Stream
With 24 years of excellence, St. Mary Academy remains on the leading edge of Catholic education! St. Mary Academy is pleased to announce that we have earned the prestigious title of a STREAM school, as well as our re-accreditation.
All Catholic schools in the state of Florida complete an ongoing seven year accreditation process. St. Mary Academy was recently evaluated in this process, by the Florida Catholic Conference. During the evaluation, an accrediting team of administrators, from schools within our state, visited our school to thoroughly assess and validate our compliance with all the requirements. We are proud to announce that St. Mary Academy not only fully met each of the 34 benchmarks, we exceeded most!
We are also excited to announce St. Mary Academy was evaluated as a STREAM school. As a 21st century school, St. Mary Academy excels in developing and implementing meaningful lessons for our students, across all subject areas. The accrediting team assessed our benchmarks, evidence, and classroom observations for an in depth examination of our school. The team awarded St. Mary Academy the title of a certified STREAM school!
St. Mary Academy is the first school in the Diocese of Venice and the first ESE school in the state of Florida to earn this prestigious certification. We join just three other schools in the state with a STREAM accreditation.
St. Mary Academy educates students for their future and makes learning relevant and engaging. We are proud of the superior education our school offers and look forward to continued success and growth.
All Catholic schools in the state of Florida complete an ongoing seven year accreditation process. St. Mary Academy was recently evaluated in this process, by the Florida Catholic Conference. During the evaluation, an accrediting team of administrators, from schools within our state, visited our school to thoroughly assess and validate our compliance with all the requirements. We are proud to announce that St. Mary Academy not only fully met each of the 34 benchmarks, we exceeded most!
We are also excited to announce St. Mary Academy was evaluated as a STREAM school. As a 21st century school, St. Mary Academy excels in developing and implementing meaningful lessons for our students, across all subject areas. The accrediting team assessed our benchmarks, evidence, and classroom observations for an in depth examination of our school. The team awarded St. Mary Academy the title of a certified STREAM school!
St. Mary Academy is the first school in the Diocese of Venice and the first ESE school in the state of Florida to earn this prestigious certification. We join just three other schools in the state with a STREAM accreditation.
St. Mary Academy educates students for their future and makes learning relevant and engaging. We are proud of the superior education our school offers and look forward to continued success and growth.
Florida Catholic ~ November 19, 2018
Academy is first Diocesan school to be STREAM certified
By Christine Wyckoff – Special to the Florida Catholic | NOVEMBER 19, 2018
Sarasota | After a thorough assessment and examination, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota was awarded the title of a certified STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school.
The Academy is the first Catholic school in the Diocese of Venice, and the first ESE (Exceptional Student Education) school in Florida, to earn this prestigious certification through the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and the National Council for Private School Education. The academy joins just three other schools in the state with a STREAM title.
As a school serving students with special learning needs, St. Mary Academy realizes the value of a STREAM concept of learning, Principal Rebecca Reynolds said. “With nearly 20 years of excellence in education, St. Mary Academy continues to offer its students a progressive education, affording them a strong foundation to ensure future success,” Reynolds said. “A STREAM curriculum model allows them to do just that.”
Dr. Ben Moore, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the Diocese is proud of the administration, faculty and staff of St. Mary Academy for achieving the STREAM certification from the FCC.
“Such a designation is the culmination of years of preparation and professional commitment to this initiative,” Moore said. “The FCC has validated our schools’ unique ability to provide a balanced educational experience designed to prepare our students for the future while remaining grounded in our Catholic identity.”
A STREAM education is the collaborative blending of six concepts (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through the platform of the Catholic faith in an exploratory and inquiry-based learning environment. STREAM schools integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum and promote a culture of innovation. STREAM lessons educate students for their future, make learning relevant, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections.
St. Mary Academy operates using a STREAM curriculum model. Teachers provide students with meaningful instruction and authentic assessments by using project-based learning, which provides their students with real-world situations and applications. From kindergarten through grade eight, the teachers at St. Mary Academy design units of study that challenge and empower students.
A recent STREAM unit of study titled “Tham Luang Cave Rescue,” encompassed all subject areas. From science to art class, middle school students studied the progression of the cave rescue. Each student was assigned to a rescue team and planned accordingly. Rescue teams developed plans to feed, deliver medical attention, devise an escape route and secure life safety for everyone involved.
Students didn’t stop there. They continued their exploration in each class by: measuring distance in math class; calculating escape-route times in technology class; researching amount of oxygen necessary in science class; creating mock caves in art class; developing overall escape plans in engineering; and discussing the value of preserving human life in religion class.
“It’s exciting to see the students so engaged in their learning,” said Kathy Wilde, STREAM Coordinator. “They ask higher-level questions and seek the answers independently. After all, 21st-century learners are problem-solvers. It’s rewarding to see students so empowered to find solutions, both in and out of the classroom.”
The school offers a STREAM lab, vegetable garden, prayer garden, open fields, and the Zazarino Center/gymnasium as dynamic learning spaces, in addition to collaborative classrooms. Parents recognize the value and appreciate a STREAM curriculum model.
Jessica Alcala, Home School Association President, said the STREAM foundation of the school is obvious. “The faculty and staff, led by Mrs. Reynolds, continue to impress me with the way they include so much relevant learning across all subject areas” Alcala said. “It’s a new way of learning, and my son loves it.”
St. Mary Academy also takes careful consideration to differentiate instruction. The teachers accommodate the academic and developmental needs of their students in various ways. The school takes great pride in encouraging and fostering each child’s academic success, while maintaining a rigorous, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The students continue to thrive in a progressive academic environment, where they are faithful to God, inspired to serve, responsible for their actions and engaged to learn.
For more information about St. Mary Academy or to make a donation, please contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at ctaft@stmarysarasota.org.
Sarasota | After a thorough assessment and examination, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota was awarded the title of a certified STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school.
The Academy is the first Catholic school in the Diocese of Venice, and the first ESE (Exceptional Student Education) school in Florida, to earn this prestigious certification through the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and the National Council for Private School Education. The academy joins just three other schools in the state with a STREAM title.
As a school serving students with special learning needs, St. Mary Academy realizes the value of a STREAM concept of learning, Principal Rebecca Reynolds said. “With nearly 20 years of excellence in education, St. Mary Academy continues to offer its students a progressive education, affording them a strong foundation to ensure future success,” Reynolds said. “A STREAM curriculum model allows them to do just that.”
Dr. Ben Moore, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the Diocese is proud of the administration, faculty and staff of St. Mary Academy for achieving the STREAM certification from the FCC.
“Such a designation is the culmination of years of preparation and professional commitment to this initiative,” Moore said. “The FCC has validated our schools’ unique ability to provide a balanced educational experience designed to prepare our students for the future while remaining grounded in our Catholic identity.”
A STREAM education is the collaborative blending of six concepts (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through the platform of the Catholic faith in an exploratory and inquiry-based learning environment. STREAM schools integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum and promote a culture of innovation. STREAM lessons educate students for their future, make learning relevant, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections.
St. Mary Academy operates using a STREAM curriculum model. Teachers provide students with meaningful instruction and authentic assessments by using project-based learning, which provides their students with real-world situations and applications. From kindergarten through grade eight, the teachers at St. Mary Academy design units of study that challenge and empower students.
A recent STREAM unit of study titled “Tham Luang Cave Rescue,” encompassed all subject areas. From science to art class, middle school students studied the progression of the cave rescue. Each student was assigned to a rescue team and planned accordingly. Rescue teams developed plans to feed, deliver medical attention, devise an escape route and secure life safety for everyone involved.
Students didn’t stop there. They continued their exploration in each class by: measuring distance in math class; calculating escape-route times in technology class; researching amount of oxygen necessary in science class; creating mock caves in art class; developing overall escape plans in engineering; and discussing the value of preserving human life in religion class.
“It’s exciting to see the students so engaged in their learning,” said Kathy Wilde, STREAM Coordinator. “They ask higher-level questions and seek the answers independently. After all, 21st-century learners are problem-solvers. It’s rewarding to see students so empowered to find solutions, both in and out of the classroom.”
The school offers a STREAM lab, vegetable garden, prayer garden, open fields, and the Zazarino Center/gymnasium as dynamic learning spaces, in addition to collaborative classrooms. Parents recognize the value and appreciate a STREAM curriculum model.
Jessica Alcala, Home School Association President, said the STREAM foundation of the school is obvious. “The faculty and staff, led by Mrs. Reynolds, continue to impress me with the way they include so much relevant learning across all subject areas” Alcala said. “It’s a new way of learning, and my son loves it.”
St. Mary Academy also takes careful consideration to differentiate instruction. The teachers accommodate the academic and developmental needs of their students in various ways. The school takes great pride in encouraging and fostering each child’s academic success, while maintaining a rigorous, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The students continue to thrive in a progressive academic environment, where they are faithful to God, inspired to serve, responsible for their actions and engaged to learn.
For more information about St. Mary Academy or to make a donation, please contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at ctaft@stmarysarasota.org.

St._Mary_Academy_Stream.pdf |
10 Characteristics of a STREAM School
1. STREAM schools seek to integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum. They manifest this intent through projects based in social justice as well as in-depth experiential instruction in the teachings of the Church.
2. STREAM schools provide a challenging learning environment focused on science, technology, math, arts, and the integration of education in the faith that inspires the joy of discovery and an authentic culture of faith based on the doctrinal precepts of church teaching.
3. STREAM schools promote a culture of innovation as well as a commitment to ethical behavior.
4. STREAM schools seek to increase the participation of groups that are under-represented in the sciences.
5. STREAM schools increase content literacy for all students including those who do not pursue technology related careers or additional studies in the STREAM disciplines.
6. STREAM schools are inclusive. They serve a broad population and operate on the dual premises that math and science competencies can be developed and that all students need access to STREAM competencies to become full participants in 21st Century education.
7. STREAM schools foster an environment that encourages problem solving, group collaboration, and independent research by utilizing instructional practices and organizational conditions conducive to student achievement.
8. STREAM schools demonstrate that success is defined in many ways and can occur in many different types of schools and learning environments.
9. STREAM schools utilize strategic planning as a blueprint to guide the school’s development and implementation of the STREAM curriculum.
10. STREAM schools are “think forward” institutions and place high priority on educator training, learning, leadership, and 21st Century skill applications.
Source: ncea.org
2. STREAM schools provide a challenging learning environment focused on science, technology, math, arts, and the integration of education in the faith that inspires the joy of discovery and an authentic culture of faith based on the doctrinal precepts of church teaching.
3. STREAM schools promote a culture of innovation as well as a commitment to ethical behavior.
4. STREAM schools seek to increase the participation of groups that are under-represented in the sciences.
5. STREAM schools increase content literacy for all students including those who do not pursue technology related careers or additional studies in the STREAM disciplines.
6. STREAM schools are inclusive. They serve a broad population and operate on the dual premises that math and science competencies can be developed and that all students need access to STREAM competencies to become full participants in 21st Century education.
7. STREAM schools foster an environment that encourages problem solving, group collaboration, and independent research by utilizing instructional practices and organizational conditions conducive to student achievement.
8. STREAM schools demonstrate that success is defined in many ways and can occur in many different types of schools and learning environments.
9. STREAM schools utilize strategic planning as a blueprint to guide the school’s development and implementation of the STREAM curriculum.
10. STREAM schools are “think forward” institutions and place high priority on educator training, learning, leadership, and 21st Century skill applications.
Source: ncea.org