The study of philosophy—from a Greek word meaning “love of wisdom”—enables students to grow in logical reasoning, moral decision-making, and wisdom. Students take four one-semester courses (Philosophy of the Human Person, Ethics, Bioethics, and Philosophy Seminar), exploring the richness of the Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition through readings, discussions, and creative projects. The study of philosophy sharpens thinking and elucidates the rich harmony of faith and reason, encouraging students to pursue the truth throughout their lives.

In a program unique to St. Cecilia, students learn to think inductively and deductively through the Geometry First curriculum. Freshmen grapple with geometrical reasoning in Euclid’s Elements, a hallmark of the classical liberal arts, while also acquiring statistical reasoning crucial for the data-driven world. After mastering the foundations of geometry and algebra, usually in 2-3 years, students can take a wide variety of courses, including AP Calculus AB and BC. The math sequence at St. Cecilia is accelerated, but not merely pragmatic—St. Cecilia girls are encouraged to seek truth and beauty in mathematics and thus acquire confidence that truth is knowable. 

At. St. Cecilia, students begin with a strong foundation in the first principles that are the starting point for physics, so they clearly understand how math expresses physical reality. Studying physics reinforces mathematical concepts and clarifies the concrete relevance of algebra and geometry. Inquiry and data analysis are foundational to the Catholic liberal arts educational tradition and imbue each course in the department. After studying physics, students continue with chemistry, biology, and a variety of electives, including AP courses and research opportunities.

Through a variety of classes, competition opportunities, and summer camps, St. Cecilia girls learn not just to excel in math, but to love it. A joyful all-girls environment builds confidence, while dedicated faculty mentors guide students to develop numerical fluency, problem-solving strategies, and logical reasoning. The study of mathematics leads to an appreciation of the order and beauty inherent in the created world.

With St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, as our patroness, the fine arts are an integral component of a St. Cecilia Academy education. Junior high students have the opportunity to study a variety of fine and performing arts. All freshmen are introduced to the fine arts during a multidisciplinary survey course that incorporates dance, drama, speech, music, and the visual arts. After this foundation, students can continue to pursue their artistic goals with classes as diverse as Drawing & Painting, Theater Tech & Design, Printmaking, Masters Dance, Advanced Chorus, Darkroom Photography, Chamber Ensemble, Ceramics, and more. Our fine arts building includes a dance studio, two art studios, a darkroom, and a gallery for displaying student creations.