Programs

The Mother Seton Academy program responds to the needs of the whole child. We are a tuition-free, Catholic middle school for low-income boys and girls in Baltimore and we challenge our students to realize their God-given talents and become leaders who serve their families, communities and society. Our short-term goal is to have all students graduate 8th grade on or above grade-level. Our longer-term goal is to have all of our students graduate from college.

To achieve these goals, our students attend school from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Our traditional school day runs from 8 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., and our extended day programs run from 3:15 until 5 p.m. Our program includes a rigorous and well-rounded academic program, an extended-day program, athletics, and a Campus Ministry program.

Academic Program

Students learn best in an environment that allows individualized attention, so our classes have 10-15 students per class. Our school accepts boys and girls, but most classes are taught in a single-sex environment to allow students to better concentrate on academics. A professional, experienced staff of men and women teach our students. Students take core academic subjects of math, language arts, literature, science, social studies and religion on a daily basis. Students take fine arts two to three times per week and physical education, computer, library, and public speaking (for 8th grade) once per week. State-of-the-art classrooms that feature SmartBoard technology, an art lab, science lab, computer lab, library, music room, and prayer room provide an effective and engaging learning environment.

Curriculum

Mother Seton Academy follows a rigorous curriculum designed specifically for our school. All students are prepared to graduate eighth grade on or above grade-level. The curriculum is based on the curriculum of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Maryland State. Teachers bring lessons to life with a hands-on approach to learning, guest speakers, field trips, and other exciting and unique learning opportunities.

Athletic Program

Mother Seton Academy features boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. We also offer fitness and swimming programs. All students at Mother Seton Academy also participate in weekly physical education classes where they are active and introduced to various sports. Participants in sports are student-athletes, who uphold academic, attendance, and behavioral standards.

Extended Day/Year Program

The traditional school day ends at 3:15 p.m., but learning continues until 5 p.m. for all students. After-school programs on Mondays through Thursdays focus on strengthening academics. They include supervised homework in a quiet classroom setting with a supporting teacher; a companion program that provides one-on-one homework assistance for some students; a science club that allows students to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). On Friday afternoons, students participate in clubs that allow them to explore hobbies and interests. Club offerings include cooking, swimming, dance, spoken word, fitness, and clay.

Campus Ministry Program

To strengthen students’ spiritual needs, Mother Seton Academy offers a Campus Ministry Program which includes daily prayer, service opportunities, and retreats for each class and for families.

Community Service

Community service is an essential component of Mother Seton Academy’s holistic education. While students are required to give service to the community, most go well beyond that. Some of the many service projects include sending Christmas cards, baking bread for the holidays, visiting with residents of area nursing homes, and cleaning and beautifying the neighborhood. Each year parents and guardians of each student give service to support our school. Parents volunteer to help prepare mailings, chaperone trips, clean the school, and much more.

“Mother Seton Academy has led me in the right direction to a better future.”

Javier Romero '09