Did You Know?

Facts About VMA

Founded in 1892 by Sisters of St. Joseph, 114 years young and oldest of 3 Catholic High Schools in Erie

VMA originated at 8th and Liberty and moved to 2403 West 8th Street in 1954

All girls school until 1989 when VMA went co-ed.

Board of Trustees, Michael Edwards, President .

President/Principal structure adopted in 2003. VMA also has an Asst. Principal.

32 faculty members and 11 staff members

6 Sisters of St. Joseph at VMA and one SSJ Associate are at VMA.

• Sr Mary Drexler, Principal
• Sr Martha Ann, Teaches Science
• Sr. Kathleen Blair, Archivist (Volunteer)
• Sr. Carol Morehouse, Teaches Law
• Sr. Mary Kevin Palazzetti, Cafeteria
• Sr. Mary Ann Stuckert, Scheduler
• Ms. Deb Seng, Guidance Counselor, (Associate)

1 Sister of St. Benedict-Sr. Mary Ellen Plumb, Campus Minister and AP Psychology teacher (came to VMA when St. Ben’s closed in 1989)

Fr. Mark O’Hern, VMA part-time Chaplain and in residence at St. Jude Church.

VMA has about 7500 alumni

The Villa campus is 40 acres.

Former Villa College building now houses Villa Maria Elementary

Former Villa College dorms are now apartment housing

Former College pool and gym used by both VMA and VME

VMA offers 3 levels of Academics- Academic, Honors and Advanced Placement

VMA offers Academic Intervention Service (academic assistance)

VMA offers 25 sports, 14 for girls and 11 for boys

VMA- 2nd in state in Girls AA soccer for 04-05

VMA -2nd in state Boys A Baseball for 05-06

VMA girls swim team District 10 Champions for 05-06

Several teams competed in state competitions in 05-06 (cross country, girls golf, waterpolo, girls swimming, girls basketball, boys basketball, boys baseball, and track)

Arts Studio is Tudor home just West of the main building (Fine arts)

Graphic Arts in room 14

Writing Center in Library

Computer/Language Lab, Computer Instruction Room, Academic Intervention Computer Lab

VMA is wireless. Students can bring laptop of choice.

VMA offers Leadership Training and our students who have been involved in and present at regional and national workshops. Our students even teach Leadership Training to grade school students.

VMA has agreement with LECOM for pharmacy tech program which teaches students to be pharmacy technicians and then places them in a pharmacy for a part time job while in high school. We also have a MASH program which teaches students emergency medicine in the field.

David Matthews, retired director of the Erie Playhouse, directs VMA plays.

Leadership Academy-8th graders come to VMA for 1st period of the day for Languages, cooking, other electives and primary classes (Entire VME 8th grade class has come since 05-06 year)

Costs about $7000 to educate each student at VMA. Tuition is $4975 for Catholic students and $5225 for non-Catholic students (Erie Catholic Diocese partially subsidizes Catholic Students)

$250 Technology fee

Ticket sales-

• $350 of Sweepstakes tickets per family (Tickets are $10 each and there are multiple prizes over 12 months including 2 monthly prizes of $500 each.)
• $100 of Chilly Casino ticket sales per student (Tickets are $10 each for entrance to the casino night and chance at $1000 prize and $500 prize)

Financial aid applications are dues MARCH 1 for following school year.

VMA gives out about $250,000 in financial aid and scholarships annually.

VMA participates in both the STAR Foundation with the Erie Catholic Diocese and we have our own Leadership Foundation. Both foundations offer scholarships to low income to middle income families for education. Scholarships are funded by PA corporations who donate to the schools and in return receive a tax credit on PA corporate taxes.