Saint Mary's College High School

On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, Saint Mary’s had a very successful “Information Night” where presentations were given on our Mission and charism along with our academic philosophy. Following the presentations, questions from the audience were written on index cards and submitted to a panel which included two students, two teachers, a counselor, the principal, and the vice-principal. We were only able to answer about 15 questions before we ended the evening.

I did assure the people present that the remaining questions submitted by the audience would be answered and posted on our website.

The questions below are from the cards submitted. Many of the cards had similar themed questions, so the answers should provide the information requested. Please feel free to ask more questions or comment to Lawrence Puck, Director of Admissions at lpuck@stmchs.org.

Thank you

QUESTIONS FROM INFORMATION NIGHT

How many applications does Saint Mary’s get and how many spaces will be open for 2007 – ’08?
For the past 8 years, Saint Mary’s has received an average of over 400 applications per admissions season. For the 2008-‘09 school year, we are accepting an incoming freshman class of 160 students - 80 boys and 80 girls.

How do you select students from the many applications you receive?
The selecting of students to join the Saint Mary’s Community is complex. It is more than just a test score. Saint Mary’s looks at the whole student (Application, grades, recommendations, interview, and test scores) and looks for those students who want to be a part of our community, can handle a college preparatory program, are positive citizens in their current school, and are open to the faith experience and the exploration of their own faith development.

Is there a competitive atmosphere in the classroom, specifically between boys and girls?
We avoid this problem by keeping the gender balance as close to 50/50 as we can. We currently have 51% female and 49% male. The students have informed me that they do not feel a negative competitive edge between genders at Saint Mary’s. There is more support of each other in the classroom.

What is the student to teacher ratio?
We have a 16 to 1 ratio.

Are their prerequisites for students to get into AP courses?
Yes. The prerequisites for all AP and honor courses are printed in the Curriculum Guide for students. Unlike other schools, Saint Mary’s does not only allow the top testing students to take AP courses. Students have enrolled in AP courses based on excellent grades and a strong classroom work ethic. These students have been very successful in AP courses receiving scores of 4’s and 5’s on the test.

Are the exams held in May used for students to get into AP classes?
No. The optional tests in May are given to freshmen who desire to be placed in higher math, language, or visual and performing arts courses. Students are later enrolled into AP courses based on their grades and classroom work ethic.

How much time does a student have for electives with religion and all the college prep requirements?
All of the electives offered at Saint Mary’s are college prep courses. We use our elective program to ensure that students continue to grow in academics which includes the visual and performing arts program. All of our students take seven courses. Most of our students in senior year take: English, social studies, mathematics, religious studies, language, science, and continue with their fine arts. For those who do not wish to continue with their fine arts or language can take more credits in social studies or upper division physical education. We want our students to continue with a strong academic program to allow them to be more competitive in the college process and also prepared and up-to-date as they transition from high school to college.

What is the dance program like?
Please click here to go to the Curriculum Guide. Since the dance courses and all of the visual and performing arts are a part of the academic program, you can find the information in the course descriptions.

Does Saint Mary’s have a gay/ straight alliance or ethnic / culture clubs?
Saint Mary’s does not allow clubs or organizations that divide the community. We do have a Diversity Club that embraces and supports all cultural and social issues and provides education and activities for the entire student body. We see ourselves as one community with the goal of living the Gospel message of loving and respecting all people.

Do we have enough parking spots for all drivers?
Saint Mary’s has limited parking and we encourage our students to carpool and take public transportation. We are four blocks from the North Berkeley BART Station and have three main AC transit bus lines that stop within two blocks from the school. Saint Mary’s provides parking permits for those students who carpool. We discourage students from driving to school and parking within the neighborhood.

Does Saint Mary’s offer financial assistance to middle income families?
Saint Mary’s encourages all families to apply for financial assistance. We try to assist as many families as possible. As proud as we are that our poor and middle class families receive over $1,000,000 in aid, we are also aware that we can not meet all the need requested.

What are the financial expectations beyond tuition?
School books, Enrichment Week, and sports packs, which include their practice uniforms and sports materials that they keep at the end of the season, are not covered in the cost of tuition.