Mission Statement

St. Mary College’s founder, Father Masachika Terada, is a dedicated public servant whose vision for the school is as a place where any Japanese can better him or herself. The main objectives of the college’s educational program are to prepare students to either enter the workforce or pursue a bachelor degree at an overseas university. However, developing critical thinking skills as well as a greater understanding of the lives of other races, ethnicities and classes underscores the school’s curricula. In addition, St. Mary College is committed to lifelong learning and providing learning opportunities for older adults. The college offers students opportunities for professional and academic development while at the same time motivating them to engage in the pursuit of truth, wisdom, human understanding and knowledge. To achieve this, the academic staff is committed to:

 

1. Designing professional courses leading to the acquisition of specialized skills such as English language, secretarial skills, test-taking skills.

 

2. Creating a balanced program of general education through subjects such as ethics, philosophy, and life science.

 

St. Mary's students are given the opportunity to develop self-discipline, creativity, motivation, confidence in their personal capacities, and leadership skills. The most important acquisition is for them to develop a life-long appreciation of their minds; respect for reason, intellect, and learning is the foundation for a rich and rewarding life. The school has adopted a broad and flexible education policy in order to reflect the variety of demands placed on education in the modern age. All teachers are education professionals who work hard to develop materials and create curricula which reflect current changes in society and trends in second language education. The administration relentlessly seeks to improve the quality and relevance of the academic and rofessional programs. The academic staff places the utmost importance on student-teacher communication. Although various modern media of instruction is utilized, the biggest emphasis is on personalized instruction. To achieve the best rapport possible, class sizes are reduced to the smallest practical levels. Students are encouraged to feel that they are able to discuss any issue with any member of the teaching staff or college administration. This sense of a close-knit community contributes to the college's ability to achieve its broader academic goals.