St. Mary’s Academy was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet in 1889 – one hundred twenty-one years ago! St. Mary’s Academy is the oldest high school for girls in Los Angeles. From the earliest days when the Sisters opened the Academy’s doors, the Sisters of St. Joseph have been devoted to educating girls. Why girls? The Sisters of St. Joseph have always known that girls have the potential and ability to make important contributions to society.

To this day, throughout 121 years, the Sisters’ goal of educating girls to be productive, Christian leaders in society has become reality. St. Mary’s alumnae have held and continue to hold leadership positions in religion, health, education, law, science, social sciences, politics, and government. St. Mary’s alumnae held these positions long before it was “trendy” for women to hold such positions and before legislation mandated that women be given equal opportunity to hold such positions. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet accomplished their goal by teaching girls in ways that are best for them to learn. Our students learn in a nurturing, collaborative environment. They challenge themselves and solve math and science problems collaboratively. They feel confident about their abilities and seek leadership opportunities in academics, student government, the arts, and sports. They care about their families and their community and give service to those in need.

Today’s reporting standards call for research-driven data to support any claims or theories. We have the UCLA report that graduates of girls’ schools are highly prepared for college and careers such as engineering and politics. See the link on our website for the full article. The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ (2008) website cites studies focused on the advantages of girls attending all-girls’ schools. Check out their website at http://www.ncgs.org. But … the Sisters of St. Joseph knew that girls were highly capable of college and career success long before these studies were conducted! We have alumnae to prove it!

As the first lay principal of St. Mary’s Academy, my goal is to continue to lead St. Mary’s Academy’s students to their greatest potential for academic and career excellence and success. The faculty, staff, and I will continue the work begun by the Sisters of St. Joseph 121 years ago. We focus on educating girls! We offer an excellent college preparatory curriculum for all students. I am excited to announce that during the 2010- 2011 school year, we will launch two new programs: Pre-Engineering Program and Communication Arts Program. Through the Pre-Engineering Program, selected students will take rigorous math, science, and engineering classes to prepare for careers in engineering. Through the Communication Arts program, selected students will take classes in advanced writing, video production, and graphic arts to prepare for careers in communication arts. We continue to offer the Health Careers Program to prepare selected students in any of the health careers. Hands-on projects and internships are included in the programs. These special programs are rigorous and demand that students give more than their best! In addition to our college preparatory curriculum and special programs, the faculty, staff, and I provide leadership and service opportunities for all students. We believe that character is formed through giving service to others.

I look forward to this school year! Our focus for the year is: SMA Belles are Women of Distinction. This year, we celebrate young women and their potential to be great leaders of society.

Yvonne Elizabeth McNeal, Ed.D.

Principal