St. Mary's High School (Stockton, California)
Encyclopedia
Saint Mary's High School, founded in 1876, is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory in Stockton, California, USA. The school has long established itself as the premier private secondary school in the San Joaquin County. St. Mary's is a member of the College Board and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six official academic bodies responsible for the accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools in the United States and foreign institutions of American origin. The Western Association of...

 and by the Western Catholic Education Association
Western Catholic Education Association
Western Catholic Education Association is an educational accreditation agency for Roman Catholic schools in part of the United States. It is based in Fullerton, California.-See also:*History of Catholic education in the United States...

.

Mission Statement

"We at St. Mary’s are proud of our Catholic heritage, our own traditions, and our history in the Stockton community. Because we believe that human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation on earth, we at St. Mary’s strive to develop the total person - spiritually, intellectually, and physically. We realize that we must continue to be unique and contemporary, dedicated to developing students who possess the necessary skills for the future and who make choices which reflect Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...

 values."


RAMS

Respect, Academics, Mission, Spirituality

History

Graduation 2011 marked the completion of 136 years of St. Mary's presence in the Stockton area. St. Mary's roots go back to 1876 when St. Agnes Academy opened as a boarding and free day school for girls, grades 1-12. The faculty then consisted of seven Dominican Sisters and 95 students. Since that beginning, St. Mary's growth has been reflected in the need to change locations five times to its present location of 25 acres (101,171.5 m²) on North El Dorado Street. A separate corporation sole within the Diocese of Stockton, St. Mary's is a co-ed secondary school that boasts of a student body of 1100 and a faculty/support staff totaling over 110.

St. Mary's High School has had a strong religious presence of Priests, Brothers
Friar
A friar is a member of one of the mendicant orders.-Friars and monks:...

, and Sisters
Nun
A nun is a woman who has taken vows committing her to live a spiritual life. She may be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live her life in prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent...

 throughout its history. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been joined by the Brothers of Mary, Franciscan Friars, diocesan priests, the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are a congregation of Roman Catholic priests and brothers who base their spirituality on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (Latin: Oblati Sancti Francisci Salesii, O.S.F.S.) are a congregation of...

.

Lay men and women have contributed to the strengthening of the school's curriculum
Curriculum
See also Syllabus.In formal education, a curriculum is the set of courses, and their content, offered at a school or university. As an idea, curriculum stems from the Latin word for race course, referring to the course of deeds and experiences through which children grow to become mature adults...

. The faculty represent expertise in 10 disciplines, offering over 130 courses in theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...

, English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...

, social studies
Social studies
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies...

, mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...

, physical education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....

, science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...

, computer resources, foreign languages, business and vocational arts, and fine arts. There are also twenty-seven cocurricular activities and teams in 15 sports.
St. Mary's graduates, numbering over 11,000, are scattered throughout California, 49 additional states, and 13 foreign countries.

School History

Location

The school is located on North El Dorado Street, one mile (1.6 km) east of San Joaquin Delta College
San Joaquin Delta College
San Joaquin Delta College is a community college in Stockton, California. It is the successor of the Stockton Junior College which was formed in 1935.Part of Disney's 1973 film The World's Greatest Athlete was shot here.-Description:...

 and two miles (3 km) north of the University of the Pacific.

Campus

Located on twenty-five acres are five classroom buildings, a cafeteria, student store (Ram Center), two gymnasiums, football field, track facilities, and baseball and soccer fields all located within the Thompson Sports Complex. There is a residence on campus for the priests and brothers associated with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (Toledo-Ohio Province).

Completed in the Fall of 2006 and now fully occupied is The Lagorio Family Academic Center. This two-story, 23000 square feet (2,136.8 m²) building houses the administration, guidance and counseling offices, conference rooms, a new state of the art library, classrooms, a technology laboratory, group study areas and several student project rooms. It presents a new public face to the community and establishes a contemporary architectural vocabulary for the school.

Another addition to the campus is The Cortopassi Aquatics Center which opened September 2007. This facility has become recognized as the premier aquatics facility in the area, hosting collegiate, city and area-wide events and tournaments, providing recreational and instructional opportunities and serving as the home for the St. Mary's Aquatic Sports Program.

Upon the successful completion of St. Mary’s High School’s "Generations of Academic Excellence Project" (Phase-I) it is time to move forward on the continued transformation of the campus into a 21st Century educational institution. In Phase-II, the next priorities include building a new facility that will be built next to the aquatics center that will consolidate the new athletic department offices, a weight training room, and locker facilities for a number of sports, supplementing those of The Sprague Family Athletic Building.

The Sanguinetti Football Field has been revamped and now has an upgraded artificial turf to accommodate a wide variety of sports.

This $15.7 million project will also create a premier science and mathematics center for future generations of students, rejuvenating the beloved chapel and selected classrooms. A new school cafeteria/auditiorium will be constructed. This will also create an outside amphitheater green space in the center of the campus and additional parking.

Future projects include a new 2 story building that will house a performing & fine arts center/theatre and gymnasium.

Development-Home

Virtual Tour

Size

Current enrollment is 1100 students. 49% of the total student body represent Black
Black people
The term black people is used in systems of racial classification for humans of a dark skinned phenotype, relative to other racial groups.Different societies apply different criteria regarding who is classified as "black", and often social variables such as class, socio-economic status also plays a...

, Hispanic, Asian
Asian people
Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :...

 and Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...

 minority groups. The faculty consists of 7 Religious (Priests, Brothers, and Sisters) and 110 lay teachers and support staff. St. Mary's is committed to high quality teaching and over 85% of our teachers hold advanced degrees. Subject area expertise and a dedication to implementation of effective pedagogy are hallmarks of St. Mary's educators. The student/faculty ratio is 16/1.

Spirituality

Our Catholic faith is integrated throughout all of our programs and courses of study. As an outreach of our mission and philosophy, we have a great community service program. There are also various levels of retreat programs for our students. Students participate in retreats which are carefully structured and planned by the Campus Ministry Team. The goal is to help each other have that close relationship with Christ. In addition, students are required to take eight semesters of Theology. All students are encouraged to attend Mass that include the opening of school, Thanksgiving, holy day liturgies; days of recollection; reconciliation services; etc.

Campus Ministry-Home

St. Mary's High School Prayer

Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that we the school community of St. Mary's High School have placed ourselves in your name. With confidence, we seek your protection and implore your assistance to hear and answer our prayers.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, come to each of us today; help us to know and love Jesus your son as you did. Help us to see goodness in every person we encounter as Jesus did.

O Virgin of Virgins, Our Mother, give us the wisdom, courage, and perseverance to live the message which your Son lived and taught. Amen.

Academics

The academic program focuses on college-bound students. The students are continually informed of the admission requirements for both the University of California and the California State University systems. Seeking to challenge each student to do his/her best, St. Mary's offers a complement of Honors and Advanced Placement courses for qualified students.

There are ten departments at St. Mary's from which students choose their required and elective courses: Religion, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education & Health, Science, Computer, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts.

In addition, students may take courses at San Joaquin Delta College or University of the Pacific.
During the 2009/2010 school year, St. Mary's established their very own online classroom server in which students can take classes virtually with the faculty.
  • 78% of juniors and seniors take upper division mathematics; 73% of juniors and seniors are enrolled in upper division science. Also 68% of students are enrolled in French, Italian, or Spanish.


Advanced Placement courses are offered in American Literature, English Literature, Chemistry, European History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Psychology, Calculus and Biology.

Students may take the Advanced Placement Exams in Biology, Calculus, English Language, English Literature, European History, Foreign Language, Physics, Psychology, U.S. Government & Politics and U.S. History.

Academics/Curriculum

Technology

Each teacher has their very own laptop subscribed to the school. The use of these computers has enhanced the efforts of the faculty to bring the latest technology into the classroom. In addition, St. Mary's also launched in the 2008-2009 school year a program to assist students in need of better reading and comprehension skills. We also use many web-based resources for parents, students and teachers to provide timely updates on grades, progress and allow for more effective communication.

All students are given an e-mail account. The purpose of the student electronic mail system is for students to communicate with school staff, outside resources related to school assignments, and fellow students to collaborate on school activities.

Through our Guidance Department, students are able to take advantage of online courses that include a variety of subjects. Our network has grown and allowed for our classrooms to be equipped with the finest technology. Each have projects, smart boards and Wi-Fi access. Our Capital Campaign "Preparing for a Successful Future" ensures the continued advancement within our beloved high school.

Co-Curricular Activities

St. Mary's students are active in many clubs and organizations emphasizing creativity, leadership, scholarship, and service. More than half of the entire student body are involved in some kind of organization whether it be school related or the community abroad. Student athletes compete in the Tri-City Athletic Association in football, volleyball, water polo, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, cross-country, track, swimming/diving, badminton, and golf. St. Mary's has long been recognized nationwide for its extraordinary athletic program. The Rams provide freedom to grow in all areas. They have totaled more than 40 CIF Sectional Championships, including almost a dozen for girls volleyball. The girls basketball and soccer teams are not only a force throughout Northern California, but are routinely ranked as the best throughout the area.

Some of the clubs offered at St. Mary's are:

Book Club, Multi-Cultural Club,
Cabinet, National Honor Society,
California Scholarship Federation, Open Artistic Forum,
Campus Ministry, Pink Ladies,
Chess Club, Psychology After Hours,
CROP (Christian Relief Outreach Project),
Dance Club,
Drama Club, Ram Computer Club,
Environmental Club, Rampage Club,
Ree Club,
Forensics Team, Respect Life Club,
Friends of Special Olympics, Senate,
Interact/Key Club, SPOT (Students Putting Out Talent),
International Outreach, St. Francis de Sales Club,
Kettle Student Paper, Student Council,
Model U.N., Student Mentor Program,
Math Club

Clubs-Home

Saint Mary's Alma Mater

SAINT MARY'S WE SALUTE YOU,
OUR ALMA MATER TRUE

THROUGH ALL THE YEARS WE'LL FOLLOW,
YOUR NAME WHER'ER WE GO!

WE'VE COME TO KNOW AND LOVE YOU,
AND WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW...

THAT WE WILL KEEP FOREVER BRIGHT,
OUR TRUST IN THE GREEN AND WHITE!

Athletics-Home


Cheer/Drill

Band

Saint Mary's High School features two main bands (Jazz Band
Jazz band
A jazz band is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music. Jazz bands usually consist of a rhythm section and a horn section, in the early days often trumpet, trombone, and clarinet with rhythm section of piano, banjo, bass or tuba, and drums.-Eras:SwingDuring the swing era in the mid-twentieth...

 & Symphonic Band) who play throughout the area and the state at competitions such as The Lincoln Band Review and The Heritage Festival
Heritage Festival
Heritage Festival refers to one of a number of musical festivals held throughout America where high school-aged musical ensembles are ranked on an international standard. These groups include choirs, bands, and orchestras as well as color guard and majorette competitions...

 in Anaheim, California. The band has acquired numerous awards in the Symphonic and Jazz Band Categories. The Saint Mary's High School Band department has recently (08'-09' School Year) started a drumline featuring the school's top drummers. This drumline is a precursor to what will one day be a professional marching band. Four students have recently been selected to the County Honor Band. St. Mary's High School won the Spirit of Anaheim Award which is given to the school that best represents its community and state.

Performing Arts-Home

Admission

Admission to St. Mary's is selective and based on a placement test, previous school record and recommendation. Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis after consideration of their high school transcripts and interviews. Generally the freshmen class receives 600+ applications for an average 300 class seat.

With a large religious element, the school has been the choice for not only area students but for those throughout the county. Current University of the Pacific baseball coach and the only man to ever win a World Series ring, Olympic gold medal, and college world series title, Ed Sprague is a product of Saint Mary’s High, as is former Stockton mayor Ed Chavez.

To inquire about a tour of the school and to view tuition information please view the following link: Admissions and Tuition

Graduates

100% of the Class of 2011 graduated. In the last five years seniors have earned scholarships totaling over $76,248,193. The faculty of SM are proud of the outstanding college acceptance rate to which our students apply. More than 11,000 graduates fulfill the roles of leadership and service, both in the community and worldwide.

Alumni-Home

Honors

In May 2011, 50% of the freshmen, 47% of the sophomores, 56% of the juniors, and 65% of the seniors
Twelfth grade
Twelfth grade or Senior year, or Grade Twelve, are the North American names for the final year of secondary school. In most countries students then graduate at age 17 or 18. In some countries, there is a thirteenth grade, while other countries do not have a 12th grade/year at all...

 achieved honors - first and second.

AP scores

St. Mary's exceeded state and national test averages on AP Exams for 1990–2011. St. Mary's Advance Placement students have an 85% pass rate on their A.P. exams. St. Mary's has a table leader on faculty, one of few throughout the country.

External links

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