School History

Historial Background

St. Mary’s Academy of Dalaguete traces its humble beginnings to 1925, when it was established by the late Fr. Ruperto Sarmiento. It started as a small educational institution primarily teaching Doctrina Christiana and the basic literacy skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The original intent was to provide the youth of Dalaguete with both academic learning and Christian formation.

In 1933, the administration of the school was entrusted to the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Sisters, whose charism and Ignacian spirituality have since shaped the identity and direction of the institution. For decades, the school was known as the Annunciation Academy, until it was officially renamed St. Mary’s Academy of Dalaguete, Inc. in October 2001 to align with the network of RVM schools across the country.

Growth and Development

From its beginnings as a small school for girls, SMAD gradually expanded its programs to include primary and intermediate levels. Responding to the growing demand for Catholic education in Dalaguete and nearby towns, it opened its high school department. The construction of a new high school building, completed and blessed in July 2002, marked a significant milestone in its physical and academic growth.

The institution has consistently sought improvement through accreditation. In 2015, the High School Department achieved PAASCU Level I Accredited Status, a recognition of its commitment to quality education. Four years later, in March 2019, the school successfully obtained Level II Re-Accreditation, valid until February 2024. These achievements affirm SMAD’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing its standards in instruction, formation, and administration.

Academic Programs

SMAD offers basic education from pre-elementary to junior high school (Grades 7–10). While it once offered Senior High School programs, the Board of Trustees decided to discontinue the SHS department beginning School Year 2017–2018 to allow the institution to focus on strengthening its core academic programs.

The school integrates both academic excellence and Christian values formation in its curriculum. Students are encouraged to excel not only in intellectual pursuits but also in spiritual, moral, and social dimensions, embodying the Ignacian Marian identity of being “persons for others.”