St. Catharine Academy Viewbook 2023-2024

Stand Up. Stand Out.

“Attending SCA has prepared me in many ways. First, it helped me foster confidence by providing opportunities for leadership and participation in activities traditionally dominated by men. Second, it creates a strong sense of community, allowing me to develop valuable relationships with peers and teachers. Finally, SCA often focuses on women’s issues, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women today.”

Jehona Q. Class of 2023

St. Catharine Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women grades 6–12. The mission of St. Catharine Academy is to prepare young women, in the Mercy tradition for college success, leadership, and engagement in the world community.

Why an All Girls Education?

• Girls thrive academically in an all girl environment.

• Leadership development is core to our education.

• An all girls education is where everyone shines.

• She grows in self-confidence, self-esteem, and accomplishment.

Why SCA?

• We have 134 years of experience in educating young women in the Mercy tradition for college success, leadership, and engagement in the world community.

• Our inclusive curriculum encourages talking about faith, God, and prayer sharing the richness of faith traditions. The religion curriculum provides a pathway for students to receive the sacrament of confirmation.

• We have a safe and healthy environment where every girl feels respected and connected to one another. At SCA, we call it sisterhood.

• Our signature programs are STEM and Visual Arts. Girls begin to build a future in science, technology, engineering, math, architecture, art, and design.

Be Heard. Be Seen. Be You You

A Safe and Healthy Environment

At SCA, We Promote:

• A culture of inclusion that welcomes all students and families.

• A caring faculty and staff who create an atmosphere of sincere support for the well-being and academic success of every student.

• A school environment that promotes the protection of students from violence and threats in all forms.

• A school environment where health and safety measures are implemented for the protection and well-being of all.

“In attending an all-girls school, I have met so many girls that I would consider my sisters. I have made lifelong friendships and got to experience a safe and comfortable school environment.”

Chelsea K. Class of 2023

Building a Better World Starts with You

Our Model of Instruction:

• iPads are provided for all students and are included as part of tuition.

• Signature Programs — STEM and Visual Arts — SCA was recognized nationally as a Beta School of Distinction. Our Art students were recognized for excellence in the New York State Legislative Art Exhibit.

• We offer a rich array of clubs and student organizations and a great athletics program where leadership skills are learned and developed.

SCA’s curriculum prepares students for college and successful careers. The Class of 2023 earned $37 million in academic scholarships and awards and acceptance to 174 colleges and universities. Most subject areas offer courses at the Regents, Academic Honors, Advanced Placement, or College Credit levels to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of every student.

For all grade levels, St. Catharine Academy adheres to New York State Standards.

Parents overwhelmingly agree that SCA sets and communicates a high standard for academic performance.

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Social and Emotional Learning

SCA puts a premium on the social and emotional development of our students. Our Guidance Department is staffed by three full-time counselors, a college advisor, a full-time nurse, and an attendance counselor. Together, they guide our students to be emotionally healthy and socially aware young women. By coordinating services, we fully support the well-being of our students.

Leadership Development:

• Leadership is part of our culture.

• Students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and take personal responsibility for their decisions.

• All leadership positions are held by young women.

• Our students have a voice for dignity and respect. Respect is at the heart of our school community.

• Students have a responsibility to serve. They are compelled by Mercy.

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“There are many advantages to attending an all-girls high school. One of the advantages here at SCA is that there is a great diversity and everyone will always feel lke they are part of a community. We are all able to have at least one girl that has the same skin tone, interest and personality that all makes us great friends at SCA.”

Brianna P. Class of 2023

How to Apply. .

Admission Process

GRADES 6 THROUGH 8

St. Catharine Academy does not require a separate application to enroll for SCA Middle School. An interview may be required after registration is completed. To register, please go to scahs.org/SCAMiddleSchool/.

The following documentation is needed to register:

• Most recent report card

• Standardized testing results

• Birth certificate

• Current IESP, if applicable

• Current scholarship award letter, if applicable

Admission Process

GRADES 9 THROUGH 12

Students who are interested in applying for St. Catharine Academy must take the Test for Admission to Catholic High Schools (TACHS) on Friday, November 3rd. If you miss the TACHS Exam you will be required to take an online Entrance Exam provided by SCA. The cost of the exam is $65 and will begin on January 18, 2024. In addition to the TACHS Exam, we look at students’ 6th, 7th, and 8th grade school reports. Please note that SCA will review your daughter’s record holistically. SCA Middle School students are automatically accepted into the high school and will not need to take the TACHS exam.

Financial Aid Opportunities

GRADES 6 THROUGH 8

At this time, St. Catharine Academy does not offer school-based financial aid for Middle School. SCA participates in such programs as Be a Student’s Friend, Inner-City Scholarship, and The Children’s Scholarship.

Applications for financial assistance must be through a participating agency.

Grants Available

GRADES 6 THROUGH 12

Legacy Grant: A $1,000.00 grant is awarded to a student whose parent, legal guardian, or sibling graduated from St. Catharine Academy. To apply, please provide the name, relationship, and year of graduation of the alumnae. The Legacy Grant cannot be combined with any other SCA tuition discounts except the sibling discount.

Financial Aid Opportunities

GRADES 9 THROUGH 12

Through the generosity of our donors and friends, we are able to offer limited financial assistance. SCA also participates in the following programs:

• Be A Student’s Friend

• BridgeUp

• Inner-City Scholarship Fund

• Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club

Sibling Discount: If you have another daughter in either the Middle or High School, she is eligible for the Sibling Discount, a reduction of one month’s tuition.

Catholic School Employee Grant: $1,000.00 grant for employees of other Catholic schools. To be eligible you must:

• Be a full-time employee

• Email admissions@scahs.org verification of employment via two (2) most recent pay stubs

• Be listed as a financially responsible party in FACTS, our tuition collection company

Academic Scholarship Information

GRADES 9 THROUGH 12

An invitation to become a Trustee Scholar is awarded to freshmen who achieve a rank of 92nd percentile on the TACHS examination and meet attendance and behavior requirements. Students

must place SCA on their list of schools on the TACHS to be considered for a Trustee Scholarship. A Trustee Scholarship is equal to 55% of tuition. Students must follow the prescribed course of study and meet academic and behavior standards to remain eligible. Students may enter the Trustee Scholar Program at any grade level.