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Aerial view of Mount St. Mary Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Mount St. Mary Academy

  • LocationBuffalo, NY
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 216 students

All-female

Official website

Mount St. Mary Academy is a Catholic, private college preparatory school for young women, founded by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur. Every class takes part in an annual spiritual retreat, seniors may attend the Kairos retreat, and the school holds school Masses, including on feast days of the Blessed Mother. Students must complete 20 hours of service each school year, and every student takes part in a school-sponsored Service and Justice Mission Week activity each year. Religion is a graduation requirement of 2 credits.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Mount St. Mary Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Timothy Catholic Church: 1.2 mi1Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church: 1.4 mi2Saint Amelia Catholic Church: 1.5 mi3Saint Paul Catholic Church: 1.7 mi4Sisters of St. Francis: 1.9 mi5Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap): 2.1 mi6Campus Ministry, Mount St. Mary Academy: 0.1 miMount St. Mary Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Timothy Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 565 East Park Drive, Tonawanda
  2. Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 1085 Englewood Avenue, Tonawanda
  3. Saint Amelia Catholic Church — 1.5 mi · 210 Saint Amelia Drive, Tonawanda
  4. Saint Paul Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 33 Victoria Boulevard, Kenmore
  5. Sisters of St. Francis — 1.9 mi
  6. Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap) — 2.1 mi · 150 Broad Street, Tonawanda

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (The handbook says liturgy is always celebrated on each feast day of the Blessed Mother, and the October 2026 calendar lists a School Mass.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Parents are welcome at all liturgies and prayer services. Check the school calendar for dates and times. Liturgy is always celebrated on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.”
      The school celebrates liturgy on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.
    2. Calendar | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “School Mass: Our Lady of the Rosary”
      A School Mass is listed on the October 2026 calendar.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (School Masses are confirmed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Parents are welcome at all liturgies and prayer services. Check the school calendar for dates and times. Liturgy is always celebrated on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.”
      The school celebrates liturgy on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.
    2. Calendar | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “School Mass: Our Lady of the Rosary”
      A School Mass is listed on the October 2026 calendar.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredTwo years (The graduation requirement is 2 religion credits. A full-year course is 1 credit, as the handbook's English line (4 credits over four years) implies; this is two full-year equivalents.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Religion 2 Electives 3.5”
      The graduation requirements list 2 credits of religion out of 28 total.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

88 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Each class (freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors) takes part in a spiritual retreat each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/academics/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, every class participates in a spiritual retreat that focuses on developing and strengthening both faith and the lifelong friendships created at our school.”
      Every class takes part in a spiritual retreat each year.
      “The Freshmen Class discover the diverse, beautiful community of the Mount in their very own class.”
      Freshmen take a class retreat.
      “The Sophomore Class visits the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur on their class retreat”
      Sophomores take a class retreat.
      “The Junior Class experience the beauty of nature on their retreat”
      Juniors take a class retreat.
      “The Senior Class celebrates retreat together during the first month of school”
      Seniors take a class retreat.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus ministry staff member is listed in the faculty and staff directory.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/about-intro/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Kaitlyn Recktenwald Campus Ministry”
      Kaitlyn Recktenwald is listed on the staff directory under Campus Ministry.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The daily schedule's homeroom period includes prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Homeroom 7:45 7:55 Attendance, Prayer, Announcements”
      The daily schedule includes a homeroom period with prayer.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Students must complete at least 20 hours of service per school year. Over four years that is 80 hours, which is 40 or more.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student must perform a minimum of 20 hours of service per school year.”
      Students must complete 20 hours of service each school year.
      “Each student must perform a minimum of 20 hours of service per school year.”
      The service requirement is 20 hours per school year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service and Justice Days include workshops on poverty, food insecurity and refugees, and every student takes part in a Service and Justice Mission Week activity each year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/academics/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we embrace social justice where we live out our call as Christian disciples”
      The school runs Service and Justice Days.
      “This action-based workshop immerses individuals in the issues of food insecurity in our own community.”
      A Service and Justice Days workshop addresses hunger in the local community.
    2. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students must participate in a school-sponsored Service and Justice Mission Week activity each year they are a student at MSM.”
      Every student takes part in a Service and Justice Mission Week activity each year.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Every class takes a spiritual retreat each year, and seniors may attend Kairos.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/academics/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, every class participates in a spiritual retreat that focuses on developing and strengthening both faith and the lifelong friendships created at our school.”
      Every class takes part in a spiritual retreat each year.
      “Kairos is a retreat program grounded in Christian theology, based on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
      The Kairos retreat program is offered to seniors.
  • Students must complete at least 20 hours of service each school year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student must perform a minimum of 20 hours of service per school year.”
      Students must complete 20 hours of service each school year.
  • Service and Justice Days include workshops on hunger, poverty and social justice.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/academics/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we embrace social justice where we live out our call as Christian disciples”
      The school runs Service and Justice Days.
      “This action-based workshop immerses individuals in the issues of food insecurity in our own community.”
      A Service and Justice Days workshop addresses hunger in the local community.

Concerns

  • No official page confirms daily Mass, Confession or Eucharistic adoration at the school.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mount St. Mary Academy Student Handbook (version 9.16.2026)msmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/msm-student-handbook_9.16.26.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Parents are welcome at all liturgies and prayer services. Check the school calendar for dates and times. Liturgy is always celebrated on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.”
      The school celebrates liturgy on each feast day of the Blessed Mother.
    2. Calendar | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “School Mass: Our Lady of the Rosary”
      A School Mass is listed on the October 2026 calendar.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Mount St. Mary Academy

  • Address: 3756 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: msmacademy.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, msmacademy.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Mother-Daughter Mass and BrunchOn campus
    Annual
    Mass in the school auditorium followed by brunch, for students and their mothers or mother-like figures.
    msmacademy.org
  • School Masses and liturgies
    School liturgies are celebrated on each feast day of the Blessed Mother, and parents are welcome. Dates and times are on the school calendar.
    msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org

Retreats 2

  • Annual class retreats
    Each class takes a spiritual retreat each year that focuses on faith and friendships. The sophomores visit the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, and the juniors retreat at Cradle Beach.
    msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org
  • Kairos Retreat
    A retreat for seniors grounded in Christian theology, with peer and adult talks, prayer and community. Open to seniors of any or no religious affiliation.
    msmacademy.org

Service 2

  • Service and Justice Days
    Workshops on social justice topics, including food insecurity, poverty, the environment and refugees.
    msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org, msmacademy.org
  • SERVE Club
    Promotes service to people in need in the school community and the wider Western New York region.
    msmacademy.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/academics/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Each year, every class participates in a spiritual retreat that focuses on developing and strengthening both faith and the lifelong friendships created at our school.”
    Every class takes part in a spiritual retreat each year.
    “Each year, every class participates in a spiritual retreat that focuses on developing and strengthening both faith and the lifelong friendships created at our school.”
    Every class takes part in a spiritual retreat each year.
  2. Faculty & Staff | Mount St. Mary Academymsmacademy.org/about-intro/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Kaitlyn Recktenwald Campus Ministry”
    Kaitlyn Recktenwald is listed on the staff directory under Campus Ministry.
    “3756 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217”
    The school's address is 3756 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, New York.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
83 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.91%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.8.2 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseDiocese of Buffalo, NY
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)216
Students in grades 9–12216
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio8.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges91%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Buffalo

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: buffalodiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Mount St. Mary Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Mount St. Mary Academy is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Buffalo.

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