What does support mean in practice?
It means named adults who are responsible for knowing how a student is doing. St. Mary’s has eight academic deans serving approximately 875 students — about one dean for every 109 students — alongside teachers and counselors. The goal is to notice when a student needs help, when the current level is right, and when the student is ready for more. Support here is built around people who know the student, not simply a program name.
Last reviewed September 9, 2026