1. How many girls attend St. Scholastica Academy and what is the size of each class?
Total enrollment is approximately 777 young women from the Louisiana parishes of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington. The number of students per class varies, but averages 22 students per class.
2. What are the advantages to an all-girls school?
Research has demonstrated that girls achieve a higher level of academic success in an all-girl environment when compared to a coed school. According to the Wall Street Journal, all-girls schools “help females to get away from the traditional social conditioning and give them the freedom to show what they can do”. The October 27, 1993 issue of Education Week states, “Compared with their counterparts at other schools, girls in all-girls’ schools take math and science courses at double the national average.” At SSA, 100% of our students take five years of math and four years of science.
3. What types of classes does SSA offer?
The academic environment at SSA promotes growth and achievement. In fact, SSA was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. We have students of all abilities and our college preparatory curriculum gives the young women who attend SSA a well-rounded educational experience that prepares them for college. Ninety-nine per cent of our graduates go on to college.
4. My daughter sometimes struggles. Do you accept students with learning disabilities?
Each case is decided individually. Students with learning needs must be able to master SSA’s academic programs with an accommodation plan provided to teachers by the Guidance Department. The Dean of Academics determines a possible accommodation plan in cases of severe learning issues.
5. Do you offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance is offered through an established needs-based program. A financial assistance form as well as submission of taxpayer 1040 form is required to apply for assistance.
6. Can my daughter get college credit for classes?
SSA also offers AP classes in English, biology, calculus, government, fine arts and psychology, which allow students to earn possible college credit. Students can also earn college credit through St. Joseph’s Abbey for Fine Arts Survey.
7. What types of extracurricular activities does SSA provide?
SSA is committed to the development of the total student. In that regard, we offer a wide variety of extracurriculars, including: academic and service clubs, publications, liturgical groups, drama, dance, chorus, speech and sports.
8. What types of computers do you have for the students to use?
SSA has a college model computer lab with over 33 IBM compatible computers available for student use, and all include systems that access the Internet. Students can conduct research using the computers in the library and IBM compatible systems are available in the computer lab and Student Services Area. The media center and Student Services Area are available during the day and after school until 5 p.m.
9. What will my daughter’s schedule be like?
As a college-preparatory school, curriculum focuses on courses required for college. Each of the five years is different, with eighth grade having an expanded program, including studio art and some high school credit courses. The school schedule rotates on a weekly basis. Your daughter’s schedule will be comprised of mostly required courses to prepare her for an intensive college curriculum. Junior and senior years have more flexibility and room for a variety of electives. Guidance counselors work on time management, study skills and college planning with students to make their transition from high school to college successful.
10. I understand that SSA is a Catholic school. Do students of other religions also attend?
Yes, there are students of other religious faiths who attend SSA. All students, however, are required to take a religion course each year. Learning about the Catholic faith helps give non-Catholics a perspective and a background of understanding for our Catholic school program. All are enriched by our mission to educate young women for personal, spiritual and academic growth, service and leadership.
