St. Mary's Academy is a private Catholic K-12 school in New Orleans, Louisiana run by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Founded in 1867, it is one of the oldest Black Catholic schools in the country. It admits girls and boys until grade 7, and admits only girls for grades 8-12. The academy has a long tradition as a private Catholic college preparatory co-educational elementary and a middle/high school for young women. History The school was founded in 1867 by the Sisters of the Holy Family, the second Black Catholic religious order in the United States, as a place where Black children could be educated during segregation. The founder, Venerable Henriette DeLille, was a Creole of color who has since become venerated within the Church. The school has undergone two moves in its history, having started closer to the heart of the city (in the French Quarter). It moved within the neighborhood shortly thereafter, and finally came to its present location in New Orleans East in 1965. The school built a brand-new facility following Hurricane Katrina, which heavily damaged the previous structure. The new building, which began serving male students in the lower school, was completed in 2011. In September 2022, the school announced the hiring of its first-ever lay president, Pamela M. Rogers. Athletics St. Mary's Academy athletics competes in the LHSAA. Notable alumni Leah Chase, Louisiana Creole chef Tiffany Doss, College Softball Player, Class of 2014, First Player from SMA to ever receive a college softball scholarship. References External links St. Mary's Academy website Catholic secondary schools in New Orleans Catholic elementary schools in Louisiana Private K-12 schools in New Orleans Girls' schools in Louisiana Educational institutions established in 1867 1867 establishments in Louisiana Catholic schools in Louisiana African-American Roman Catholic schools Sisters of the Holy Family (Louisiana)