WE Welcome eAcademicxcellenceisaboutmorethanjustgradesandtestscores. Our rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum educates the minds and hearts of each and every student in a thriving inclusive Catholic, Marist community. We strive to provide dynamic learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. We inspire students to be self motivated and lifelong learners by engaging their intellect and sparking their imaginations.
3 You At Saint Joseph Academy, we welcome you with open arms to discover new cfriendships,hallengingacademics,adeepeningof your faith, and college preparatorysuccess. Attend SJA and find yourself immersed in a community that is dedicated to helping you excel, engage your spirit, and provide you with a new family to support you in all your endeavors. Your academic path will lead you through innovative and challenging programs, a variety of activities that match your interests and individualized college guidance and counseling that is unique just for you. Learn more about how you can join the SJA family!
WE Are Scholars SJA has partnerships with UTRGV and TSC Dual Enrol lment Programs Students can earn up to 38 college credits at no additional cost to families. The TSC dual enrollment courses are taught by SJA faculty. UTRGV dual enrollment courses are taught by UTRGV faculty on the SJA campus, exclusively to SJA students. Upon successful completion of a dual enrollment course, the SJA student will have earned the college credit and an official college transcript will reflect the earned credits.
5 Signature Programs The SJA Signature Programs are opportunities for students to engage with leaders in designated fields and participate in seminars and community activities which will enhance the students academic experience. Students can choose from three different pathways: Arts and Humanities • Meet with talented artists and professionals • Build on creativity, crosscultural understanding, and written, oral and visual communication skills • Work on Arts/Humanities related service projects International Leadership • Become ethical and responsible leaders • Meet with community leaders • Build leadership, communication and teamwork skills through enriching seminars and service projects Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) • Meet with STEM professionals • Work on STEM related service projects • Build on creativity, problem solving, collaboration, iterative development and math/engineering skills
Business Business Management and Ownership Business Entrepreneurship Computer Science Computer Literacy and Keyboarding Computer Science I Digital Media Internship AP Computer Science Principles English Language Arts 7 and Honors Language Arts 8 and Honors English 9 and Honors English 10 and Honors English 11 and Dual Enrollment English 12 and Dual Enrollment Advanced Creative Writing Learning Center Speech Fine Arts Middle Division Art Two Dimensional Design Three-Dimensional Design Art Portfolio Art History AP Studio Art 2D Music Dual Enrollment Choir Middle Division Choir Theatre Production Middle Division Theatre Theatre Survey Library Media Library Aide Internship Mathematics Pre Algebra and Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II and Dual Enrollment Pre Calculus and Dual Enrollment Calculus I Calculus I AP Modern Languages Beginning Spanish Intermediate Spanish Advanced Spanish I Honors Spanish AP Spanish Language AP Spanish Literature Advanced Spanish I Dual Enrollmentl Advanced Spanish II Advanced Spanish Dual Enrollment Course List for the 2022–2023 School Year
7 Physical Education Physical Education Boys & Girls Health Athletic Conditioning Heath Religious Studies Religious Studies 7 –Intro. to Jesus Religious Studies 8 Life in Christ Religious Studies 9 Sacred Scripture Religious Studies 10Church and Worship Religious Studies 11 Social Justice Religious Studies 12 Call to Ministry Science Physical Science Applied Engineering 7th Grade Applied Engineering 8th Grade Environmental Systems 8 and Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics and Honors Honors Anatomy & Physiology AP Physics AP Chemistry AP Biology Engineering 1 Engineering 2 Honors Astronomy Social Studies Texas History US History Through 1877 World Geography AP Human Geography World History AP World History US History – Since 1877 US History Dual Enrollment US Government Economics Principles of Macroeconomics – Dual Enrollment American Cultures Modern History 1946 to the Present AP Psychology US Government Dual Enrollment Religious Studies 4.0 Credits English 4.0 Credits Mathematics 4.0 Credits Science 4.0 Credits Social Studies 4.0 Credits Modern Languages 3.0 Credits Fine Arts 1.0 Credit Computer Science 1.0 Credit Physical Education 1.0 Credit Electives 1.0 Credit Health 0.5 Credit Speech 0.5 Credit All students must complete a writing portfolio 28 credits are required to graduate GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
7th Grade Religious Studies 7 Language Arts 7* Language Enrichment 7 Pre – Algebra* Physical Science 7 Texas History Computer Literacy/Keyboarding (One semester) Physical Education (One semester) **Electives: (One semester) Middle Division Art Applied Engineering I Middle Division Theater Arts Middle Division Choir 8th Grade Religious Studies 8 Language Arts 8* Algebra I * (1.0 HS credit) Environmental Systems 8* (1.0 HS credit) US History through 1877 Physical Education (One semester) **Electives (Semester courses) Middle Division Art (One semester) Applied Engineering II (One semester) Middle Division Theater (One semester) Middle Division Choir (One semester) Health (0.5 HS credit) **Beginning Spanish (Two semesters 1.0 HS credit) Middle Division Choir A six-year class schedule
9 DID YOU KNOW? The distinguished faculty of SJA have an average of 21 YEARS of professional teaching experience and 60% of faculty have advanced degrees. AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IS 22 SJA STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH A DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC RECOGNITION TEACHER RATIO 13:1 9th Grade 10th Grade Religious Studies 9 1.0 Credit Religious Studies 10 1.0 Credit English 9 1.0 Credit English 10 1.0 Credit Mathematics 1.0 Credit Mathematics 1.0 Credit Science 1.0 Credit Science 1.0 Credit World Geography 1.0 Credit World History 1.0 Credit Modern Language I 1.0 Credit Modern Language II 1.0 Credit Computer Science I 1.0 Credit Fine Art/Health*/Elective 1.0 Credit 11th Grade 12th Grade Religious Studies 11 1.0 Credit Religious Studies 12 1.0 Credit English 11 1.0 Credit English 12 1.0 Credit Mathematics 1.0 Credit Mathematics 1.0 Credit Science 1.0 Credit Science * 1.0 Credit US History 1.0 Credit Economics/Government 1.0 Credit Modern Language III 1.0 Credit Fine Art 0.5 Credit Fine Arts/Elective 0.5 Credit Health*/Elective 1.5 Credits PE ** 0.5 Credit *Unless satisfied at SJA in Grade 8 **Unless satisfied at SJA through Varsity athletics
10 WE Are SMaristaintJosephAcademyfollowsSaintMarcellinChampagnat’svisiontoleadyoungpeopletoknowandloveJesusandMaryinthebeliefthattheyallcanbecomegoodChristiansandgoodcitizens.
11
Prayer is woven into the fabric of the Saint Joseph Academy experience. Beginning everyday together in prayer, taking a moment to pause, center ourselves and pray for those around us. As a school community, we attend monthly liturgies which are a collaboration between our local priests and our Call to Ministry students. Saint Joseph Academy offers comprehensive theology courses and an enriching campus ministry program that works together to address the spiritual and personal needs of the entire SJA family. We provide service opportunities in and out of school throughout the year. As Marists, we make Jesus Christ known and loved.
Retreats are opportunities for spiritual formation, appropriate to the development level of students. The retreats are designed to provide a personal experience with God, unity and self worth to each member of the student body. The retreats are led by the members of the Call to Ministry class and supported by faculty and staff. At these retreats, students address questions of personal faith, build community and participate in prayer experiences appropriate for their age level. Retreats provide a steppingstone to becoming spiritually informed, responsible leaders in our community.
COMMUNITY Service Saint Joseph Academy students can be found serving in homeless shelters, soup kitchen, nursing homes, hospitals, parks, churches, and local non-profits throughout the city volunteering and providing countless hours of support. Each year, the entire student body participates in Marist Day of Service where we spread out across our community to give our time and talents to the community and assist with service projects. Over 500 students, faculty and parents volunteer their time serving 25+ non profit organizations spanning the lower Rio Grande Valley. Many of the student clubs and organizations will support local agencies by hosting winter coat drives, toy drives, food pantry drives, school snack packs, Operation Prom, and pet food drive for the local Humane Society. th Retreat s are designed to provide a personal experience with God
GRADE LEVEL
WE Are Creative
PERFORMING Arts
ooAcademyffersmanypportunitiestodevelopastudent’stalents
15
The SJA Performing Arts Program provides opportunities to develop both performance techniques and technical skills for grades 7-12th. The curriculum helps students discover and develop their unique skills and talents through an intense, integrated arts program. Students are able to participate in the Fall One Act play, and the Spring musical. In recent years our Performing Arts Program has made significant and impactful strides when it comes to recognizing and producing talented artists and major performances. Our Performing Arts Program recently swept the Palm Awards for their work on the production of The Glass Menagerie bringing home awards for Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design and Best Ensemble in a Play. Other plays recently performed on the SJA stage were Flashdance, In the Heights, A Christmas Carol and LES MISERABLES. VISUAL Arts At SJA, there are many opportunities to develop one’s artistic talents. Beginning with middle school art to 2D & 3D Design and Art Portfolio. Each spring, students are able to share their works of art at the annual SJA Art Show. Saint Joseph
Being a Bloodhound means more than winning, we focus on discipline, hard-work, commitment and dedication of excellence on and off the playing field and/or courts.
WE Are Bloodhounds
SPORTS AVAILABLE at SJA Fall: Cheerleading (V) Cross Country (MS & V) Dance (V) Football (M, JV & V) Volleyball (MS, F, JV & V) Athletic Trainers Winter: Basketball (MS, F, JV & V) Soccer ( JV & V) Swimming (V) Tennis (V) Spring: Baseball ( JV & V) Golf (V) Tennis (V) Track & Field (MS & V) Power Lifting (V) 92% of students participate in athletics
18 IN 2021-2022 The Fighting Bloodhounds Won 8 Championships Cross Country Boys: District Champions Cross Country Girls: District Champions Boys Basketball: District Champions, Area Champions Girls Basketball: District Champions, Area Champions Boys Soccer: District Champions, Area Champions Boys Track & Field: District Champions Girls Track & Field: District Champions Tennis Team: District Champions 13 SPORTS 32+TEAMS LAST YEAR MORE THAN 21 STUDENTS WERE AWARDED ACADEMIC ALL-STATE BY TAPPS 2 State Champions Francisco Gamez, Tennis, Boys Singles Alondra Loya, Discus, Track & Field
19 FOR THE LAST 7YEARS Bloodhounds continued their athletic dream playing on the collegiate level ‘16 Abraham Caram Texas Lutheran University, Football ’17 Valeria Tapia UTRGV, Basketball ’17 Ricardo Miner Trinity University, Football ’18 Kai Money UT Austin, Football ’19 Pablo Zolezzi – Texas A&M University College Station, Track & Field ‘20 Allison Stachowiak Texas A&M University Kingsville, Volleyball ‘21 Sergio Martinez Marist College, Football ’22 Martin Tapia Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Basketball
20
WE Are Beyond the Classroom
Find your passion at St. Joe by joining one or more of our 34 clubs and organizations. All clubs are student led, which provides our students the opportunity to develop leadership skills that they will use after high school. Our students have the opportunity to form new clubs with the help of our supportive administration and faculty. The possibilities are endless at St. Joe!
21 • Active Minds • Astronomy Club • Bloodhound Ambassadors • Book Club • Bowling Club • Business Club • Chemistry Club • Civics Club • Fishing Club • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Good Neighbor Service Project • Green Team • Marist Youth • Missions • Model UN • PACS (Principal’s Advisory Committee for Students) • Rotary Interact Club • Say What Bloodhounds • Scripture Club • Student Council (STUCO) • SWAP • Technology Club • UNICEF/SJA Club OFFERINGS • National Honor Society • National Jr. Honor Society • National Art Honor Society • National Jr. Art Honor Society • National Science Honor Society • French Honor Society • Spanish Honor Society SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY ALSO OFFERS MEMBERSHIP TO Honor Societies IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES:
The counseling staff work closely with each student to ensure success at Saint Joseph Academy. The planning process begins in the 7th grade when students begin career testing and exploration. Guidance Counselors meet with the students in small groups to identify personal skills, interests and abilities. Each year, college counseling continues in an effort to find the “best fit ” college for each student. Beginning the junior year, parents and students are invited to other private counseling sessions to develop individualized plans for each student to reach their college goal.
WE Are College Bound
22
With over 50 years of experience, Saint Joseph Academy college counseling department is eager to assist students in planning for the future. Our counselors partner with parents and students so families are able to meet the challenges of the college application and decision process. The SJA college counseling program also seeks to guide parents and students with individualized attention and frequent communication with parent student planning meetings, special workshops regarding financial aid, and one on one consultations. Students are prepared for the rigors of test-taking and the college application process with: • Personality and skills assessments • On Site SAT, PSAT, and ACT test sites • A robust schedule of on site college representative visits • Presentations on financial aid and financial planning for college th SJA’s col lege counseling department is eager to assist student s in planning for the future 23
Alfred University 1 Arizona State University 1 Ashford University 1 Austin College 2 Baylor University 33 Boston College 4 Carnegie Melon University 1 Case Western Reserve University 1 Colorado State University 2 Columbia College 1 Cornell College 1 Duke University 1 Florida International University 2 Florida Southern College 1 Florida State University 1 Fordham University 4 Franklin University Switzerland 1 George Washington University 1 Georgetown University 1 Gonzaga University 1 Grand Canyon University 1 Harvard University 3 Houston Baptist University 2 Indiana University 2 Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey 1 Iona College 3 John Hopkins University 3 Louisiana State University 1 Loyola University 3 Macalester College 1 Marist College 1 New York University 5 Northeastern University 3 Northwestern University 2 Nova Southeastern University 2 Our Lady of the Lake University 6 Pacific Northwest College of Arts 1 Palm Beach Atlantic University 1 Pennsylvania State University 2 Pepperdine University 1 Pomona College 1 Pratt Institute 2 Princeton University 1 Rice University 4 Rochester Institute of Technology 1 Sam Houston State University 3 Samford University 1 Savannah College of Art and Design 5 Seattle University 2 Southeast Missouri State University 2 Southern Methodist University 32 Southwestern University 6 St. Edward's University 66 St. John's College 1 St. Mary 's University 27 Stephen F. Austin State University 2 SUNY University at Albany 1 SUNY University at Buffalo 1 Tec de Monterrey 4 Texas A&M Corpus Christi 1 Texas A&M University College Station 48 Texas A&M University McAllen 8 Texas A&M University PSA 36 Texas A&M International University 1 Where our students have been accepted BETWEEN 2020 2022 24
Texas A&M University Blinn 4 Texas A&M University Commerce 1 Texas A&M University Gateway 1 Texas A&M University Kingsville 6 Texas A&M University San Antonio 6 Texas Christian University 22 Texas Southmost College 3 Texas State University 11 Texas Tech University 8 The American University of Paris 1 The Catholic University of America 1 The New School 1 The Ohio State University 1 The University of Texas Arlington 1 The University of Texas at Austin 26 The University of Texas at Austin CAP 81 The University of Texas at Dallas 5 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 145 The University of Texas at San Antonio 87 Trinity University 11 Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon 2 Universidad de Anahuac Campus Norte 1 Universidad de Monterrey 15 University of California Los Angeles 1 University of California San Diego 1 University of California Santa Barbara 1 University of California, Davis 1 University of California, Santa Cruz 1 University of Central Florida 1 University of Chicago 1 University of Connecticut 1 University of Dallas 4 University of Georgia 1 University of Glasgow 1 University of Hawaii Manoa 1 University of Houston 24 University of Mary Hardin Baylor 2 University of Massachusetts Boston 1 University of Miami 2 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 1 University of Mississippi 3 University of New Haven 1 University of North Texas 1 University of Notre Dame 5 University of Pennsylvania 1 University of Portland 1 University of Rochester 3 University of San Diego 2 University of San Francisco 1 University of Southern California 2 University of St. Thomas 1 University of Sydney 1 University of Tampa 1 University of Tennessee Knoxville 1 University of the Incarnate Word 58 University of Virginia 1 Vanderbilt University 2 Wagner College 1 Washington and Lee University 3 Washington University in St. Louis 1 Wellesley College 1 Yale University 1 *Bolded schools are ranked in the Top 100 by U.S. News and World Report 25
ApplicationProcessStart THE th Start your journey today!
27 APPLICATION PROCESS HOW TO APPLY STEP 1 Submit your application in FACTS. • Visit the SJA website at www.sja.us/admissions/application process • Create Account: Click on the online application button and go to apply now. • Complete the online application form • Be sure to upload your student ’s last report card, most recent standardized test scores and student photo STEP 2 Take the SJA Entrance Exam • Register to sit for the exam which will be held on Saturday, October 8th and October 22nd at 8:30 A.M. in the Brother Francis Garza Student Center • For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (956) 542-3581 ext. 359 or email admissions@sja.us. STEP 3 Pay the application fee • Priority application: September 1, 2022 –September 15, 2022 - $50.00 • Regular application: September 16, 2022 October 31, 2022 $50.00 • Late application: Submissions after October 31, 2022 - $75.00
28 SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR Campus Tours are conducted by appointment. Your tour will be led by a member of the Admissions Team and a Bloodhound Ambassador. As you tour the beautiful campus of SJA, you will meet faculty, and staff and have an opportunity to see firsthand, students at work. Schedule your tour today by contacting the Office of Admissions. SHADOW VISITS “Bloodhound for a Day ” To get a firsthand look at a day in the life of a Bloodhound, we encourage future students to spend a day with a current SJA student. During a Shadow Day, future Bloodhounds are paired with a current Bloodhound Ambassador who will take the future Bloodhound to class, answer any questions, and show the future Bloodhound the campus. To schedule your Bloodhound for a Day experience, call the Office of Admissions HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Contact the Office of Admissions at (956)542 3581 ext. 359 or at admissions@sja.us TUITION AND FEES 2023-2024 Tuition: $11,520.00 for the 22/23 school year (billed monthly from May 1, 2023 through April 1, 2024) Registration Fee for Returning Students: $600 (non-refundable) Registration Fee for New Students: $650 (non refundable) Parent Service Commitment Fee: $200 (billed with tuition July 1st and refunded to account if volunteer services are completed by parents)
$550,000 IN TUITION ASSISTANCE. EACH YEAR Saint Joseph Academy distributes approximately Close to 25% OF THE student body receives some form of assistance
TUITION ASSISTANCE Tuition assistance refers to funds granted to make a Saint Joseph Academy education more affordable to families. Funds for financial assistance are generated by fundraising events, the St. Joseph Academy Endowment Fund, the annual fund drive and through the contributions of generous alumni, parents and other donors. All grants are based on a family ’s demonstrated financial need and the program’s availability of funds. Each year, Saint Joseph Academy distributes approximately $550,000 in tuition assistance. Close to 25% of the student body receives some form of assistance. Families must apply online for tuition assistance through FACTS beginning November 1, 2022. The deadline is February 28, 2023. If families have not yet filed a 2022 tax return at the time of application, W-2’s and/or 1099’s for 2021 are acceptable.Formoreinformation, visit the Admissions page of the SJA website at sja.us/admissions/tuition and financial assistance 30
