OUR VISION

MCA will provide an exceptional Catholic education to the children of today while inspiring them to be the virtuous leaders of tomorrow.

MISSION STATEMENT

MCA, an independent Catholic school strives to promote the message of Jesus Christ through prayer, work, and example while providing a nurturing and encouraging environment grounded in the Catholic tradition.  We foster academic excellence in an innovative and creative learning environment.  These programs enrich and promote students' self esteem, learning, moral and spiritual values.  Our mission is to nurture and challenge our children to recognize and realize their full potential as they grow to love God, respect others and serve their community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe in an education grounded in the Catholic tradition.
We empower students to develop a strong foundation in Christ.
We believe in Academic excellence.
We provide a challenging learning environment based on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Math) program to prepare students for tomorrow's world.
We believe in a nurturing and encouraging environment.
In partnership with our families, we provide a safe, positive and caring environment with clearly defined behavioral expectations.
We believe in the mission of Jesus Christ to serve our community.
All children of faith are welcomed at MCA.

PROFILE OF GRADUATES

The Profile of Graduates provides the answer to the following question: When our students have completed our entire educational program and have had the benefit of the services and activities provided by MCA and the community:
* What do we expect them to know?
* What do we expect them to be able to do with what they know?
* What qualities or characteristics do we want them to demonstrate?

A Profile of Graduates:
* Describes the students at the point of exit from MCA.
* States the values, achievements and readiness that each student will manifest upon graduation.
* Should be considered both as a Bill of Rights and a set of corresponding responsibilities for students, faculty, staff, administration and the MCA’s community.
* Defines the outcomes each and every student will attain if the “Mission” is operative and appropriately translated into programs and services.

A Profile of Graduates serves to:
* Translate the identity, vision and values expressed in the “Beliefs” and “Mission” into statements that describe student outcomes.
* Translate and transform concepts from the ideal and global to specific expression in the development of a student in MCA.
* Give expression to what the “Mission” means in the operational life of this institution.
* Define an outline or the shape each student is expected to grow into regardless of specific courses taken or post-graduation plans.
* Provide a concrete reference point for faculty, staff and MCA’s community when designing curriculum, instructional experiences, service programs, auxiliary resources and student and family services.

The “MCA’s Profile of Graduates” is:

It is our sincere hope and belief that, as a result of completing an education at Mother Catherine Academy,

Graduates will live their Catholic faith by:
* Growing in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
* Recognizing that all gifts and talents are God-given.
* Being able to see Christ in others.
* Attending and participating in Sunday Mass.
* Frequent reception of the sacraments beyond what is obligatory.

Graduates will reflect their values by:
* Using their Catholic faith as a compass to guide their moral decisions.
* Demonstrating virtues when interacting with others.
* Acting responsible and accountable in everyday living in pursuit of sainthood.

Graduates will exhibit the attributes of a leader by:
* Making decisions based on their Catholic values.
* Modeling and encouraging others by drawing upon inspiration from the saints to act according to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
* Participating in elections and other government activities that involve religious freedoms, basic human rights, and actions to support Catholic doctrine.

Graduates will demonstrate the quality of their education by:
* Finding personal success in academics and beyond so that their unique talents can contribute to God’s plan in the world.
* Applying critical thinking skills and rigorous study habits to fulfill their academic tasks with excellence.
* Being well versed in the teachings of the Catholic Church and able to explain and defend the faith to others.
* Being effective speakers and writers and knowledgeable about world events that impact our Catholic faith.

Graduates will demonstrate their service to community by:
* Being active in their local parish ministries and other non-profit organizations.
* Voluntarily share talents and time for the purpose of enriching other people’s lives in their community and beyond.
* Recognizing and acting on their responsibility to give back to society through service to those in need.
* Being good stewards of God’s creation by promoting efforts to protect the earth and all living things.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of the State of Maryland that all public and publicly funded schools and school programs operate in compliance with:

        (1)    Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964; and

        (2)    Title 26, Subtitle 7 of the Education Article of the Maryland Code, which states that public and publicly funded schools and programs may not:

            (i)    Discriminate against a current student, a prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability;

            (ii)    Refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, a prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability; or

            (iii)    Discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.”