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November 2022 by American L.
Here is a moral compass for the present and future. I attended private school St. Mary's Academy starting in 1963 then into 1969. Awhile back I stopped by for a visit after we took Amtrak to Denver to visit cousins. A welcome respite and all CDC rules were followed during my visit. Filtered through the lens of nostalgia, I remember St. Mary's Academy enjoyably for I found it to be a caring, diverse and inclusive school with inspiring teachers in a culture of mentorship that fostered voice and helped forge pathways for all. I enjoyed and took pride in wearing the school uniform. I learned how to think and problem solve, confident in my potential, vested in responsibility to social justice and the health of humankind and the environment, and prepared for possibilities of an ever-changing world. I attended with girls of all races, religious traditions and economic backgrounds. I was taught how to think rather than what to think. Teaching strategies and curriculum challenged me to problem solve, collaborate and innovate -which provided the foundation for my fellow students and I to be powerful agents of change."You can't help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die; but you can - and you should - try to pass the days between as a good man." That was written by Corporal Anton Myrer, US Marine Corps Veteran, WWII, wounded at Guam, who died of leukemia most likely Service-connected, in his best-selling and US Army War College required reading novel Once an Eagle, which was later adapted to a tv miniseries. The book is on the Marine Corps commandants' reading list and West Point Cadets are assigned the book in classes and seminars. He is best-selling author of The Last Convertible, an exquisite and sensitive novel of The Greatest Generation that was also adapted into a tv miniseries.I mention Anton Myrer's quote about "good" because I am confident in the future when I see that schools like St. Mary's Academy are still educating youth. I am confident because here, youth are taught to be good people.My most recent visit I learned something I was surprised I hadn't realized before. I learned that the Board of Trustees that governs St. Mary's Academy are all volunteers. It includes members of the Loretto Community, current and past SMA parents, alumnae, and business professionals from the Denver metro area.I had previously known that the Board of Trustees meets during the school year and is responsible for assuring the financial future of the school, determining the yearly tuition, setting policies that will help further the school's mission, and hiring the Academy President. That's a lot of work for volunteers.Honorable Ollie Marie-Victoire California Superior Court Justice and Jane Lubchenco the first woman to serve as Chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as 19th United States National Security Advisor and 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are St. Mary's Academy graduates.Although St. Mary's Academy, co-ed preK-7 and girl's high school, does not have a discount on the tuition for the children of Veterans, hence 4 stars instead of 5, it does have general tuition assistance funded by donors.The Academy was founded in 1864, which was during the American Civil War. William Gilpin, first Colorado territorial governor, supported the Union and quickly raised a regiment. The United States War Department credited Colorado with supplying 4,903 to the Union Army.I don't know how many of us who attended St. Mary's Academy went on to Serve in America's Armed Forces. My papa, uncles and male cousins were all The Greatest Generation WWII Veterans, a grandfather a WWI US Army Veteran, my family all Kennedy Democrats, fervently believed in the only US President to receive a Purple Heart President John F. Kennedy's Call to Service, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." St. Mary's Academy Mission is "St. Mary�
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November 2021 by Michele Cline
Our family began our search for a Pre-K program pre-COVID. We were immediately impressed with the welcoming community as well as what the Pre-K program had to offer in terms of social emotional development and academics. Once we began the SMA Pre-K program, we were dealing with COVID restrictions. Despite this, SMA went above and beyond to give the children as normal as an experience as possible. SMA kept the Pre-K program open all year long while staying committed to keeping the school open in a safe manner as well. We watched our child thrive in all aspects, due to SMA's commitment to the whole child, both academically and emotionally. The staff is amazing and dedicate themselves to the children and their well-being. Our daughter is super excited to begin Kindergarten in the Fall at SMA and we are excited to be at SMA for many years to come!
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November 2021 by Camille W.
amazing school and i'm so grateful to go there!!!
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July 2021 by Peter V.
Our son attended for the last two years of middle school. We watched him grow, mature and excel academically in a positive environment. We are sorry to leave and will miss all the wonderful teachers and staff after graduation. Great place and highly recommended.
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November 2019 by Min Kim
St Mary's Academy is a beautiful school with great facilities. The admissions process was exemplary and communication with staff and teachers was excellent!
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November 2018 by Howard Cleaver
My niece is there and it is an amazing school. Highly, highly, recommended.
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November 2017 by LOLO MORALES STUDIO
You best in Englewood
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November 2016 by Stephanie Wiedenhues
I'm an alum and now my daughter is going. We drive ridiculously far but it's worth it
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November 2016 by Jere Forsyth
My sister's went there and they are both smarter then me.
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November 2015 by Cathy Allen
My daughter is flourishing there!
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November 2015 by Paul Montville
Best school ever
