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THE SCHOOL
Mariamante Academy opened its doors in September 1995 to provide a classical
liberal arts education to students in Grades 7-12 in the Western Massachusetts
region. The Academy relocated its operations to North-Central Virginia
in June 2004 to embark upon its tenth year in the Fredericksburg region.
Joining roughly one hundred and forty other independent or private Catholic
schools nationally, Mariamante Academy’s intellectual focus is structured
to assist the student through the Trivium of learning: the grammar (grades
7-8), logic (grades 9-10) and rhetoric (grades 11-12) sequence of development.
The Catholic faith and principles of logic permeate each academic discipline.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Offering its students an education based in the classics, Mariamante provides
a liberal arts education consistent with the teachings of the Catholic
Church. The learning technique is based on the “Ignatian method” devised
by St. Ignatius Loyola, which recognizes the primacy of the student’s
spiritual and intellectual formation. At Mariamante, instruction in religious
truths and values is an integral part of the school’s program. It is not
one more subject alongside the rest, but rather, is perceived and functions
as the underlying reality in which the student’s experiences of learning
and living achieve their coherence and their deepest meaning.
The Ignatian contribution to education gives priority to Christian humanism
with its emphasis on true human values, and its role in the formation
of the human personality.
This educational approach seeks to develop in the students the following
capacities: leadership; an intelligent obedience to duly constituted authority;
respect for the significant contributions of the past, the Christian humanistic
disposition; habits of orderly thinking; competency in the arts of expression;
and loyalty to the Holy See. With its goal of preparing the student both
academically and spiritually for life past high school, the Academy’s
students will learn to listen attentively, speak clearly, write effectively,
read perceptively and critically, think clearly and objectively, and defend
the Catholic Faith sincerely.
Starting in junior high school students undertake at least three years
of Latin study. During the four years of high school, Mariamante students
will be expected to take four years each of History, Literature, English
Composition, Math and Science, in addition to one year of Latin and three
years’ study of French and/or Spanish. All students will be expected to
study Religion. The students participate bi-annually in the National Geographic
Geo-Bee.
In addition to the traditional academic areas, students
will learn about and participate in the Fine Arts of drawing, painting,
music and drama. Each year the students take part in school-wide dramatic
presentations, poetry recitals and choral performances, as well as participate
in monthly trips and cultural activities.
FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION
The Academy’s integration of theological truths and philosophical values
with the rest of life is achieved, not only through the school’s unique
curriculum, but by the presence of faculty who express a unified approach
to learning and living in their private and professional lives. The ratio
of high school students to faculty is approximately 8:1.
Mariamante was canonically approved as a “Catholic school” by the Diocese
of Springfield, Massachusetts in March, 1998. The Academy is a private,
independent school administered by its Head of School and Board of Trustees.
Under Canon Law a Diocese is free to exercise oversight of a private Catholic
school’s religious instruction in order to ensure the quality of the Catholic
education provided by the Academy.
The Academy is in compliance with all state, local and diocesan educational
requirements. The school is a member of NAPCIS, the National Association
of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, an accrediting organization
in Sacramento, CA and Ann Arbor, MI.
COLLEGE PLACEMENT
Members of Mariamante Academy’s graduating classes have been accepted
at Christendom College, Ave Maria College, St. Anselm College, the University
of Massachusetts, Gonzaga University, St. Joseph’s College, Hartford,
Thomas Aquinas College and the Teresianum and Antonianum Pontifical College
in Rome, Franciscan University, Columbia University, Hillsdale College,
Magdalen College, Merrimack College, Sacred Heart University, South Carolina
State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Dallas,
and Westfield College. One of our graduates is currently a Navy SEAL.
The school’s academic standards and graduation requirements ensure its
future graduates success in seeking admission to the college or university
of their choice.
STUDENT BODY AND CONDUCT
In order to help its students develop consistent Christian behavior in
their everyday life, Mariamante Academy’s standards are designed to encourage
self-discipline, self-respect and consideration for others. Dress and
Decorum Codes are observed at all times. Academy students are expected
to conduct themselves in a manner which shows respect for themselves,
their peers, and the school-at-large.
ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
While the spiritual growth and intellectual development of the students
are of primary importance, Mariamante Academy views athletics as being
important to the student’s physical growth and well being. Consequently,
students are encouraged to participate in athletics throughout the year.
Athletics are pursued not so much for competition and victory as for healthy
recreation and enjoyment. Soccer, basketball, tennis and cross-country
running are in development for extra-curricular sports.
During the school year, the entire student body attends Mass once a week
and takes part in other devotions throughout the year. Community Service
is part of
A variety of extracurricular activities are offered including
Chess Club, Risk Club and Yearbook Club. A Culinary Art Club in is development.
All families are invited to participate in movie nights, class dinner
socials, pot luck events, field trips and works of charity.
DAILY LIFE
Mariamante Academy is located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Students arrive at the school at 7:45 AM. Academic classes meet daily
for 45 minutes each. The school day consists of eight periods: six academic,
one for athletics, choir, drama, study or tutorials, and one for lunch.
Each day students are given a mid-morning break.
All students participate in daily “school service” to the upkeep of the
building before dismissal at 3:15 PM.
Holy Mass is offered on Monday at St. Mary's Church.
TUITION AND FEES
For the 2006-07 school-year, tuition is $6,000.00. This includes the $500
commitment fee which is payable upon notification of the student’s acceptance.
A separate fee for textbooks is billed in September.
Tuition balances are paid annually or monthly, August through March, through
the SMART Tuition Payment Plan Program. Tuition reduction for family multi-student
enrollment is offered and explained on the ‘Enrollment Agreement’ form.
VOLUNTEERISM
Families are expected to assist the mission of the school in the spirit
of “amor redet amor” or “love begets love”. To this end, the administration
requires a minimum number of volunteer hours per family each year through
various venues, such as fundraising, custodial assistance, special functions,
baking and donations of time or talent in other planned ways. The Head
discusses, in more detail during the parent interview, specific ways in
which families can help.
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
For the 2006-07 school-year, Mariamante Academy is accepting students
for Grades 7-12. While the Academy admits qualified students without regard
to race, color, national or ethnic origin, all students, including non-Catholics,
must study Religion each year and must participate in Catholic activities
and programs that take place during the school year.
Inquiries are welcome throughout the year. Applicants can visit the school
for a tour and interviews are scheduled throughout the summer. An academic
placement exam and two interviews to assist admissions and placement decisions
are required.
While the Academy accepts applications on a rolling basis, it is to the
candidate’s advantage to make application as early as possible. To be
considered in the first round of decisions, an applicant’s file should
be completed by July 15. There is a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
Decisions and notifications are made when an applicant’s file is complete.
Remaining openings will be filled throughout the summer.
ADMISSIONS CORRESPONDENCE
For more information, please see our online
application form, or contact:
Louise Desilets, Head of School
Mariamante Academy
P.O. Box 8453
1501 Washington Ave.
Fredericksburg VA 22404
(540) 361-7007
info@mariamante.org
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