The Maine Girls' Academy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Maine Girls' Academy
Location
631 Stevens Avenue Portland , Maine 04103 United States
Coordinates	43°40′48″N 70°17′37″W / 43.6800°N 70.2936°W / 43.6800; -70.2936
Information
School type	Independent, nonsectarian high school for girls
Established	1 July 2016
Closed	5 July 2018
Dean	Rebecca Redlon
Head of school	Amy Jolly
Grades	9–12
Enrollment	120 (2015–2016)
Campus size	12 acres (4.9 ha)
Color(s)	Green & gold
Athletics conference	Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA)
Mascot	Lion
Accreditation	New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Publication	Mercian (magazine)
School fees	US$17,250 (2017–2018)

The Maine Girls' Academy (MGA) was a high school just for girls. It was in Portland, Maine. It opened in 2016. MGA took the place of Catherine McAuley High School. This new school was independent. It was not connected to any religious group. The Sisters of Mercy used to support Catherine McAuley High School. But they did not support MGA.

History of the Academy

The school that became MGA, Catherine McAuley High School, saw fewer students over time. In the 1980s, about 300 students attended. By 2015, only 120 students were there.

In 2014, the Sisters of Mercy decided to sell the school's land. This made the future of Catherine McAuley High School uncertain. The school planned to become independent. This meant it would no longer be sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. It would also not be connected to the Roman Catholic Church.

A New Name for the School

At the end of the 2015–2016 school year, Catherine McAuley High School changed. It became an independent school on July 1, 2015. The Sisters of Mercy then said the school could not use the name "Catherine McAuley." So, the school needed a new name.

Some past students were sad to lose the old name. They also missed the school's Catholic identity. But many hoped the new, independent school would grow. The Bishop of Portland, Robert Deeley, was also sad about the change. He said it was a "loss of a Catholic school."

The school asked for ideas for a new name. Over 400 suggestions came from students, parents, and teachers. These ideas included names like Atlantic Academy and Lionheart Academy. They also suggested names of famous women from Maine.

Finally, the naming group chose The Maine Girls' Academy. They felt this name showed it was the only girls' school in Maine.

School Closure

The Maine Girls' Academy closed on July 5, 2018. The school announced it would not open for the next school year. This was because not enough students enrolled. The school's costs were higher than the money it received.

Academics

MGA offered several challenging courses. Students could take eight Advanced Placement (AP) classes. These courses are like college-level classes.

Athletics

The Maine Girls' Academy was part of the Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA). Their sports teams were called the Lions.

The Lions won state championships in these sports:

• Basketball (6 times: 2002, 2003, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
• Swimming (3 times: 2001, 2002, 2008)
• Tennis (1 time: 2000)