PMA Departments

Math

A variety of courses are offered to Math students ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus, including Statistics. Four years of Math are required for graduation. Courses are offered at the College Preparatory and honors levels. A placement test helps determine whether freshman start in Algebra I or Geometry.

English

English courses introduce students to basic literary genres and progress to studies of English, American and World literatures. Concentration is focused on writing skills, vocabulary, PSAT and SAT preparation. Electives include AP English and Women Writers.

Theology

Theology study is required for four years at Presentation of Mary Academy. Curicula will cover the Old Testament, the Sacraments, Christology, Morality and Social Issues. Interspersed throughout all four years will be a look at sexuality from the Christian perspective. Honors level courses in Theology are offered junior and senior year.

Social Studies

Social Studies is a three year requirement. Also, several electives are offered senior year such as Psychology, Government, and Facing History and Ourselves. The Department's primary purpose is to help young women develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions in today's society.

Science

All accepted students are required to take a Science placement test in the spring before their freshman year. Most of the freshman will begin with Physical Science then proceed to Biology and lastly Chemistry. These are the required science courses. Electives include Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Placement Biology, Physics and Anatomy and Physiology.

Modern Languages

Students must complete a three-year study of a world language to meet the PMA graduation requirement.

The Modern Language department offers courses of French and Spanish at five different levels from beginning through Advanced Placement. At all levels the language is taught in cultural contexts. The first two years emphasize basic language structures; the third serves a transition to advanced courses that offer in depth study of the language and civilization. Some students continue their language study beyond the third year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the National French Contest and National Spanish Exam. Placement of new students is based on the placement test and on their previous school record.

Computers

Computer courses give students information on how to create reports and research documents, to search the Internet for information and to create spreadsheets and presentations. Freshman are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point Plus in their half-year Computers I class.

Fine Arts

Credit Courses: Studio Art, Performing Arts, Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation is an introductory course for freshman so they may become familiar with the works and lives of the great artists, especially painters, from the early Renaissance to modern times. This is a mandatory class for freshman; it meets for one quarter.

Performing Arts is an introductory course for freshman aimed at teaching the basics of piano, public speaking/drama, and classical music. The class meets every day for one quarter. Performing Arts is a mandatory class for all freshman.

Studio Art is offered as a senior elective which exposes students to the various techniques and media used in rendering a work of art. Students acquire a certain fluency experimenting in different avenues in the field of art.

Non-Credit Courses: Concert Band, Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Select Chorus, Drama Workshop
Drama Workshop is for acting students with or without experience in theater. Each participant works at her own level with no comparison to other students. In exploring dimensions of theatrical self-expression, this course employs discussion and classroom activities as well as occasional guest speakers and field trips. A major play or musical is performed each spring, with auditions open to the entire student body.

Concert Band is open to all students with any amount of experience playing a band intrument. The Band performs in the Methuen Santa Parade and in the annual Spring Concert & Art Show.

Chorus is open to all students. No experience is necessary. The Chorus sings at Liturgies and performs in the annual Spring Concert and Art Show.

Wind Ensemble and Select Chorus are made up of advanced intrumentalists and singers. Auditions are required. These smaller groups perform at various school and community functions as needed.