St. Marys Academy

I would have to disagree with a comment about St. Marys Academy. Yes we are a Catholic School, but by being so, we believe we have an obligation to understand other cultures, and therefore gain more insight beyond what is rudimentary. Our science teachers are excellent, as well as our English department instructors. You are sure to find a community atmosphere at St. Mary's Acadamy, with which, us students are able to accomplish much.
--Submitted by a student

St Mary's Academy was an outstanding choice for my daughter. Her through grounding in the basics (Math, Science, Religions, Languages, History, Computers, Psychology, Theater and Music) along with an AP Art class and an extraordinary college essay (The English department has a particular emphasis on writing) got her into the top art school in America. When she graduated in June she received an award for leadership. She credits SMA with "making me realize that my ideas are just as valid as anyone else's in the classroom ... I found that this confidence is rare in women who haven't gone to all girl schools." SMA is not for everyone, it is expensive (although, there are scholarships), and it is academically challenging, they are not a remedial school. However, if you daughter is interested and you can afford it, SMA is a great choice. One other odd side benefit is that by being downtown she saw the ravages of drug and alcohol abuse in the homeless and steered clear of those substances.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's Academy is an excellent school! I attended St. Mary's and the community is absolutely outstanding! The teachers, staff, and of course friends, are incredibly supportive and want to see you succeed! If you are looking for an incredible education, supportive atmosphere, and a place to meet fabulous friends then St. Mary's is for you! Also, it's religious if you want it to be!
--Submitted by a student

St. Mary's Academy is a qaulity private Catholic all girls high school in Downtown Portland. We have found the school, teachers, and leadership to be above average or excellent. The academics are rigorous. And the endorsement from our daughter is a big thumbs up.
--Submitted by a parent

Not really a trueCatholic school. The four years of religion education offered by the school is an exaggeration. Psychology isn't exactly a religion class. This school is affiliated with the Church but not run by the Church. If you want a real Catholic education, this isn't the school. Also, this is a very liberal school with some very liberal teachers. There are some very fine teachers but in particular history, english and the art teacher. Math and science depts. could use some work. There are a lot of very wealthy kids that attend so if you are not wealthy, this might cause some problems for your daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended St. Mary's and loved my time there. Not only was I especially well prepared for college, but I was exposed to a variety of ideas and perspectives. For example, I took a world religion class that explored many traditions including ancient religions, native spirituality, and eastern religions. The advanced placement and honors classes helped me prepare for my college education. Plus, I found numerous extracurricular activities fitting my interests. I developed close friendships and received an exceptional education. St. Mary's provides an amazing experience.

i absolutely love this school. I was not excited to go at first because it was all girls. But i am so happy my parents sent me there. It challenges the students, increases their self confidence and overall has a fantastic atmosphere. I would recommend this school to anyone. Also, I am not Catholic and I still felt very comfortable. Only half of the students are Catholic and the all school masses are very nice. The actual school itself is also beautiful. I loved how it didn't look like the typical high school. And the fact that it is downtown Portland is great. The urban setting was probably my favorite part of the school. All in all, i love Saint Mary's and there are so many good things about it.
--Submitted by a student

St. Mary's Academy has a warm, welcoming environment that fosters growth of each individual student in all areas: academic, spiritual, intellectual, athletic, and artistic. Students mature tremendously over 4 years, and maintain life-long friendships. We are also very well-prepared for college, and the real world, due to our urban location.
--Submitted by a student

Our older daughter attended SMA all 4 years and had a very good experience. She was well-prepared for even highly selective east coast colleges and was offered a lot of merit $$$. Our younger daughter is a sophmore there, and also really enjoying her time there. They have a range of classes from beginning to advanced at all grade levels. There is a wonderful atmosphere of respect and community. Also, the staff really encourages the girls to attend to issues, deadlines, paperwork, etc. on their own (without parents) as much as possible, another part of college prep, in my opinion. They teach the kids to advocate on their own behalf.
--Submitted by a parent

All girl school has been a great environment for learning. This school has challenged our very bright daughter. She was well prepared to apply for even the most selective colleges. Theatre program is excellent. Math dept. is a weakness.
--Submitted by a parent