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Saint Catherine Academy

Belize, Belize City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 665
Type Girls School
Opened 1883
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish, French
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School
Introduction

Saint Catherine Academy is a Catholic, all-girls high school in Belize City offering a modern bespoke curriculum. Core subjects for upper-class students include English, English Literature, Mathematics, Spanish, Religion, Information Technology, and Social Studies, each worth 5 credit hours. Business is CORE with Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Office Administration, and Economics. Arts and General Studies cover Caribbean History/Geography, Integrated Science/Accounts, Human and Social Biology, and Economics/Business Principles, each 5 credit hours. Science subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, and Human and Social Biology. Graduation credits rise under the Collegiate Block Schedule, with Classes of 2024–2027 earning 28–31 credits. The school sits within Mercy tradition and is led by a lay principal, Mrs. Salome Terry Tillett. Facilities include two computer labs, a library and bookstore, basketball court, sports fields, an LCD projector, and high-speed internet after school and during lunch hours. A Peer Helpers program supports student welfare.

#6 Hutson Street, Belize City, Belize; P.O. Box 1891

The Essentials

Saint Catherine Academy has 665 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Belize City, Belize. 6 Hutson Street, Belize City, Belize (P.O. Box 1891).

Stages
All-girls secondary school

Type
All-girls Catholic high school

Country affiliation
Belize

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Mercy tradition)

Bus service
Private School Bus
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Regular Uniform: White dress with short sleeves and a hem that extends below the knee; tie color corresponds to form and is worn with a school pin; plain white socks and enclosed black shoes. Students must wear the full uniform to school and to official functions, and should have at least three sets of uniforms. Physical Education Uniform: SCA shorts, SCA T‑shirt, white socks and tennis shoes; if there are two PE days in a week, the House T‑shirt may be worn on the second PE day.

Food Options
The café provides a variety of foods daily. Profits from the café support the school, and students are encouraged to patronize it. No outside food is allowed on campus.

House System
House T-shirts are worn for Physical Education; the second PE day allows a House T-shirt option when two PE days occur in a week.

Governance and Ownership
The Academy is governed by a Board of Governors. The Sisters of Mercy sponsor Saint Catherine Academy.
Fees
Application fee

- Application fee: BZD 25. Payable by cash, cheque, or money order at Atlantic Bank to St. Catherine Academy, account #100140599. The application fee is non‑refundable.

Registration / enrolment payments (timing and deposits)

- Incoming First Form (freshman) deposit: BZD 500 due at registration in May to secure a place; the remainder of the registration/first‑term balance is due by 30 September. Parents receive an invoice from the Accounts Office with the detailed fee structure at registration.

- General registration: registration normally takes place in July for continuing students. The registration fee covers a copy of the Parent/Guardian/Student Handbook (and Curriculum Guide where applicable). Students are required to pay activity, computer and lab fees on their official registration day; any remaining supplementary fees are due by 30 September.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)

- No published numeric schedule of tuition by year group or per term (for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years) is available in the school's publicly posted admissions and finance documents. The school issues an invoice from the Accounts Office at registration that specifies the fee amounts for each student and year level. Required fee categories that appear on those invoices include: registration, activity fee, computer fee, and lab fee; summer‑school subject fees (when applicable) are charged per subject.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payments due timing: registration and supplementary fees are collected at registration (registration day in July for most students); remaining supplementary fees are due by 30 September. For incoming First Form students a portion (BZD 500) is due in May, remainder by 30 September.

- Arrears and consequences: all payments from the previous semester must be cleared before the start of the next semester. Mid‑semester reports, semester reports, transcripts and the diploma may be withheld until final payments are made. Students with outstanding fees are required to contact the Accounts Office to arrange a payment plan if necessary.

Boarding fees

- Saint Catherine Academy does not publish any boarding or residential accommodation options or boarding fee schedule; the school's published facilities list refers to campus facilities and a private school bus rather than student boarding. No boarding fees apply.

Other mandatory or common fees and costs

- Activity fee, computer fee and lab fee: charged in addition to registration; amounts are set per year level and shown on the Accounts Office invoice at registration.

- Summer school: students required or choosing to attend summer classes pay a fee per subject; amounts are charged at registration for summer school enrolment.

- Book costs and bookstore items: textbooks, lab books and consumable items (PE shorts, PE shirts, ties, lanyards, flash drives, SCA bags, etc.) are sold through the school bookstore; prices are set by the Book Store and by item.

- Document and administrative fees: copies and official documents incur fees when requested:
- General document request: BZD 35 per document requested.
- Diploma copy: pick‑up BZD 75; mail order BZD 90; email delivery BZD 75 (small additional electronic handling fees may apply for multiple correspondences).

- Miscellaneous school charges that may be levied: cell‑phone release fee (BZD 50 prior to release to parent within two weeks), fees related to school trips and external programs (example: non‑refundable initial commitment payments for certain overseas pilgrimages or excursions).

Refund information

- Application fee: the application payment (BZD 25) is non‑refundable.

- Specific trip or program deposits: certain program deposits are non‑refundable (for example, an initial commitment payment for an overseas pilgrimage is explicitly non‑refundable).

- General refunds for tuition/registration: the school's published finance policies require families to clear accounts and set out payment and arrears procedures; no general published timetable of tuition refunds appears in the school's publicly posted finance documents. Official refund conditions (when they apply) are determined by the Accounts Office and are shown on invoices or registration materials provided to parents.

Accepted payment methods and account details

- Payment channels: payments can be made online via the school's online payment facility, via Atlabank (Atlantic Bank) online or at any Atlantic Bank branch countrywide, and via Scotia Bank bill pay options. Current students can also pay using their Student ID number via bank bill‑pay or school billing options where supported.

- Account for application and other bank payments: Atlantic Bank account details are provided for payments (Account Name: St. Catherine Academy; Account #100140599 is used for application and other payments as instructed by the Accounts Office). Cash, cheque or money order are accepted for the application fee.

Practical notes for parents (fee administration)

- Parents receive an itemised invoice from the Accounts Office at registration that lists the student's registration, tuition (where applicable), activity, computer and lab fees and any other charges for that academic year and year level. The Accounts Office sets the amounts and provides payment schedules at registration. All outstanding balances from previous semesters must be cleared before students receive reports, transcripts or the diploma.

Brief summary of what was and was not available

- Published, itemised tuition charges broken down by each year group (per term and per full academic year) for the 2026/27 (or 2025/26) academic year were not available in the school's public admissions and finance documents. The school provides invoice‑level figures to families at registration and through the Accounts Office rather than publishing a universal per‑year, per‑term tuition table. For any individual student the Accounts Office issues the invoice showing the exact amounts and payment schedule.
Academics

Saint Catherine Academy teaches Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Upper Division Electives present the upper-level curriculum. Core subjects required for all upperclass students include English, English Literature, Mathematics, Spanish, Religion, Information Technology, and Social Studies, each worth 5 credit hours. Business subjects offered as CORE plus any three electives are Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Office Administration, and Economics, each 5 credit hours. Arts and General Studies offerings include Caribbean History/Geography, Integrated Science/Principles of Accounts, Human and Social Biology, and Economics/Principle of Business, each 5 credit hours. Science subjects offered include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, and Human and Social Biology, each 5 credit hours. Graduation credits increase under the Collegiate Block Schedule, with Class of 2024 earning 28 credits, Class of 2025 earning 29, Class of 2026 earning 30, and Class of 2027 earning 31 credits.

Exam Results
All students sit end-of-year exams. Mid-semester progress reports are distributed in October and March, with the first semester ending in January. At the end of the senior year, students sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC General in their chosen course of study. The grading policy assigns a passing mark of 70, daily marks contribute to the final grade, and the final exam in the second semester accounts for one-quarter of that grade; exams for forms 1–3 are based on the second semester's work, while form 4 exams are summative.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have pursued higher education at New York University, Saint Louis University Madrid campus, and Columbia University. Abigail Thurton participated in Yale Young Global Scholars. Other notable paths include Ebony Gabourel at Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica and Shelby Hamilton at the American University of the Caribbean and Kern Medical.

Gifted and Talented
Giftedness is encouraged in every student. SCA's Passion Project provides opportunities to showcase talents and contribute to the community. SPISE is a five-week residential summer program for gifted Caribbean high school students in STEM.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Counseling Program with a dedicated counselor. Students, parents/guardians, or teachers may arrange counseling appointments, and sessions may be scheduled during unscheduled times; in serious cases, counseling takes priority. Areas of counseling are Academic, Personal, and College/Career. Academic counseling covers progress, referrals, tutoring, and coordination for learning needs. Personal and College/Career counseling cover growth as Christian women, conflict resolution, course selection, college planning, and standardized test preparation. Counseling aims to develop communication and coping skills and support emotional well-being. Confidentiality applies, with four exceptions requiring disclosure to parents/guardians or authorities; if the student is under 18, parental authorization is obtained and outside referrals may occur.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Counseling Program identifies students with special learning needs and coordinates referrals with teachers. A remedial and preparatory program in English Language, Literature, Mathematics, and Spanish is offered, including a Summer School option for remediation or advancement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language is a core subject and must be passed each year. A remedial English Language program is available, along with a remedial and preparatory program in English Language and Literature (including Summer School).

Mental Wellbeing
The Counseling Program supports mental wellbeing through its academic, personal, and college/career services, providing confidential support and referrals as needed.

Safeguarding
Confidentiality is governed by a policy; counselors must inform parents/guardians or authorities in four situations: self-harm, harm to others, abuse, or a felony. If the student is under 18, parental authorization is obtained and outside referrals may be arranged. Student health services are available for emergencies and assist in obtaining professional care as needed.
Parent Experience

History
Saint Catherine Academy began as a small school on the first floor of the Sisters of Mercy Convent, the day after the Sisters arrived in Belize on January 20, 1883. Missionaries from New Orleans established a broad program that included religion, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, history, and nature study, along with sewing, drama, and music. Following early decades with boarders, the campus was rebuilt after the 1931 hurricane and by 1934 the school moved into a new wooden building as it reorganized into Saint Catherine Academy, a high school with Cambridge exam preparation and Saint Catherine Elementary. The three-story high school building was completed in 1960, followed by a further expansion in 1970 with more classrooms and science labs. Today the academy serves about 500 students, with Mercy sisters and lay staff, and administration led by a lay principal; the current principal is Mrs. Salome Terry Tillett.

Community
All-girls Catholic education with a Mercy tradition shapes the school community, emphasizing concern for women's issues, compassionate service, spiritual growth, and world vision. Newsletters and Mercy Girl Spotlight showcase student life and school activities, reflecting the Mercy culture. The school fosters family involvement and community through regular communications and events that bring parents, students, and staff together.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Saint Catherine Academy maintains a Parent-Teacher Association to foster partnership between families and the school. The school holds annual Parent-Teacher Meetings to discuss student progress, upcoming school events, and educational and behavioral policies. These meetings provide a forum for discussing school improvement and student support. Parents and teachers work together to support students' learning and development. The PTA serves as a channel for parent involvement in the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two computer labs, each with thirty computers, support classroom work and student research. The campus includes a bookstore and a library with an excellent research collection. Outdoor facilities include a basketball court, football and softball fields, and a volleyball net with other sports equipment. A private school bus and an LCD projector are available as teaching aids, with high-speed internet access available to all students after school and during lunch hours. The school also runs a peer helpers program for peer counselling.

Sports Facilities
Basketball Court is available for school games and practice. Football and softball fields are used for team practices and matches. A volleyball net and other sports equipment support volleyball and other activities. The facilities support the school's athletic program and after-school sports participation.

Academic Facilities
Two computer labs with thirty computers each support computer literacy and research. The library houses an excellent research collection. The bookstore provides access to school-related materials. An LCD projector is available for use as a teaching aid. High-speed internet access is available to all students after school and during lunch hours.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Peer Helpers program includes 32 peer helpers from the Third and Fourth Form. Peer counselling, the counseling of adolescents by peers, is a feature of the program. The program supports student welfare and social-emotional development. The peer helpers participate as part of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Math Club, Debate Club, SAT/ACT Prep Club, and Newspaper Club to support academic and intellectual development. Participation in these clubs fosters critical thinking, research, and collaborative problem-solving.

Arts & Creative
Art Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, School Band, and Yearbook Club provide opportunities for visual arts, performing arts, music, and publishing. Students develop creativity through performances, exhibitions, and collaborative projects.

Social & Hobbies
Bird Watching Club and Book Club offer leisure and social engagement outside the classroom. Social Charm/Etiquette Club focuses on social skills and etiquette among students.

Community & Service
Interact Club and Campus Ministry provide service-oriented activities and faith-based community involvement. Pure Love Club engages in service and values-based activities.

Leadership & Professional
Yearbook Club and SCA Wavemakers offer opportunities for student involvement and group projects. These groups help students develop teamwork, planning, and communication skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletic programs include Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, and Track, with Cheerleading also offered. Fitness Club supports health, wellness, and physical activity.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Spanish is taught as a core subject. Core subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Spanish, Religion, Information Technology, and Social Studies.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year open December 1, 2025. Applications are accepted online to streamline the process. The application period closes February 26, 2026. Applicants should read all requirements carefully and plan accordingly to complete the application on time.

2. Pay the $25 application fee at Atlantic Bank to St. Catherine Academy, account #100140599, and save the deposit slip or receipt. Scan or photograph the deposit slip as proof of payment for the online application submission. Upload the deposit slip image as part of the online application. The application fee is non-refundable.

3. Identify which STD 4-6 teachers you'd like as your recomenders and request their email addresses. Provide the principal's email address as they will also submit a recommendation. The recommenders submit their recommendations through the online application. Ensure the recommenders submit their materials by the deadline.

4. Complete the online application for admissions 2026 and submit it. Review all sections for accuracy and completeness, including the recommendations. After submission, the Admissions Office will process the application and notify you if any additional information is needed. Applicants should monitor their inbox for notices about decisions and next steps.

5. Other important information. Scholarships and book grants are awarded annually. Special admission consideration based on financial need is available by obtaining the form and relevant information from the SCA Office. A Sport Scholarship is available for outstanding athletes with financial need; forms are available from the SCA Office. Upon acceptance, attend Orientation, make payments promptly, and abide by the policies in the Student Handbook.

Scholarships
Scholarships and book grants are awarded annually. Special admission consideration based on financial need is available by obtaining the form and relevant information from the SCA Office. A Sport Scholarship is available for outstanding athletes with financial need; forms are available from the SCA Office. These scholarships are provided by the school itself and are not tied to higher education progression.
School Events
The school has not added events
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