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
Art Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 309
Georgia State University - MFA
SUNY New Paltz - BFA
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
High School Science Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 375
Hamilton College - BA
Mrs. Catherine Gibbons
World Languages and Computer/Technology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x369
Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III - DEUG LCE
Academy of Paris - Baccalaureat A1
University of Cambridge - First Certificate in English
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
Drama Teacher, English Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 356
NYU - MA Educational Theatre
Wheaton College - BA Theatre/Literature
Wheaton College - BA Theatre/Literature
Mrs. Diane Eller
Middle School English, Social Studies Teacher and Theology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x360
Russell Sage - MA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Ms. Robin Henderson Tocci '83
High School English/Speech and Drama Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x313
College of Saint Rose - BA
University at Albany - MS
University at Albany - MS
Ms. Kelly Leonard
English and Speech Department High School and Drama Chair
Phone: 518.438.7895 x398
Siena College - BA
College of Saint Rose - MS
Ms. Jennifer Valentine
English Teacher, Assistant Director of College Counseling
Phone: 518.438.7895 Ext. 477
University of St. Joseph, MA, Education
State University of New York at Plattsburgh - BA, English
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
Spanish Teacher
518.438.7895 Ext. 322
Universidad del Salvador, Argentina - BA/MA Psychology
Mrs. Catherine Gibbons
World Languages and Computer/Technology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x369
Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III - DEUG LCE
Academy of Paris - Baccalaureat A1
University of Cambridge - First Certificate in English
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
Middle School Math Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 355
Siena College - BS - Biology
Mr. Christopher Johnson
High School Math Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 326
Concordia University - MAT with certification
Portland State University - BS
Portland State University - BS
Mr. Alex Thieffry
High School Math Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 Ext. 214
Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Ingenieurs du Mans (MS)
Universite du Maine - Le Mans (MS)
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
Music Teacher and Campus Minister
Phone: 518-438-7895
College of Saint Rose - CAS
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS
Physical Education
COURSES
Physical Education
FACULTY
Mrs. Molly Pentak
Middle and High School PE Teacher, PE Department Chair
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 262
State University of New York at Cobleskill - AAS
State University of New York at Cortland - BS
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
High School AP Biology Teacher, Biology Teacher, Science & Department Chair
Phone: 518.438.7895 x303
College of Saint Rose - BA Biology
Mr. Matthew Baxter
High School Science Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 375
Hamilton College - BA
Mr. Andrew Licari
Science Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 320
University at Albany - M.S.
University at Albany - B.S.
University at Albany - B.S.
Mrs. Linda Rose
Middle School Science Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x371
Hobart & William Smith College - BS
University at Albany - MA
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
Middle School English, Social Studies Teacher and Theology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x360
Russell Sage - MA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Mr. Guliano Franzini
Social Studies Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 352
SUNY New Paltz - MS, ED
Mount Saint Mary College - BA
Mount Saint Mary College - BA
Ms. Jane Ladouceur '79
High School Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Department Chair
Phone: 518.438.7895 x327
College of Saint Rose - BS, MA
State University at Albany - Doctoral Candidate
State University at Albany - Doctoral Candidate
Dr. Tom Patton
Social Studies Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 Ext. 301
Cornell University - PhD, Asian Religions and Cultures
Harvard University Divinity School - MA, Religious Studies
Manhattan College - BA, Religious Studies & Philosophy
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
Dean of Student Life
Phone: 518.438.7895 x224
The College of William and Mary - BA
The University of Georgia - MSW
The University of Georgia - MSW
Mrs. Claire Jacob-Zysman
School Counselor, Dance Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 Ext. 245
State University of New York at Buffalo - BFA, Dance
Lesley University - MA, Clinical Health Counseling
Lesley University - MA, Clinical Health Counseling
Ms. Danielle LeBuis-Koenig '94
Learning Workshop Coordinator
Phone: 518.438.7895 x 225
Russell Sage College - BS in Elementary Education and Math
College of Saint Rose - MA in Special Education
College of Saint Rose - MA in Special Education
Mrs. Annemarie McGarry '86
Director of College Counseling
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 223
LeMoyne College - BA
Alfred University - MS in Ed
Alfred University - MS in Ed
Ms. Theresa Moran
Music Teacher and Campus Minister
Phone: 518-438-7895
College of Saint Rose - CAS
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS
Walden University - MS
Hartwick College - BS
Ms. Emily Rauch
Library Learning Commons Coordinator
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 216
Bennington College - BA
State University of New York at Albany - MFA
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
Theology Teacher
Phone: (518) 438-7895 Ext. 307
University at Albany - Doctoral Student - Philosophy
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium - MA - Theology and Religious Studies
University of San Francisco - BA - Philosophy
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium - MA - Theology and Religious Studies
University of San Francisco - BA - Philosophy
Mrs. Diane Eller
Middle School English, Social Studies Teacher and Theology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 x360
Russell Sage - MA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Fairleigh Dickinson University - BA
Ms. Bernadette McSparron
Theology Teacher
Phone: 518.438.7895 Ext. 351
The College of Saint Rose - BA
University at Albany - MS
University at Albany - MS