Our History   

For seventy years, the tall, brick school standing on one of the highest hills in Queens has been a distinctive part of the skyline.  Despite the increasing number of buildings, it is a landmark that can be seen clearly from the Long Island Railroad trains.  This is very appropriate because tradition has it that while traveling on the Long Island Railroad in the early 1930's, Mother Mary Louis, General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph, first gazed upon the untouched hilltops of the countryside of Jamaica and selected that as the site for a school. Although Mother Mary Louis passed away on May 22, 1932, her dream of establishing an academy for young women in the Jamaica Estates area lived on in the hearts and minds of her congregation of sisters.

When the decision was made to build a high school for girls in Queens, this property was acquired, and the Adikes family residence on it became the convent for the Sisters who were to staff this "Private School for Girls."  The school, which was initially to be called St. Francis Xavier Academy, was now named after Mother Mary Louis whose vision was being carried to fruition.  Sister Angelica, the first principal, applied for the official school charter in the name "Mother Mary Louis Academy."   When the charter was delivered, it arrived with the first two letters, as well as the last, in the word MOTHER conspicuously absent from its name.  Whether a slip of a clerk's pen or an act of divine providence, the word "The" was permanently affixed to the name of The Mary Louis Academy.

The first students were fifty-seven young women who were greeted by a faculty of eight sisters on the first day of school on September 14, 1936.  Classes were held in the Mary Louis Convent adjoining the school while plans for the permanent building were formulated.

The completed school building, housed at the address of 176-21 Wexford Terrace in Jamaica Estates, New York, took shape over a period of two years and finally opened its doors on October 16, 1938.  The original building, now known as the "Main" building, was and is a structural testament to both art and architecture, one that has witnessed more than seven decades.

The stated purpose of the Academy was to educate young women to take their places in society and contribute to the world.  To achieve this purpose, a demanding academic program was introduced.  This program included many of the subjects taught today, with the notable exception that Latin was required for all students.

Spiritual development was also encouraged by the annual Holy Week Retreat, monthly First Friday Holy Hours, weekly "X" Periods conducted by the school chaplain, and the many activities sponsored by Our Lady's Sodality.

From the very beginning, a variety of extra-curricular activities extended the interests of the students.  Mariel, the school newspaper, published its first issue in 1936.  Glee Club and Orchestra, the Drama Club Genesians, and the language clubs fostered student talents.  The Athletic Association sponsored field days and many intramural events.  The Christmas Pageant, sponsored by the Sodality, became an annual event.

The reputation for academic excellence at TMLA quickly spread.  So many young women sought to be educated here, that less than twenty years after its founding, the school?s population had outgrown the building.  All available space - the Alumnae Room, the lay faculty dining room, and several music rooms had already been converted to classrooms.  But, it was not enough.

In 1955 construction began on an addition, ever after known as "The Wing."  When, in 1956, the new wing was opened, the capacity of the school was doubled.  The old cafeteria became the Music Complex, and many classrooms, a new Biology Lab, a new cafeteria, a Home Economics Complex and a locker room were added.

During the 1960's and 1970's, the Academy knew many more changes in curriculum and the use of physical space.  These came as a response to the educational climate of the times and the revision of the secondary school curriculum by the New York State Education Department.  Resource Centers were created, a new Art Studio was built, and the Library was extended.

As a response to the needs of the 1980's, Computer Science was introduced, and a Computer Room was created.  The school applied for and was granted accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  The Board Room was renovated and designated as the Chapel to provide a sacred space that welcomes faculty and students.

In the 1990's, focusing our vision toward the education of today's student who must meet the challenges of the 21st century, two state-of-the-art computer labs were added and the Chemistry and Physics/Earth Science Labs were completely refurbished.  In addition to the new labs, computers had been added to resource centers, classrooms and the Library.  Technology plays an ever-expanding role in the pedagogical practices at Mary Louis today.

During this new millennium, the Auditorium, where many students and alumnae remember their fondest moments of the school, has been refurnished with new lighting, sound system, stage, floor, seats and air conditioning.  The General Office has been completely redesigned and renovated.        

Each year has brought some differences and changes.  A visitor who had not seen the school for twenty years or more would behold a familiar place that had undergone many evolutions.            

In the mid-1930's it was considered a heroic act of faith to establish a school.  In the midst of The Great Depression, when the prevailing spirit was one of pessimism, building a school was a statement of belief in the future, and in the contributions of Catholic education to that future.  The founders of Mary Louis were women of great faith and vision.  They saw the women who graduated from Mary Louis as a force for good in society.  The Mary Louis woman would make a difference.

Fidem Servavi

I have kept the faith

Click here to see Our Archives & Photos
Here is a link to the web site of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, NY.

Principals of The Mary Louis Academy

The Pioneers of The Mary Louis Academy
The first faculty of TMLA were:  S. Francis Geronimo, Superior; Reverend Roger Monson, C.P., Chaplain; S. Mary Angelica, Principal.  S. James Cecilia, S. Jean Catherine, S. M. Odran, S. Grace Teresa, S. Regina Celeste, S. M. Eustochium, S. Miriam Fidelis