At Saint Joseph Academy, we believe in providing a NURTURING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT where students can flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.
As a leading educational institution in the Brownsville community, we are committed to fostering excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Established with a rich history and a strong foundation in Catholic values, Saint Joseph Academy has been a cornerstone of education in Brownsville for several decades. Academics at Saint Joseph Academy are designed to inspire intellectual curiosity and instill a lifelong love of learning Our dedicated faculty members employ innovative teaching methods and personalized attention to ensure each student reaches their full potential. From our advanced placement courses to our fine arts and athletic programs, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that caters to diverse interests and talents.
Beyond the classroom, we strive to cultivate a deep sense of spirituality and moral responsibility in our students Grounded in the Catholic faith, we encourage students to explore their spirituality, embrace their unique gifts, and contribute positively to their communities. Our commitment to servicelearning programs empowers students to make a meaningful difference in the world around them.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
EXPERIENCES BEYOND the CLASSROOM
Students can earn up to
38 COLLEGE C R E D I T S at no 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.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
The Signature Programs offer students a chance to connect with industry leaders, join seminars, and take part in community events, enriching their SJA journey.
These programs blend academics with career exposure, spanning fields like engineering, biotech, performing arts, and public service. Their aim is to help high schoolers explore their talents early on and pave the way for future college majors and careers
COURSE LIST
2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 SCHOOL YEAR
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE 20
The distinguished faculty of SJA have an average of 21 years of professional teaching experience and 51% of faculty have advanced degrees.
18:1 DID YOU KNOW?
TEACHER RATIO
Business
Business Management and Ownership
Business Entrepreneurship
Computer Science
Computer Literacy and Keyboarding
Computer Science I
Digital Media Internship
AP Computer Science
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 School Art
Two-Dimensional Design
Three-Dimensional Design
Choir
Middle School Choir
Theatre Production
Middle School Theatre
Theatre Survey
Performing Arts
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
AP Calculus
Modern Languages
Beginning Spanish
Intermediate Spanish
Advanced Spanish I (SSL)
Advanced Spanish I
AP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Literature
Physical Education
Physical Education
Boys & Girls
Athletic Conditioning
Health
Religious Studies
Religious Studies 7 –Intro To Jesus
Religious Studies 8 –Life in Christ
Religious Studies 9 –Church and Worship
Religious Studies 10 –Sacred Scripture
Religious Studies 11 –
Social Justice
Religious Studies 12 Call to Ministry
AP Biology
Engineering 1
Honors Astronomy
Social Studies
Texas History
US History - Through 1877
World Geography and AP Human Geography
World History
AP World History
US History 11 – Since 1877
US History 11 –Dual Enrollment
US Government
Economics Principles of Macroeconomics –Dual Enrollment
American Cultures
Modern History –1946 – to the Present
AP Psychology
US GovernmentDual Enrollment
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
28 CREDITS ARE REQUIRED TOGRADUATE
All students must complete a writing portfolio
A SIX YEAR CLASS SCHEDULE
7th Grade
Religious Studies 7
Language Arts 7 *
Language Enrichment 7
Pre – Algebra*
Physical Science 7
Texas History
Computer Literacy/Keyboarding
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) (One semester)
Physical Education (One semester)
**Electives: (One semester)
Middle School Art
Applied Engineering I
Intro to Theater Arts
Mixed Choir
9th Grade
Religious
11th Grade
**Electives (semester courses)
Middle School Art (One semester)
Applied Engineering II (One semester)
Intro to Theater Arts (One semester)
Mixed Choir (One semester)
Health (0 5 HS credit)
**Beginning Spanish (Two semesters 1 0 HS credit)
10th Grade
12th Grade
*Unless satisfied at SJA in Grade 8
**Unless satisfied at SJA through Varsity athletics
FAITH
Saint Joseph Academy offers EACH STUDENT an education that DRAWS FAITH, CULTURE, AND LIFE
INTO HARMONY
Saint Joseph Academy follows Saint Marcellin Champagnat’s vision. At SJA, we lead young people to know and love Jesus and Mary, believing that they all can become good Christians and citizens. We welcome all young people, whatever their circumstances, offering each one an education that draws faith, culture, and life into harmony.
Every day is started in prayer, taking a moment to pause, reflect and pray for each other and those around us. Every student is required to attend monthly Liturgies, which are a collaboration between students and our local priests, and our Call to Ministry students.
Saint Joseph Academy offers comprehensive courses in theology, a requirement of every grade. These courses enrich our campus and they address the personal and spiritual needs of the entire SJA family
Retreats are a necessary component of faith formation and campus ministry. Our retreat program is designed to provide an annual reflective experience for each student. This ensures that all students continually develop their own personal relationship with God, collectively build unity with their peers as a class, and process their growth as they mature as teenagers. During these offcampus retreats, students address questions of personal faith, build community, participate in challenging activities, and join in prayer experiences - all appropriate for their age level. These annual class retreats provide opportunities for students to grow into:
• Faith-filled disciples
• Servant leaders
• Empowered witnesses
• Agents of justice and peace
• Spirit-filled members of family & community
All students will be required to perform the required amount of hours of community service per grade level each semester. Examples of acceptable community service include:
• Direct Service to the poor.
• Service with organizations that indirectly serve the poor. (In this case, students should be prompted to consider how their work indirectly served the poor)
• Service at or for a Church or faith community.
• Service at City or County organizations and/or organized event
THEATRE PROGRAM PERFORMING ARTS
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 with high standards that combines critical thinking and a whole-person developmental approach to using their talents both on and off stage. Participation in the performing arts club is year-round as productions and rehearsals are happening throughout the school year.
Students may take Survey of Theatre, History, and Performance, an
exploration of theatre history from its earliest known origins The examination begins with Ancients Egypt to the current 21st Century or Performing Arts, where students will examine improvisation, the audition process, monologues, duets and group scenes, movement, voice and diction, playwriting, Shakespeare, and theatre literature
The school year 2023-2024 was a particularly successful performance year for Saint Joseph Academy. They completed five productions this year, including The Best Man, Merrily We Roll Along, Of Mice and Men, Macbeth, and Once.
The Saint Joseph Academy Performing Arts Program was nominated for 8 Palm Awards for their performance Of Mice and Men:
• Best Costume Design, Alondra Loya ’24
• Best Leading Actor, Mauricio Ibarra ’25
• Best Featured Performer, Diego Valenzuela ‘25
• Pablo Solis ‘24
• Best Production of a Play
• Best Ensemble of a Play
• Best Production of a Musical
Honorable Mentions:
• Best Leading Actor –Mauricio Ibarra ‘25, Pablo Solis ‘24
• Best Leading ActressMadelynn Gonzalez ‘25
• Best Supporting Actress –Jimena Herrera ‘25, Viviana Cavazos ‘25
• Best Featured Performer –Diego Valenzuela ‘25
• Best Lighting Design – Viviana Cavazos ‘25
• Best Sound Design – Jimena Herrera ‘25
SJA Performing Arts students received the following scholarship awards from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy:
DIRECTOR'S SCHOLARSHIP:
The Director's Scholarship Recipient, offering a four-year, full ride to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy went to Alejandro Cisneros ('24)
$60,000 SCHOLARSHIP:
• Alondra Loya ('24)
• Mauricio Ibarra ('25)
• Diego Valenzuela ('25)
• Madelynn Gonzalez ('24)
$40,000 SCHOLARSHIP:
• Pablo Solis ('24)
• Jimena Herrera ('25)
• Brandon Granado ('25)
These scholarships were given based on these students' auditions, and they were specifically chosen against students from all over the RGV who auditioned.
’24 Senior Alejandro Cisneros has been accepted to the University of Michigan where he will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
’24 Senior Alondra Loya has been accepted to the University of Incarnate Word where she will pursue a Bachelor Arts in Theatre
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
Not only do the Bloodhounds excel academically, but we also excel athletically. The 20232024 academic year saw major achievements in sports. However, being a Bloodhound means more than winning, we focus on discipline, hard work, commitment, and dedication to excellence on and off the playing field and/or courts.
15 SPORTS
32+ TEAMS
Sports Available at SJA
Fall:
Cheerleading (G) V
Pom Squad (G) MS
Cross Country (C) MS, V
Dance (G) V
Football (B) MS, JV,V
Volleyball (G) MS, F, JV, V
Winter:
Basketball (G, B) MS, F, JV, V
Soccer (B) JV, V
Swimming (C) V
Tennis (C)
Powerlifting (B)
Spring:
Baseball (B) JV, V
Golf (C) V
Tennis (C) V
Track & Field (C) MS, V
G - Girls
B - Boys
C – Co-ed
MS – Middle School (7-8)
F – Freshmen (9)
JV – Junior Varsity (10-11)
V – Varsity (12)
2023-2024 listing of state and district championships.
Boys Basketball: District Ranked #4
Girls Basketball: District Ranked #2
Boys Soccer: Regional Champions, District Champions, State Champions
Tennis: State Ranked #3
TAPPS State Champions
• Fransisco Gamez, Tennis, Boys Singles
• Alondra Loya, Discus, Track & Field
• Nicole Richer, Pole Vault, Track & Field
16 STUDENTS awarded ALL-STATE by TAPPS
For the last 8 years, bloodhounds continued their athletic dream of playing at 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
‘20 Sergio Martinez –Marist College, Football
’22 Martin TapiaUniversidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Basketball
’23 Ethan Gallegos –Eastern New Mexico State University, Football
’23 Amanda Hinojos –Hofstra University, Track and Field
’23 Gerry Martinez –University of St. Thomas, Basketball
’24 Alondra Loya –University of Incarnate Word, Track and Field
’24 Deliany Cortinas –Ranger College, Volleyball
’24 Francisco Gamez –The University of Texas Rio GrandeValley, Tennis
3 STUDENTS were named STATE CHAMPIONS in their designated sport for 2023-2024 school year.
More than
92% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
COLLEGE PREP
Saint Joseph Academy is known for its comprehensive and supportive college counseling program, designed to help students navigate the complex process of college admissions and make informed decisions about their future educational pursuits. The college counseling department at Saint Joseph Academy provides personalized guidance and resources to assist students in identifying and applying to colleges that align with their academic interests, personal goals, and aspirations
The college counseling process at Saint Joseph Academy typically begins in the 7th grade when students begin career testing and exploration. Our students and their families meet with a college counselor to discuss individual interests, strengths, and ambitions. The counselor helps students explore a wide range of college options, taking into consideration factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial considerations, ultimately finding the “best fit” for the student.
In addition to individualized support, Saint Joseph Academy's college counseling program may offer workshops, seminars, and guest speakers on various college admissions and career exploration topics. Saint Joseph Academy's college counseling program empowers students to make wellinformed decisions about their future educational journey by providing a wealth of resources, personalized attention, and expert guidance.
WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED 2024
Anderson University
Baylor University 36
Belmont University
California Polytechnic State University
Case Western Reserve University
Chicago State University 2
Colorado School of Mines
Dallas Baptist University
DePaul University
Drake University 2
Eckerd College
Fordham University 2
George Fox University
Hastings College 3
Hawaii Pacific University 2
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Houston Christian University 2
Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey (TEC) 2
Iona College
Iowa University
Lawrence Technology University
Lawrence University
Lipscomb University
Longwood University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Chicago 3
Loyola University New Orleans
Lubbock Christian
University
Marymount Manhattan College 2
Midland University
Mississippi State University
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Neumann University
Our Lady of the Lake University
Pace University 4
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pratt Institute 2
Purdue University
Queen's University of Charlotte
Ranger College
Rice University 2
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick
Saint Agustine College
Saint Louis University
Santa Clara University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Shreiner University 2
South Texas College
Southern Methodist University 23
Southwestern University
St. Edward's University 31
St. Francis University
St Joseph's University
St Leo University
St Louis University Madrid
St Mary's University 20
Stephen F Austin
State University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio
Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station 27
Texas A&M UniversityGalveston
Texas A&M University 23
Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University
Kingsville 2
Texas A&M UniversityMcAllen 9
Texas A&M UniversityCommerce
Texas Christian University 4
Texas Lutheran University
Texas Tech University 8
Texas State University 12
The New School
The Ohio State University
The University of Houston
The University of Mississippi
The University of Texas at Arlington
$12.7 MILLION+
in scholarships earned by the class of 2024
The University of Texas at Dallas 6
The University of Texas at San Antonio 37
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 66
The University of Texas at Austin 44
Trinity University 7
Universidad de Monterrey 3
University of Arkansas
University of California
Irvine
University of California
Los Angeles
University of California San Diego 2
University of California
Berkeley 2
University of Colorado at Boulder 2
University of Dallas 2
University of Dayton
University of Iowa
University of Houston 20
University of HoustonVictoria
University of Maine
University of Mary Hardin Baylor 2
University of Miami 2
University of Michigan
University of Montana
University of North Texas 2
University of Notre Dame 2
University of Pittsburgh 2
University of Rochester
University of San Francisco
University of St. Thomas 5
University of the Incarnate Word 34
Vanderbilt University
Vincennes University
Warner Pacific University ADP
West Virginia University
Wichita State University
* Bolded schools are ranked in the Top 100 by U.S. News and World Report
* Red numbers are SJA students accepted to these schools
START THE 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, student photo and to provide ENGLISH & MATH teacher email.
STEP 2 TAKE THE SJA ENTRANCE EXAM
• Register to sit for the exam which will be held on Saturday October 5 and October 19 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 OF $100.00 ONLINE
• Regular Application: September 1 – October 31
Scan the QR code to apply now!
Scan the QR code to register for the entrance exam!
• Late Application: Submissions after October 31 ($125 fee)
STEP 4 INTERVIEW PROCESS
All families seeking to complete an application must schedule an interview with the SJA Admissions office. At least 1 parent/guardian and the student must be in attendance for the interview
*All required steps must be met in order for application to be considered.
VISIT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR
Campus Tours are conducted by appointment. Your tour will be led by a member of the Admissions Team and a student 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 applicants to spend a day with a current SJA student. During a Shadow Day, applicants are paired with a current Bloodhound Ambassador who will take the applicant to class, answer any questions, and show the applicant 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 2024-2025
Tuition: $12,480 annually
(billed monthly from May 1 through April 1)
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)
Each year Saint Joseph Academy distributes approximately $409,516 IN TUITION ASSISTANCE Close to 35% 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 JosephAcademy distributes approximately $409,516 in tuition assistance Close to 35% of the student body receives some form of assistance
Families can apply online for tuition assistance through FACTS beginning November 1. The deadline is January 31.
If families have not yet filed a current tax return at the time of application, W-2’s and/or 1099’s for the previous year are acceptable.
For more information, visit the Admissions page of the SJA website at sja us/admissions/tuition-and-financial-assistance
AS A LEADING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN THE BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY, we are committed to fostering excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow
At Saint Joseph Academy, we believe in providing a NURTURING AND INCLUSIVE environment where students can flourish academically, spiritually, and personally
