Admissions - High School
The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, New York, is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women founded in 1936 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York. Our academic philosophy—rooted in the Sisters’ charism of unity, reconciliation, and all-inclusive love—emphasizes intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. Our dedicated teachers, academic quality, outstanding facilities, and committed students create an unparalleled school spirit.
Explore our Diploma Designations, Aspire program, and Course Catalog to learn more about what sets a Mary Louis education apart.
The Admissions Process
STEP # 1 Submit your application
TMLA accepts transfer students between July - December for the current school year, and opens in October - December for current Grade 8 students applying for as incoming freshwomen for the upcoming school year.
Parents or guardians of prospective students must create a profile within our admissions portal.
- Create an account and select "Add a new student."
- Submit the application profile.
STEP # 2 Submit required application checklist items
- All checklist items must be received by 12/31 for incoming freshwomen and transfer students applying to School Year '25 - '26
- Transfer students applying for the current '24 - '25 school year must apply by 12/6 in order to start by January - we do not accept transfer students for the current school year after January starts
Once your application has been submitted, the system will begin generating your "Application Checklist" and will e-mail you reminders to upload various required items, i.e. standardized test scores, grades, etc.
Current grade 8 Catholic school students: If you take the TACHS exam, your administrators or teachers will complete the necessary Applicant Record that will be submitted to your choice of schools (listed on your TACHS exam) on your behalf, however, you are still responsible for monitoring and ensuring your application checklist is 100% complete by 12/31 in your application portal.
Public school, private school, and transfer students: Parents or guardians should work with their school guidance counselor to ensure that all required items of the Applicant Checklist are uploaded to your application in the admissions portal by 12/31.
TACHS
The Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS) exam occurs each year in early November (November 9, 2024). Prospective students are highly encouraged to take this exam as a means of assessing a student's aptitude, as well as for scholarship opportunities.
Please have your student select The Mary Louis Academy (TACHS # 016) as one of their top three choices for scholarship opportunities.
TMLA offers TACHS Prep courses each year in summer and fall in order to increase the chances of your student earning a high-performing score.
TMLA Scholarships
The TMLA Scholarship Exam and CSJ Incentive Service Award forms may also be completed if your student qualifies. This may happen at a later date after you complete the admissions application.
Information regarding these forms will be available in early November under Scholarships.
STEP # 4 Admissions notifications
- Current grade 8 students applying for the upcoming school year will be notified by January 15th - this will include scholarship award information for those eligible.
- Transfer students between July - December will be notified within two weeks of receipt of their application, and no later than December 20th (for students starting in January) - students transferring mid-year are not eligible for scholarships.
- Incoming freshwomen for the upcoming school year must attend the Selected Students Night on Tuesday, January 21st.
- Finalized enrollment checklist items will be required to complete your enrollment, should you choose TMLA.