Course of Study
Freshwoman Level Course
8100 Understanding Catholic Christianity
1 Credit Theme: The Christian as a Learner
This course is an overview of the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholic Christianity. Throughout the course, students will study the origins of the Catholic faith from Old Testament times through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus and the emergence of the Church He founded. Students will also explore the history, charism and the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph who founded our school and inspired the values of unity, reconciliation and all-inclusive love that lie at the heart of all we do. This course also provides an opportunity for our students to deepen their relationship with God and better understand and appreciate their own uniqueness and personal growth.
The Freshwoman curriculum is divided into 3 complimentary parts:
1. "I Have Called You by Name” – which focuses on personal self-esteem rooted in God’s unconditional. Love and essential to the formation of positive and caring relationships with others.
2. “In the Beginning Was the Word” – which exposes our students to the Word of God through an Introduction to the Sacred Scripture of the Old and New Testaments
3. “Come Follow Me” – which represents and explains the basic teachings and practices of Roman Catholicism which serve as a guideline for the practice of our faith.
Sophomore Level Course
Theme: The Christian as a Responder
8200 Morality
This course is a reminder that every person has been offered by God the gifts of both free will and intellect, with the Gospel call to use these gifts positively and appropriately through the example of Jesus’ public ministry for the betterment of society. This is a great responsibility entrusted to all of us.
The Sophomore curriculum is divided into 2 parts:
1. “Basic Christianity Morality” – which introduces our students to basic underlying principles what will assist them in making moral decisions in an ever-changing and ethically complex world of clashing values.
2. “Moral Challenges Facing Young Women” – which explores the unique challenges facing young women of today in their efforts to conduct themselves in their formative years with reverence, faith, service and respect for the Gospel guidelines they have embraced as Christians.
Junior Level Course
Theme: The Christian as Healer
8300 Understanding Gospel Values
This course focuses on the basic ethical principles that lie at the heart of the ministry of Jesus – justice, peace and compassion. It introduces to our students that they are called to address in a healing and supportive way both the societal social injustices as well as the personal tragedies that leave so many people in profound grief and despair – and in need of recognition and compassion.
The Junior curriculum is divided into 2 parts:
1. “A Call to Justice, Peace and Compassion” – which presents the Gospel values of justice, non-violence and empathy as principles that require an active response from us as we advocate systemic changes in society to combat injustices such as poverty, prejudice, and environmental degradation. This course examines the Church’s ongoing emphasis on its own Social Teachings for today’s world,
2. “Loss, Grief and the Healing Ministry of Jesus” – focuses on the examples of healing and respect shown by Jesus throughout His three years of ministry, culminating in His Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Students are asked to reflect on how they, as followers of Jesus, are called to minister to those overwhelmed by grief, loss or deprivation. While this course addresses the varied losses people experience in life, its focus is on the ways compassion and empathy can promote healing and wholeness.
Senior Level Courses
Theme: Christian as Explorer
8400, 8421, 8422 Electives in Religious Studies 1 Credit
Seniors are given the opportunity to select a Religious Studies course that appeals to them from among these options. Each course focuses on a different topic within the Judeo-Christian tradition that will broaden the viewpoint of the students in its presentation of material not previously emphasized in the first three years.
The three Senior elective courses include:
1 “Women of the World” – which is a year- long course to help the students to discover the wealth of women’s contributions to the Church throughout its history. It centers first on the role and contributions of women in the Old Testament, and then in the New Testament. It culminates with the contributions of women to the Church in the modern era, and examines how our students can integrate these examples into their own lives. This is a standard course.
2 “Christology” – which is a full-year course that studies the person and ministry of Jesus, It examines the Scriptural accounts of Jesus as found in the Gospels and epistles of the New Testament, the evolution and impact of His teachings on the early Church, as well as the later doctrines and heresies that developed throughout the history of the Church. This is an Honors course.
3 “World Religions” and “Old Testament Prophets” – are two half-year courses that introduce our students to the major non-Christian religions in today’s world (offered in the fall semester) and the important male and female prophets of the Old Testament whose messages heralded the arrival of Jesus in the New Testament (offered in the spring semester). This is an Honors Course.