Mary Help of Christians Academy, a Catholic preparatory school in the Salesian tradition, embraces the charism of reason, religion and loving kindness as inspired by Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello.
Embodying the ideals of "Beauty, Truth, and Joy," young women grades nine through twelve are educated in a family environment developing their spiritual growth, academic excellence, social responsibility and commitment to service.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 154 students
- Yearly Tuition: $13,000
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 3 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Mary Help Of Christians Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
Year Founded
1941
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
154 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature & Composition, AP French, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP US Government, AP US History, AP World History, FDU: College Accounting, FDU: College Chemistry 2, FDU: College English Composition, FDU: College Environmental Science, FDU: College Marketing, FDU: College Personal Financial Management, FDU: College Precalculus, Rutgers: Anatomy & Physiology 1, Rutgers: Anatomy & Physiology 2, Rutgers: Dynamics of Healthcare in Society, Rutgers: Medical Terminology
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 3 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$13,000
Tuition Notes
Academic Scholarships, Need and Merit Based Financial Aid, and Tuition Financing Available
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,000
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mrs. Katie Caufield
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
25 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
20th Century Club, Ambassadors, Art Club, Big Sisters/Little Sisters, Book Club, Campus Ministry, Fall Ball, Gardening Club, Guitar Club, Hiking Club, JOY (Joining Old & Young), Lacrosse, Linguistics, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Next Generation Social Justice, Peer Tutors, Pro-Life Club, SAT Prep, Skiing Club, Sports Council, Student Council, World Languages Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Spring Musical
20th Century Club, Ambassadors, Art Club, Big Sisters/Little Sisters, Book Club, Campus Ministry, Fall Ball, Gardening Club, Guitar Club, Hiking Club, JOY (Joining Old & Young), Lacrosse, Linguistics, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Next Generation Social Justice, Peer Tutors, Pro-Life Club, SAT Prep, Skiing Club, Sports Council, Student Council, World Languages Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Spring Musical
School Notes
- Mary Help of Christians Academy, located in the Diocese of Paterson, is a private Catholic secondary school for young women. It is conducted by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, in collaboration with laypersons committed to Catholic education. Within a community rooted in the Gospel and in Catholic teachings, traditions and moral values, Mary Help of Christians Academy seeks to enable young women to establish a living relationship with Christ. This relationship empowers the individual to make a positive impact on her family, local, and world communities.
- Mary Help of Christians Academy recognizes that the task of education is the responsibility of all: faculty, parents, collaborators and students. By embracing a diverse population, individual differences and abilities, the members of the educating community create an intellectually challenging environment. Here the students can prepare for college and the workplace with a life-long commitment to faith, education, leadership and service in a multicultural society.
- Mary Help of Christians Academy utilizes the Preventive System developed by St. John Bosco and given a specifically feminine dimension by St. Mary Mazzarello. This system of education characterizes the interaction among the members of the educating community who seek in every situation to appeal to reason and faith with loving kindness. The resulting mutual respect and trust promote feelings of self-worth and confidence.
- Mary Help of Christians Academy values educational principles and learning experiences extending beyond the classroom. Each student is encouraged to develop solid convictions and to gradually assume responsibility for her personal growth and faith formation. She is thereby empowered to realize her unique plan and purpose in an ever-changing and complex society.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mary Help Of Christians Academy cost?
Mary Help Of Christians Academy's tuition is approximately $13,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Mary Help Of Christians Academy?
The acceptance rate of Mary Help Of Christians Academy is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Mary Help Of Christians Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New Jersey with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Mary Help Of Christians Academy offer?
Mary Help Of Christians Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Dance, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Mary Help Of Christians Academy's ranking?
Mary Help Of Christians Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Mary Help Of Christians Academy?
The application deadline for Mary Help Of Christians Academy is Dec. 3 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 3 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Calendar
View the Mary Help Of Christians Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
SCHOOL CLOSED - Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Events)
January 20, 2025 (Monday)
School Reviews
5 3/14/2019
I graduated MHCA in 2007. I`m proud to say that my former classmates have remarkable accolades and have changed this world for the absolute best. From faith, community, entrepreneurship, technology, education, finance, and politics.... My friends have been featured in Forbes Magazine for women in technology initiatives, invited to the White House for changing the international view of feeding the homeless, worked alongside our government to save victims of human trafficking, became the producer of some of our favorite morning news shows, and the list is endless. MHCA taught us to be fearless, ethical, structured, and limitless. My fondest memories and closest friends are from MHCA. I`m truly grateful for the experience.
5 8/11/2018
For those who do not know, MHCA is the sister school to Don Bosco Prep. MHCA is a GREAT all female Catholic High School surviving without all of the extreme marketing and fanfare done by the competition. My daughter will graduate June 2018. The past 4 years have helped her grow academically, socially, through volunteerism and faith. She has received incredible academic scholarships from MANY TOP Universities. She could not have done this without the help of the entire MHCA staff. Led by the warmest nuns you could ever meet who are not afraid to teach the young ladies right from wrong. I love the atmosphere. I love the fact that all of the teachers know her name. I send my kids to Catholic schools for a reason. If you are looking for a school that actually still offers teaching in the Catholic Tradition this is the place. Thank you MHCA - my next child will be attending starting Fall 2018!
5 9/10/2017
I joined the family at MHC Academy in 2015 as the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Alumnae Relations. Prior to accepting this position, I spent a decade working in education as both a teacher, literacy coach, and district level public relations representative. The bulk of my experience before Mary Help was earned in public and charter school districts.It's not every day that a public school employee makes the decision to cross over into private education, so when it does occur, you can usually rest assured it is with good reason. For me, the decision was a no-brainer. There is truly something unique about this institution, and it's something you can feel as soon as you step foot on our picturesque 16-acre campus. What we like to call "The Mary Help Difference," is something you'll hear quite a lot about when you meet and speak with our students, faculty, and staff, and while not everyone may call it that, they will surely all tell you the same thing: At Mary Help, we are a family, and not a day goes by where we aren't reminded of that in one way or another.As you search for the perfect school for your daughter, you will undoubtedly pour over endless statistics and facts that make it easier to compare schools side-by-side. You'll be impressed by how many of a school's graduates receive scholarships to college, lists of Advanced Placement and college credit earning course options, the range of sports offerings, or the professional caliber of their stage productions. In the end, however, it is likely you'll choose to invest in a school at which you believe your daughter will be nurtured and protected, not just well-taught. We invite you to get to know us and see what Mary Help can do for your daughter and her future.
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