THE SCHOOL                                                             Vist the Mariamante Website Here!

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. 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 2007-08 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