St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron was accredited officially by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio STEM Learning Network as the only Catholic high school in the state with a STEAM designation. School officials said the designation marks a significant milestone in the school’s continued commitment to innovation, academic excellence and faith-centered education.
The STEAM designation is an official recognition given to academic programs or schools that integrate the arts into the core subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM.
Previously, STVM was recognized as Ohio’s only Catholic high school with a STEM designation from 2019 through 2025. The school elevated its academic model to STEAM, setting a new standard that integrates innovation, creativity and faith-centered learning.
“STEAM at STVM represents more than an academic model. It reflects who we are as a Catholic school rooted in Marianist values and committed to developing the whole student,” said Principal Erin Faetanini. “By bringing faith, creativity, curiosity and innovation together, we are preparing students to think critically, solve complex real-world problems and lead with purpose in college, careers and life.”
STVM students participate in nationally recognized programs, competitions and community partnerships that provide real-world experience and meaningful academic rigor, Faetanini said. Opportunities include FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics, the NASA Student Launch Challenge, the NASA Microgravity Research Team (selected by NASA), the University of Akron STEM Research Program and STVM’s award-winning science and rocket teams.
In addition, through the school’s partnership with Akron Art Space, students meet weekly with Akron-area artists in their professional studios, extending classroom learning through hands-on experiences. Together, these programs build the skills, confidence, creativity and collaborative mindset students need for success after graduation, Faetanini added.
She said STVM’s campus features innovative learning environments designed to support exploration and creativity, including the Center for Science and Technology, The Greenhouse on Green Street and the Pam Godshalk Maker Space for prototyping and fabrication. Students regularly present their work at competitions such as NEOSEF and ISEF, often collaborating with academic experts locally and around the globe.
As a Marianist Catholic school, Faetanini said “STVM remains grounded in its mission while embracing forward-thinking education. The STEAM designation represents a commitment to best-practice teaching and learning that blends academic excellence with purpose-driven leadership. Catholic education has always been about forming leaders who serve the world,” she said. “Our STEAM program ensures our students are not only prepared for the future, they are ready to shape it.”
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is a four-year, co-educational, college preparatory, Marianist-sponsored, STEAM-designated Catholic high school that has been part of the Akron community for more than 125 years. It has an alumni network of more than 21,000 people. Click here for more information.
To learn more about the STEAM designation or for more details on STEAM programming, contact Faetanini at efaetanini@stvm.com.