Core Values and Cultural Norms

SJA students are educated by caring faculty who emphasize individual progress and personal growth academically, spiritually, socially, physically and morally. Motivating young women to think critically and creatively, while being free to be themselves, is deliberately embedded within our curriculum and extra-curricular options.

Our young women develop sensitivity to other cultures and gain the interpersonal skills needed to work well with others. Upon graduation, each young woman realizes she uniquely possesses the skills, intellect, faith and leadership to make a profound impact in the world.

Our community members are encouraged to be in right relationship with God, self and others as a means of living our motto: “Not I, but We.”

Faith is integral to the development of the individual young woman, as well as to the entire school community. We maintain a spiritual environment through prayer, school liturgy, campus ministry and retreats, and through service to others.

We offer a full range of courses in theology and religious studies so each student is able to pursue her own spiritual journey and explore her faith. Personal responsibility, ethical decision-making and integrity are key values. Graduates feel well prepared to handle complex issues and questions of adult life.

The college preparatory curriculum of St Joseph’s Academy is rigorous by design, with a strong emphasis on the development of values-driven women leaders. Academic courses challenge each student to grow intellectually and to achieve excellence in a broad range of disciplines.

Students experience numerous opportunities to expand their intellectual pursuits. Our young women may select honors courses in all academic areas. Accelerated classes grant either advanced college credit or prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam (AP). ACC courses are offered through St. Louis University’s 1818 program and through University of Missouri-St. Louis. Both ACC and AP courses earn college credits. Our graduates are accepted at highly selective colleges and universities throughout the country and abroad.

We model strong leadership and we expect our students to influence others with confidence, compassion and respect. We take seriously our role as mentors to our young women. Through classes, organizations, sports teams, clubs and community events, our students learn leadership in different ways.

Our girls are encouraged and challenged to think independently, to find their voice and to make a positive mark on their peers and on our community. We highlight the achievements of women in all subjects, and we guide our girls to create their own solutions when they are struggling.

Every young woman has gifts and abilities waiting to be revealed. We foster curiosity and invite our students to take risks and experiment intellectually. During the school day we focus on deep learning and personal development. Each girl has countless opportunities to enhance her self-confidence by earning recognition through successes, both large and small.

Holding our young women to high standards is key to our success. We encourage students to create their best work and become their best selves. In addition to our strong academic programs, our visual and performing arts curriculums and athletic program are regionally recognized as exceptional.

Our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, instill in each member of our community a desire “to serve the Dear Neighbor without distinction.” Many campus activities involve service, and volunteering one’s time, talent and treasure. Mission Week is a completely student-driven philanthropic effort, and has raised more than $6 million for the missions of Sisters of St. Joseph in Peru and Uganda over the last 50 years. Many school clubs, teams and classes learn about the needs of our world and devote time to local agencies, as well as to global causes. The students embrace the core message from Luke’s Gospel: to those whom much is given – much is expected.