Overview

Current News:

TMLA called "model for every high school seeking accreditation" by Middle States Association

Established in 1936, The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, New York, is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, N.Y.

100% of each graduating class receive New York State Regents diploma. 

In a world increasingly impersonal and technological, we endeavor to empower each student to realize and value her own spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social potential.

We encourage our students to use these gifts to become leaders in today’s society.
We create an atmosphere of Christian ideals and values that enrich their lives so they may make positive contributions to the society in which they live.
We foster a climate that welcomes cultural diversity.
We take pride in offering our students a safe and caring environment, one that cultivates tolerance and nonviolence.
We guide our students toward academic excellence, where knowledge is set in the context of faith, so that our graduates may develop a life vision characterized by wisdom.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM - Our goal is to educate the world’s future leaders. We encourage students to recognize and develop their own unique talents and gifts. For this reason, TMLA students enjoy a rigorous academic curriculum in an atmosphere that fosters excellence and respect.

  • The student-teacher ratio is 13:1.
  • The average class size is 28.
  • We offer Honors and Advancement Placement courses in every major discipline.
  • An affiliate program with St. John’s University enables seniors to earn college credit.
  • State of the art science labs support study in chemistry, physics/earth science and biology.
  • Every classroom has "Smartboard" technology; there are more than 100 computers throughout the building; our Library - Media Center besides computers has over 40 online databases that may be accessed in school and at home.
  • Students enjoy the support and direction of the same guidance counselor for four years.
  • Juniors and seniors also have a full-time college counselor.
  • SAT Prep classes are offered at a nominal fee. A program of Ivy/Elite college visits is funded through a special grant
  • Students are consistently among those recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program, National Achievement Scholarship Program, and the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
  • Every member of the graduating class earns a New York State Regents diploma.

For more details on our program, see Academics.

OUR GRADUATES - In the Class of 2011, 100 percent enrolled in college. Members of this class won scholarships and grants totaling more than $30 million. For more details on the colleges they attend, click on Profile of Graduates.

SPIRITUAL LIFE - Religious activities at TMLA complement the Religious Studies Program. We attempt to provide an environment and opportunity for spiritual development. Liturgy is celebrated daily in the Chapel at 7:35 a.m. Our Formation Program provides a one-day retreat for all students during the course of the year. Campus Ministry provides opportunities for students and faculty who wish to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and sharing.  
                   
SERVICE - TMLA students honor the Catholic tradition of community service.
To this end, all students are encouraged to be of service to their community throughout their high school years and beyond. Juniors are required to contribute a minimum of 50 hours of non-salaried volunteer service to a parish or institutional program designed to offer assistance to designated needy individuals.

Service Homerooms - TMLA has nine dedicated service homerooms, three for sophomore year, three for junior year and three for senior year. There is a faculty co-ordinator for the program. Each of these homerooms is dedicated to a particular theme. The Service Homeroom themes are Health, Environment, and Justice. Students volunteer to be a part of one of these service homerooms. Education, advocacy, prayer and service are the central themes of all six homerooms. While they share similar mandates, each has its own structures and strategies. Under the direction of the program co-ordinator and the homeroom moderators, the students plan and carry out varied types of events and service projects designed to increase the school community’s knowledge of these issues and bring about positive change.

STUDENT LIFE - Our students’ diverse interests and hobbies are nurtured through more than 50 extracurricular activities and clubs, including the Speech and Debate Club, Genesians (theater troupe), Mariel (school newspaper), Glee Club, and Orchestra. The largest all female sports program in the City of New York has resulted in a number of championships for TMLA teams. For more details, see Student Life and Athletics.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Students must take the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, or TACHS Exam. Sign up online at www.tachsinfo.com; the TMLA School Code is 016. ALL choices will be considered, but preference is given to applicants who specify TMLA as a first choice. Full and partial scholarships are based on the TACHS Exam and first choice; CSJ Scholar Incentive Awards are based on the TACHS Exam, first or second choice, and the Application.

ADMISSIONS and FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS - Call TMLA at 718-297-2120 between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm on school days.

The Mary Louis Academy is chartered by the State of New York and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.