About Us
Faith and Community
The St. Mary Catholic Academy community is built on Catholic Gospel values, which are the foundation of our school philosophy. Through daily prayers, regular school Masses and liturgies, we nurture the spiritual and religious development of our community. Our active Chaplaincy Team provides additional support as we focus on the development of the whole child.
Student Success
The Student Success Team includes administrators, guidance counsellors, the Student Success Teacher, Credit Recovery Teachers, Literacy and Numeracy Lead Teachers, and LOG teachers. The team supports at-risk students by helping with the transition from elementary to secondary school, providing mentorship, and offering academic and emotional support. Resource Personnel, Child and Youth Workers, and Educational Assistants also support student success.
Inclusive Education
All students, including those identified with exceptionalities, are supported in their full and active participation in school life. Through appropriate accommodations and modifications, students are supported in reaching their goals, whether in the workplace, college, apprenticeship or university.
Programs and Pathways
St. Mary Catholic Academy offers a diverse range of courses in the arts, modern languages and technology, along with core academic courses. The school offers a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Transportation Technology, cooperative education and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Students also have access to five computer labs and state-of-the-art science labs with computer interface technology.
Student Life
Students are encouraged to reach their potential both academically and through extracurricular activities. The Achievement of Excellence program recognizes students for their contributions and accomplishments. Opportunities include varsity and intramural sports, dramatic productions, band, choir, art, leadership activities and clubs. The Empowered Students Partnership (ESP) team supports a safe school community and has received municipal recognition. Students also have opportunities to volunteer locally and internationally in support of those in need.
Safe and Respectful School
St. Mary Catholic Academy promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning environment. Students, parents and staff have the right to feel safe within the school community. The school follows the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) policies, with clear expectations for student behaviour.
School History and Tradition
St. Mary Catholic Academy was founded to serve the increasing population of the Bloor - Dufferin Catholic community. In 1984, the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board) asked the Sisters – Faithful Companions of Jesus – to establish a secondary school under the leadership of Sister Bonnie Moser. St. Mary occupied the J.J. McGrand Elementary School building, located in a quiet residential neighbourhood.
In keeping with the religious order’s spirit and desire to educate the whole person, St. Mary Catholic Academy has been guided by the idea "that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Thanks to the Faithful Companions of Jesus, St. Mary carries on the tradition of nurturing the lives of all young people, bringing to them a distinctive Christian presence.
Philosophy of the School
Educators at St. Mary Catholic Academy are nurturers of life and joyful messengers of hope and love, bringing the promise of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
The school community provides a stimulating and supportive environment, challenging each student to develop to their greatest potential. All educational programs and activities emphasize the formation of the whole person – intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The Christian education of youth is a privileged opportunity to form apostles, enabling persons to experience Jesus as they direct their gifts towards the service of others and for the transformation of society.
Our belief in success for all students frames our programs, initiatives, and celebrations. It is the recognition that all students have the potential to succeed that motivates the staff and students of our unique community.