Upper School
Welcome to Maryvale! Our beautiful campus is always abuzz. Whether it is our Visual Thinking class working with our 3D printer or the Economics class presenting its “Shark Tank” ideas or administrators and business professionals, Maryvale provides an innovative and supportive environment with committed faculty members as well as a vibrant student body.
Carrying on the values and traditions of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the faculty, administration and staff of Maryvale all seek to empower young women with the values, knowledge, skills, wisdom and confidence they need to meet their fullest potential. With our student-centered approach to teaching, we provide a unique experience for every young woman.
Maryvale's Philosophy
In accordance with Maryvale's philosophy, the following objectives are set forth for the academic program.
Maryvale:
- Encourages integrity, resourcefulness and responsibility to foster personal growth;
- Maintains its small class size to enable students to learn and develop skills in a cooperative environment;
- Emphasizes pride, loyalty and friendship in an atmosphere of mutual respect among students, peers, faculty and administration;
- Challenge students with the excitement of learning and instills pride in academic success; and
- Provides individual academic guidance through the Advisory Program.
Customized Education
Maryvale’s faculty is comprised of enthusiastic, dedicated men and women who strive to create an engaging learning environment that encourages critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.
And, learning is not confined to the classroom. Students learn by taking field trips, hearing from professionals as guest speakers and utilizing technology through our dynamic Learning Management System, even on snow days.
Our individualized approach to education ensures each girl has the support and attention she needs. Many areas of our Upper School curriculum feature four levels of learning – College Preparatory, Accelerated, Honors and Advanced Placement. In classes, teachers incorporate creative assessments and draw on the rich resources of our city to generate real-world connections and encourage responsible local, national and global citizenship.
Starting in the ninth grade, the required course of study includes Theology, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Language, Physical Education/Wellness and a variety of electives, which includes many different leadership courses through Maryvale’s signature Leadership Institute. Our core courses provide a strong foundation in fundamentals, while an array of electives allow girls to explore additional interests and reach for new levels of achievement. And, thanks to the interest of our passionate, forward-thinking students, Maryvale also proudly offers numerous courses that align with many career paths. These classes, some of which occur through area colleges, add a valuable element to the Maryvale educational experience and help prepare girls for their next steps.
With a burgeoning course catalog, including many online and dual credit courses, Maryvale provides a rigorous college preparatory program that both challenges and nurtures the students entrusted to our care.
Student Life
To round out every girl's educational experience, Maryvale offers innovative teaching and opportunities through our STEAM (STEM + Art) initiatives, "bring your own device" program, St. Julie Billiart Program, Leadership Institute, Social Justice Coalition, premier athletic programs, modern performing and visual arts departments and much more!