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The students have led the way in the merger of cultures, drawing together friendships and networks from all three schools.
Facts
Enrollment
650–700 girls are in grades 8–12. Students come from diverse backgrounds, neighborhoods, ethnic groups, and religions.
Faculty
41 faculty members and 10 professional staff, 47% of whom have Masters or PhD degrees, are unusually accessible to students.
Campus
Academy of Our Lady is located at 537 Avenue D in Marrero, easily accessible from all parts of the West Bank. A new facility is slated for a West Bank location in the next three to four years.
Curriculum
Academy graduates automatically have the courses necessary for TOPS college scholarship eligibility.
Courses
More than 100 courses, including 60 electives, are offered. The flexible schedule allows students the opportunity to take eight courses a year, earning up to 32 credits in four years; 28 credits are required for graduation.
Advanced Placement and Honors
Honors courses are available in each of the 6 core subject areas. Six AP classes allow students to earn college credit while attending the Academy.
Eighth-grade Programs
Advanced and Academic eighth-grade programs allow for a gradual transition to high school, preparing students for its academic demands.
Religion
The campus chapel offers daily prayer services; gospel values and ethical principles are integrated across all disciplines.
Outreach
Community service is a focus, whether close to home in helping rebuild New Orleans or helping feed and clothe families affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in South Louisiana or farther afield in trips to work with the homeless and lobby for their support in Washington, D.C., with migrant children in Miami, and with the children of Appalachia.
1:1 Student Computer Ratio
The school provides every student and teacher with an IBM Thinkpad Tablet PC with Microsoft Office Suite 2007. There are 25 networked printers, with onsite tech support. The school complies with the Children’s Internet Filtering Act.
Technology
Wireless internet is available throughout the campus, including every classroom. Each classroom also has an interactive “smart board” and an LCD projector to support the use of the latest teaching techniques. Academy of Our Lady offers courses in business computer applications, Desktop Publishing, and Web Design.
Communication
Every student, parent, teacher, and administrator receives a user account on Edline, a comprehensive online resource that allows access to students’ individual class requirements, assignments, and grade reports. E-mail notifications convey important information. School Reach, an automated telephone response system, is used to send phone messages to all families for critical reminders or in the event of an emergency.
Extracurriculars
More than 30 clubs offer activities focused on academics, service, and spirit.
Athletics
The Academy’s Penguin teams compete in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Division 5A.
History
Academy of Our Lady opened in August, 2007. While formulating new traditions, the Academy draws upon the strengths and traditions of both Immaculata High School and Archbishop Blenk High School.
College & Career
98% of Academy graduates enter into a college program. One Guidance Director and two college advisors on staff assure that students are prepared for college or for a career. New alliances with colleges and universities offer valuable pre-professional classes and experience in health care, culinary arts, and technology, that lead to jobs with good salaries just a few years after graduation.
