At Holy Names, there are no bystanders – only participants. Student are given every opportunity to participate, grow, and excel.
Our small classes make it possible for each student to engage and explore. Our teachers encourage questions and invite discussion. Students get involved in the learning experience and because we educate only girls, they feel especially free to be themselves and share their thoughts and feelings.
Here’s what students achieve at Holy Names:
- The ability to lead
- The confidence to succeed
- The kind of academic success that gets noticed by the top colleges
We make this happen through small classes where you are heard and personally challenged, and through a comprehensive guidance program that will help you put together an academic plan that fits who you are and where you want to go.
In courses that carry college credit, see below, students see how they can rise to the next level. In fact, course work and projects across all departments encourage students to develop college-level research, writing and speaking skills. Students accomplish this challenging academic program with a strong support network.
We’re all in this together. The sense of shared commitment to each student’s success is a hallmark of Academy of the Holy Names.
At Academy of the Holy Names, we don’t just teach, we guide and nurture. We recognize that our students are individuals and so we treat them that way. We want them to develop a love of learning, to carry with them for a lifetime.
Academic Options
Advanced Placement Courses
- Calculus
- Literature and Composition
- European History
- US History
- US Government and Politics
- Biology
- Computer Science Principles
Internships
Internships available to our seniors in a variety of workplaces, that provide them a special opportunity to explore career choices, as well as develop the responsible work habits required for success.
Science Research
Our Science Research program that offers a structure in which students can conduct real-world research and chase their passion with the support of mentors who are experts in their fields. Watch the 2023 Science Symposium here.
University in High School Courses
- Calculus
- Science Research I, II, and III
- Spanish IV
- Spanish V
- Women in Literature
The Program for Grade 9
- World History
- Science
- Mathematics
- Speech Composition and Presentation
- The Paschal Mystery/The Church
- Language
- Physical Education
- Introduction to Computers and Technology
- Service
- Elective
The Program for Grade 10
- World Literature II
- World History II
- Science
- Mathematics
- Speech Composition and Presentation
- The Paschal Mystery/The Church
- Language
- Physical Education
- Introduction to Computers and Technology
- Service
- Elective
The Program for Grade 11
- American Literature
- Language
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Catholic Moral Theology/Sacraments
- Junior Guidance
- Physical Education
- Service
- Elective
The Program for Grade 12
- Literature
- Language
- Mathematics
- Participatory Government
- Economics
- Science
- Social Justice and Gospel Values
- Religions of the World
- Senior Guidance
- Physical Education
- Service
- Elective
Departments, Courses & Faculty
Art/Photography
COURSES
3D Art Sculpture and Ceramics
3-D Sculpture and Design
Advanced Placement 2D Art and Design
Fashion Vision and Design
Digital Imaging I & II
Multicultural Art
Photography I & II
Portfolio Preparation
Pottery I & II
Studio in Art I & II
FACULTY

Ms. Kate Kosek
SUNY New Paltz - BFA
Computer/Technology
COURSES
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles
Advanced Applications
Advertising Design
Computers and Technology
Desktop Publishing
Introduction to Computer Science
FACULTY

Mr. Matthew Baxter

Mrs. Catherine Gibbons
Academy of Paris - Baccalaureat A1
University of Cambridge - First Certificate in English
English/Language Arts
COURSES
English Seminar
Topics in English Studies: Women and Literature (UHS)
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
African Literature
American Literature
Creative Writing
Drama Through the Ages
Eastern Literature
English as a Second Language
English Seminar
Film as Literature I & II
Irish Literature
Journalism
Level I, II, III, & IV Writing
Literary Masterpieces
Literature and Human Suffering
Shakespeare
Shakespeare Encore
Short Works
Women and Literature
World Literature I & II
Writing Center Peers
FACULTY

Ms. Jacqueline Donnaruma
Wheaton College - BA Theatre/Literature

Mrs. Diane Eller
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA

Ms. Robin Henderson Tocci '83
University at Albany - MS

Ms. Kelly Leonard

Ms. Jennifer Valentine
State University of New York at Plattsburgh - BA, English
World Languages
COURSES
French I
French II
French III
French IV
French V
Introduction to Italian
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
Spanish IV UHS
Spanish V UHS
FACULTY

Ms. Natalia Fernandez

Mrs. Catherine Gibbons
Academy of Paris - Baccalaureat A1
University of Cambridge - First Certificate in English
Mathematics
COURSES
Advanced Algebra
Advanced Placement Calculus
Algebra
Calculus UHS
Financial Algebra
Geometry
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Statistics
FACULTY

Ms. Meghan Devenney

Mr. Christopher Johnson
Portland State University - BS

Mr. Alex Thieffry
Universite du Maine - Le Mans (MS)

Music
COURSES
Beginning Voice Tech Class
Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Ensemble
Music Theory
The History of Women in Music
FACULTY

Ms. Theresa Moran
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS
Physical Education
COURSES
Physical Education
FACULTY

Mrs. Molly Pentak
State University of New York at Cortland - BS
Science
COURSES
Chemistry Honors
Physics Honors
Food for Thought
Advanced Placement Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Current Topics in Science
Earth Science
Environmental Issues
Physics
Science Research (UHS)
Science Research I (UHS)
Science Research II (UHS)
FACULTY

Mrs. Deborah Baxter

Mr. Matthew Baxter

Mr. Andrew Licari
University at Albany - B.S.

Mrs. Linda Rose
University at Albany - MA
Social Studies
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics
Historical Documentary Production
Advanced Placement European History
Advanced Placement United States History
American Studies
Current Issues
Participatory Government
Survey of Economics
World History I & II
COURSES
FACULTY

Mrs. Diane Eller
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA

Mr. Guliano Franzini
Mount Saint Mary College - BA

Ms. Jane Ladouceur '79
State University at Albany - Doctoral Candidate

Dr. Tom Patton
Harvard University Divinity School - MA, Religious Studies
Manhattan College - BA, Religious Studies & Philosophy
Speech/Drama
COURSES
Professional Communication
Broadway Bound
Introduction to Public Speaking
Acting
Intermediate Speech
Play Production
FACULTY
Student Services
COURSES
Junior Guidance
Health and Wellness
Homeroom 10
Leadership in Ministry
Learning Workshop
Math Lab
Retreat Team
Senior Guidance
Sophomore Guidance
Writing Center
Writing Workshop
Student Services
FACULTY

Ms. Kathy Witherspoon
The University of Georgia - MSW

Mrs. Claire Jacob-Zysman
Lesley University - MA, Clinical Health Counseling

Ms. Danielle LeBuis-Koenig '94
College of Saint Rose - MA in Special Education

Mrs. Annemarie McGarry '86
Alfred University - MS in Ed

Ms. Theresa Moran
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS

Ms. Emily Rauch
State University of New York at Albany - MFA
Theology/Religion
COURSES
A Survey of Sacred Scripture
Catholic Moral Theology
Christology
Church History
Religions of the World
Sacraments
Service 9, 10, 11, and 12
Social Justice and Gospel Values
Social Justice: Independent Study
The Church
The Paschal Mystery
FACULTY

Mr. Shawn Allen
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium - MA - Theology and Religious Studies
University of San Francisco - BA - Philosophy

Mrs. Diane Eller
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA

Ms. Bernadette McSparron
University at Albany - MS