Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do the Catholic schools have qualified teachers?

All Catholic school teachers are highly qualified, most of them have the same background and certification as required in public schools. While education law does not require Catholic school teachers to have certification, the majority of the teachers have their certification, and those that do not, continue to work towards certification in their initial years of employment in a Catholic school.

2. Are the Catholic schools up-to-date in terms of technology?

The technology available at St. Mary's Academy is comparable and in some cases, exceeds that which is available in public schools. We are connected to the Internet, and are wired so that computer systems are available in each classroom and in computer labs.

3. Don't religious schools take only the brightest students?

At St. Mary's Academy we have a cross section of students that reflects the diversity of public education. Catholic schools make appropriate use of a challenging curriculum so that those who are more gifted academically pursue additional goals, while academic intervention services are also provided for other students. Curriculum and instruction in Catholic schools is based on individual needs.

4. Aren't Catholic schools only for the wealthy?

Catholic schools have the same demographics as public schools and serve a mixture of children from a variety of families. Catholic schools historically have existed to provide an education for all students. The tuition at most of the Catholic schools represents a reasonable contribution on the part of parents, for an outstanding education. Financial assistance is available to families who have a need.

5. Aren't the teaching methods in Catholic schools outdated?

Our teaching staff participates in in-service sessions as a way of continuously updating and improving their instructional skills. The teaching staff at SMA provides quality instruction based on available educational research.

6. Is there any accountability provided in Catholic schools?

Catholic schools are ultimately responsible to the parents who support our schools, by sending their children. Catholic schools participate in New York State's tests, just as the public schools do, and have standardized tests administered at each grade level. Test results indicate that Catholic schools produce results that are above the State averages on State tests. We also have a higher percentage of passing grades on the Regents exams at the high school level.

7. Do parents have to provide transportation and books to students who attend Catholic schools?

We have a working relationship with the public schools which are, by law, required to provide transportation for students attending Catholic schools if they live beyond a certain distance from the school. Education law also provides books for students in academic areas. Religious textbooks are the responsibility of parents. New York State provides aid for SMA to purchase library books and software.

8. Can only Catholic students apply to attend a Catholic school?

By our mission, Catholic schools remain religious schools. All students participate in Religion classes. However, Catholic schools are open to students from any faith who wish to attend a school dedicated to providing an outstanding quality education within the context of character formation and a value based education.

9. Is there academic assistance for students with special needs?

While Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese do not have a specially designed program for students with special needs, several schools accommodate students within the regular program. Students are accepted in Catholic school when there is evidence that we have a program which can suit their needs and in which they can be successful.

If you have a question you don't see answered here please email us and we'll try to answer you promptly.