The Mary Louis Academy

TMLA stresses that it is cultivating women of dignity, however, there is a subculture of bullying and alienation that occurs at this school which gets brushed under the table or is dismissed.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of the class of 2004. I had a wonderful experience at TMLA. I had gone to public school through junior high school was was somewhat skeptical of an all-girls catholic school, but I am so glad that I attended this school. TMLA offers a wide array of sports and extra curricular activities, which is a great way to make friends. The school also has strict academic standards and expect all the students to act like adults - which I found to be a great way to prepare me for college. I see some reviews on here about bullying and "don't send your kid here if she is in anyway liberal." Well I am about as liberal as they come and cannot remember a time when I felt my opinion or ideas weren't valued or encouraged. Was there some catty behavior that I saw? Yes of course, but unfortunately in a school of all teenage girls there is bound to be some. I can say that the deans were always very involved whenever there was a problem.

Absolutely appalling experience in this school. If you have a child that is in any way liberal or different please do not send them here. The administration is horrible to put it nicely. Of course there are the few teachers that make this school livable. other then that I don't have a single positive thing to say about this school.
—Submitted by a student

I am a senior , class of 2012, of The Mary Louis Academy. I have loved this school ever since I transferred here, junior year. I used to go to a very bad public school, where there were a ton of fights and the science and math was taught poorly and there were a lot of bullies. This school, TMLA, is the COMPLETE opposite. In TMLA, there are no fights, very nice girls, and the teachers strongly care about their students and help them out. Plus, the school itself is BEAUTIFUL. The furniture and computers and everything is very clean and pretty and there is no writing on the desks. The 1st day that I walked through the doors of TMLA, I knew that I was meant to be here and I fell in love with this school. Along with many other seniors, I am going to be upset when I have to leave this amazing school and leave all my friends, but we will stay in touch, and I will be able to look back with a smile on my face that I went to this lovely school. I very strongly recommend that you go to this school.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a graduate of TMLA. What started as a exceptional experience turned into a nightmare her last year and a half of high school. TMLA has an enormous bullying problem which the administration and deans refuse to acknowledge. When I called the dean to discuss the problem I was told that the girls who her bulling my daughter truly were very nice girls, and that my daughter should seek out new friends. Much to my shock and dismay the dean made the same statement to my daughter, who was a victim of bullying. I was asked what I thought the school should do to assist in this matter. When I told the dean that I thought the Academy should start one of the many anti-bulling programs available, the dean literally laughed, and said "Those programs never work!!" That is when I realized that TMLA has a bullying problem because it has adult bullies running the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is heading into senior year. The teacher's have been really nice. However, I feel that they don't give equal time to all girls in the college planning process. My daughter is an average student and as a result is even more nervous about the college acceptance process. She watched throughout junior year, other girls being chosen (for whatever reason) to go visit colleges during school time. The girls that scored well on the psat's and have higher averages get much more attention in so many ways during the college preparation process. Not a fair situation and also not good for "any" future "woman of dignity's" self esteem. Please be ready for this if your daughter is an average student. I had heard such wonderful things before attending this school but will help my daughter on our own in the next few months. It must be because they are hedging their bets that the higher scoring girls get them on the "ivy and better" college acceptance lists. I was an average student yet, in the end, I am making more money and am much more successful in the real world than most of the ivy league people my age and in retrospect, I credit St. Agnes High School for helping to mold me.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman (or, as our principal Sister Kathleen refers to us, freshwoman) at TMLA and I can honestly say that Mary Louis is the most beautiful school I have ever seen. Its library is just like stepping into Hogwarts. The school looks like a castle. Its beautifully crafted doorways and windows are something out of a fairytale. My favorite part of the school is the Library. I love the benches by the windows that are fully cushioned. The warm mahogany work tables always have students diligently working at them. Books line the walls of the main area of the library, but tucked behind a wall is a beautiful book room with small one person couches tucked into corners. This library is what truly defines Mary Louis as a school.
—Submitted by a student

I had no plans to attend a Catholic High school, but my parents wanted me to take the entrance exam anyway. It must have been fate, because the minute I walked through the doors of TMLA to take the exam, I knew this was where I wanted to recieve my high school education. I will always look back fondly at my four years at Mary Louis as a time of great happiness.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from TMLA in 1994. I was very well prepared for college, grad school and work! The work ethic is strong and they accept no excuses. I'd love to send my daughter there one day! But she's only 4 now :) The idea of all girls fosters the belief that women can be leaders, just as much as our male counterparts.

I agree with the person below me about the work ethic that The Mary Louis Academy instills its students. I've come to understand that a good education should be measured not by the amount of facts that are taught(though, these are important, too), but by the way it encourages students to think and experience the world. TMLA taught me that I must always give my full effort if I hope to succeed, and to expect nothing less of others. I know that certain elements of TMLA's mission are somewhat controversial--single gender education, religious education, uniforms--but I firmly believe that I am who I am today precisely because of these aspects, and not in spite of them. Of course, I've changed in many respects since I was 17--my most formative years had yet to occur--but Mary Louis laid the groundwork, and for that I am forever thankful.
—Submitted by a student

i am a freshmen at mary louis and i love it, the students an staff are so welcoming and fun to be around
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is currently a freshman at The Mary Louis Academy. The way in which incoming freshman (and parents) were prepared for the transition to high school indicates a well organized and nuturing environment. My daughter is thriving academically and socially. The teachers I have met are wonderful and seem sincere in their desire to educate. I have yet to hear a complaint about this school, and I certainly don't have any. We are very happy with this high school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a alumnae from the class of 2009 I cannot get over the experience I had at Mary Louis. When talking to my former classmates I try to look back on my time there with some perspective that it wasn't all fun and games however I can't say enough about what this school gave to me. I honestly have been changed as a person because of what I learned there. I do consider myself a woman of dignity and now I expect only the best because that was the attitude of Mary Louis. Do your best, expect the best, and never settle for less. For me, Mary Louis is no longer a school but a second home.
—Submitted by a student

This school encourages young girls to become strong, intelligent women!
—Submitted by a parent

I love it because it empowers young girls to go far in their education and become successful women

I was a student of the class 2008. Students in TMLA bonds tightly to each other than any other school. I went total 4 high schools, among them, TMLA is absolutely outstanding. Students cherish each other, and faculty loves their students. Both students and faculty are academically passionate. Faculty leads and encourage students to pursue their dreams. Also, Your morning starts with welcoming hugs and kisses.
—Submitted by a student

TMLA is wonderful. The school produces thoughtful, intelligent, articulate, bright young ladies. Ladies, is the key word here -the girls are poised and confident and so well prepared for college and life. The teachers, staff and administration are amazing - first class all the way. What a wonderful experience for a young person to have at this point in life. Many wonderful life memories are formed. God bless everyone at TMLA they are the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my daughters attended and graduated from The Mary Louis Academy and they absolutely loved it. My one daughter who has started her masters and my other in her second year in college, wish they could go back to TMLA. They have great fondness for all (well, most) of the teachers and visit often. They have wonderful friends and they cherish their memories from TMLA. They still wear all their t-shirts, especially the walk a thon shirts and gym pants. TMLA has been a great experience and the teachers prepped them so well for college that they are both on Honor Roll in college, can you imagine? TMLA was worth all the money we spent for this fine education and experience that will forever be with them. A Happy Mom
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 1978 graduate of the school, and returned to Mary Louis as a teacher 25 years later. It is such a wonderful place that I commuted 120 miles DAILY to work there!! It is absolutely the best school in NYC for young women; its rigorous programs, high standards, and caring environment encourage the students to be the best they can be. It creates leaders. If I had a daughter, I would send her there in a heartbeat. I directly credit this school for making me the person I am today, and I am delighted to report that it is a true 'gem' among high schools. The quality of education delivered at this school is second to none, and the environment is warm and loving. I have taught at other prestigious schools, and there is no comparison. Bravo, Mary Louis!

Im in the class of 2011 and I absolutely adore TMLA. When I was in eight grade I checked out every catholic school in the queens area and found TMLA to be my #1 choice. Many students worry about the fact that are no boys but for some people that can be a good thing. Many of of my classmates can definitely agree with me when I say that we dont have to worry about how our hair looks, or even how we act.Im glad I go to TMLA and exceptionally proud to be called a woman of dignity!
—Submitted by a student