College Preparatory School in Hampden County, MA

St. Mary High School, Springfield Area:
St. Mary High School, located in Westfield, Hampden County, western Massachusetts, is a private Roman Catholic high school offering a comprehensive college preparatory program. Through a demanding academic program, students are challenged to reach their highest potential. St. Mary High School has served Westfield and the surrounding communities for over 100 years. Guided by the Gospel message and supported by parents, students are prepared in matters of faith and moral development. We value a caring and diverse community environment, inspiring students to mature into responsible young people.

St. Mary High School offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum which includes the following programs:

- Art
The art program at Saint Mary High School is designed to offer comprehensive instruction in the visual arts to the students. Instruction includes development of competency in 2- and 3-dimensional media, introduction to major accomplishments and insights in the history of art, and awareness of the principles and elements of design on which the visual arts are based. Depending on student needs and goals, the art program strives to provide sufficient instruction for the casual artist as well as in-depth experience for the artistically orientated.

- English
The main objectives of the English Department are that the students, upon graduating, will possess a general familiarity with, and knowledge of, the literature they have read, and will be able to read with comprehension and insight any material they may be presented in the future. They are expected to be able to write clearly, both in analyzing literature and in expressing themselves. This clarity of expression is encouraged by consistent study of vocabulary and grammar.

- Mathematics
The Mathematics Department strives to use math as a tool to help students succeed both in school, in advanced educational institutions, and in their careers. The department feels that all students will have developed skills, critical thinking, and problem solving that will enable them to pursue further related fields and provide the competence and confidence to succeed.

- Science
The overall purposes and objectives of the science department are to provide a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum in science. The Science Department teaches scientific principles, analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Current material is included and connections are made between scientific issues and real life experiences.

- Social Studies
The purpose of the social studies program is to motivate students to understand their heritage and their connection to the world. This is accomplished through critical reading, writing, and analytical thinking. It is our hope to prepare students for their role as responsible, intelligent, and active citizens in a democratic society.

- Theology
The overall purposes and objectives of the Theology Department are to awaken young people to the beauty and relevance of the Christian message. This department, through its curriculum and methodologies, strives to present to students a more profound understanding of the Catholic Christian tradition and the role the Church is meant to play in today’s world. Theology classes strive to enliven and inspire students to respond to the Gospel message through personal reflection, prayer, and action and by applying Gospel values in the world in which they live.

- World Languages
The goal of the World Languages Department is to develop students’ basic proficiency in the target language. Strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. We strive to foster an appreciation and understanding of other cultures and prepare our students for study and use beyond the high school level.