The Religious of the Virgin Mary (R.V.M.) headed by S. Ma. Andrea Alba arrived in Hagonoy, Bulacan in February, 1906 to perform a religious mission in the parish through the request of then parish priest, Rev. Father Mariano Sevilla. In June of the same year, S. Ma. Emilia Mendoza, RVM with the cooperation and assistance of a certain Mrs. Marcela dela Cruz Crisostomo finally succeeded in establishing a Catholic school. The school building was made of nipa and bamboo. In 1908, a big fire in the town destroyed the said building. The new building made of wood and nipa was constructed but it was again razed to the ground in 1910. On March 19, 1920, the school was incorporated and was given government recognition under the name Sta. Ana Catholic School. It offered partial elementary school education from Grades I to V. The school functioned in that capacity for 13 years.

On February 23, 1936, the government recognized the Grades VI and VII programs of the school, thereby completing the primary and the intermediate courses.

On April 2, 1947, Sta. Ana Catholic School started offering complete secondary course exclusively for girls. The Elementary Department was opened to boys and girls. But there was a period in the history of St. Anne’s Academy when male students were accepted in the High School Department and assigned to the late afternoon classes or night classes. This was from 1948 to 1952. When the High School Department was recognized by the government on April 2, 1947, the school came to be called St. Anne’s Academy.

On March 20, 1949, St. Anne’s Academy was elevated to the rank of a college for it was given a government permit to offer a two-year Junior Normal Course open to both men and women. Thus, St. Anne’s Academy became St. Anne’s College. The school maintained its collegiate course for almost 8 years.

In June 1954, the Kindergarten course was granted permit. It was also the year when the semi-concrete building was painted.

In 1957, the government permit for the collegiate course of the school was cancelled for non-operation. As a consequence, the school reverted back to its former name, St. Anne’s Academy.

In 1969, another building was constructed upon approbation of Rev. Mo. Ma. Ignacia Magdalena, RVM. However, the construction was discontinued. In 1971, with God’s grace, the school population increased and there was a need for more classrooms. With this great demand, the first floor was finished. Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo blessed the classrooms in the presence of the parents and invited guests. It was graced by Rev. Mo. Ma. Josefina Yamzon, RVM. Afterwards the building was repainted.

In 1974, the boys’ and girls’ departments were separated. The boy’s department became St. Anne’s Catholic High School and was administered by Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo, P.A. The girls’ department became St. Anne’s Academy and was under the RVM Sisters.

On October 1, 1980, the construction of the unfinished edifice started again. Through the prayers and sacrifices of the RVM Sisters, untiring efforts of the faculty and the generous support of the parents, benefactors, friends and the whole student body, the three-storey building was finally completed. It was in July 26, 1981, feast of our school patroness, St. Anne, when it was blessed by Rev. Msgr. Leoncio Lat, D.D. and witnessed by Mother General, Rev. Mo. Ma. Josefina Yamzon, RVM, Regional Superior, S. Ma. Angelina Fernando, RVM and S. Ma. Nicetas Dael, RVM. The occasion was made meaningful by the presence of the sponsors, headed by then Labor Minister Blas Ople, Governor Ignacio Santiago and Mayor Hermogenes B. Perez.

In school year 1981-1982, expansion and development of physical facilities were made. The stage was renovated and a new canteen and lunch counter were constructed opposite the school building. The playground and comfort rooms for the kindergarten pupils were constructed through the donations of parents. On December 15, 1981, the school celebrated the grand closing of its Diamond Jubilee Year.

In 1982-1983, the Home Economics Room was repainted and new tools, utensils, equipment and other furnishings were purchased. The Kindergarten playground was cemented and volleyball and basketball courts were erected.

It was in 1985-1986 when major repairs of the school started. There was a need to improve the stage, the classrooms, roofing and ceiling. The drainage system was constructed to avoid problems during the rainy season.

In 1989, the school started offering Computer Education to students from Grade V to Fourth Year. The Alumni Association and Samahan ng mga Magulang at Guro ng St. Anne’s Academy (SAMAGUSAA) were activated and the parish availed of the facilities of the school.

The school continued extending its apostolate to the church and the community. On March 24, 1990, the school served as the venue for the 50th Sacerdotal Jubilee of Rev. Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo, P.A., the former Parish Priest of St. Anne’s National Shrine. The occasion was attended by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, bishops, priests, religious, relatives and friends.

In 1990, great changes happened in St. Anne’s Academy in terms of facilities, buildings and infrastructures. The old buildings were demolished as per recommendation of the Infrastructure Evaluation Committee and Engineers of Region III. It was on December 22, 1990, when the four-storey building was finally completed through the help of the SAMAGUSAA, the Alumni Association, the faculty, benefactors, friends and the Sisters, under the supervision of S.

Ma. Lydia C. Duro, RVM. This building was blessed by Bishop Nestor Cariño, CBCP Secretary General. Months later, the construction of another three-storey building had to be started due to lack of classrooms. With the approval of Rev. Mo. Ma. Assumpta David, RVM, the new building was completed and was blessed on February 9, 1992, by our Most Rev. Bishop Cirilo D. Almario, Jr., D.D., witnessed by RVM Sisters, priests, government officials, teachers, benefactors and friends. The growth of St. Anne’s Academy continued because of the support and generosity of the Samahan ng mga Magulang at Guro ng St. Anne’s Academy (SAMAGUSAA). Through their joint efforts, the ground near the rooms of the primary classes was elevated, cemented and beautified. They also donated to the school a deep well and a new sound system which completed the school’s modern facilities.

School year 1993-1994 marked a big change in the High School Department when boys were admitted in the first year. The school continued its mission while adapting the global thrust to modernity by the government. In response to the challenge, in school year 1994- 1995, intercoms were installed in different offices; the three existing buildings were named as follows: Assumption Building, Sacred Heart Building and Mother Ignacia Building. There was renovation of the Library and Computer Rooms, construction of Practical Arts Building and strengthening and additional concrete fencing of the campus.

In school year 1995-1996, the school continued its upgrading through the revision of Faculty-Personnel Handbook. The Student Handbook was also revised in order to give proper guidance to students regarding the institution’s mission and policies. Drum and Lyre Band was organized and it rendered its first exhibition number during the celebration of Mother Ignacia’s Death Anniversary. The guardhouse was also constructed and modern generator was installed. The Social Ministry became very active in its community projects. Catechetics was in full swing. The Samahan ng mga Magulang at Guro ng St. Anne’s Academy (SAMAGUSAA) and the Alumni Association were so cooperative and dynamic and there was an active involvement of the community in all the activities of the school. 1996-1997 was the first school year when the school hosted seven (7) Australian students and two teachers from Sacred Heart College, Adelaide, Australia. This was part of their Philippine exposure. To keep abreast with the demands of the country in the field of Science and Technology, the offering of elective in the third and fourth year levels (Journalism) was changed to Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry. The Cashier’s Office started using the computerized accounting system. In response to the community extension thrust, the school established a day care at the school-adopted community in Mababang Lupa, San Agustin. It was also the year when the Alumni Association offered scholarship to eight (8) students of the first year level. To enhance the guidance services of the school, the guidance office personnel applied for accreditation with the Philippine Psychological Corporation. The first batch of 46 boys in the High School Department graduated in the same school year.

The thrust of school year 1997-1998 was the upgrading of its educational system. It is the year when the administration appointed two Assistant Principals: Mrs. Lilia E. de Luna for the Elementary Department and Mrs. Luisa S. Medina for the High School Department.

The following are the other highlights of the school year: a. the faculty and staff had their retreat and educational tour in Cebu City for the first time; b. the faculty and staff participated in the first Ignacian Bonding Assembly sponsored by the Luzon Region; c. four (4) teachers became scholars of the De La Salle University Summer Institute of Graduate Studies; d. two (2) multi-media equipment for the library were purchased; e. the offices, the computer room, finance office and administrative offices were air-conditioned, f. the Samahan ng mga Magulang at Guro ng St. Anne’s Academy (SAMAGUSAA) sponsored the construction of the covered walk from the guard house to the Assumption building; g. the Mother Ignacia Movement, Hagonoy Chapter was launched by the Bishop of Malolos, His Excellency Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, D.D. during the 8 o’clock mass at the National Shrine of St. Anne on December 15, 1997; h. piano/voice/organ and taekwondo lessons were offered. The piano recital was held on March 14, 1998. St. Anne’s Academy actively participated in the Philippine centennial celebrations sponsored by the municipal government on June 12, 1998. The staff of the Social Ministry Center strengthened the school’s Social Awareness Program thru active involvement on issues like “No to Visiting Forces Agreement”, and “No to Pampanga Delta Development Program”. The faculty and staff participated in the second Ignacian bonding activity and some select students also had their first Ignacian bonding activity on July 3 and 4, 1998 respectively. To strengthen the Ignacian spirituality among the faculty and staff, the three modules of the Ignacian Formation Program for Lay Partners were given. On October 21 and 22, 1998 the faculty and staff, students, alumni, parents and friends watched the premiere movie of “Mother Ignacia – Ang Uliran”. It is the first movie venture of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) on the life and works of Mother Ignacia. In the month of January 1999 – the whole academic community took active part in the launching of “The Year 1999 dedicated to God, the Father” in preparation for the celebration of the Great Jubilee Year 2000. Also, on this month Rev. Mo. Ma. Clarita Balleque, RVM had her first canonical visit to St. Anne’s Academy and it coincided with the visit of Australian students and teachers who had their Philippine mission exposure for one week.

On March 23, 1999 – a solemn rite on the renaming of the school to St. Mary’s Academy of Hagonoy was held. It was well-attended and represented by the alumni, parents, priest, sisters, faculty, personnel, students and friends. Some of the dignitaries included Senator and Mrs. Blas Ople, Mayor and Mrs. Toti Ople, Municipal Councilors, Ex-Governor Tomas Martin, Malolos Diocesan and Congregational Schools Association (MADICSA) Superintendent Fr. Pablo Legaspi, RVM Superior General Rev. Mo. Ma. Clarita Balleque, Chairman of the RVM Educational Association of the Philippines (RVM-EAP) S. Ma. Evelyn Aguilar, RVM, Regional Superior of Luzon S. Ma. Lourdes Veloso, RVM and Luzon Regional Superintendent S. Ma. Jacinta de Belen, RVM.

In school year 1999-2000 S. Ma. Lourdes A. Darilag, RVM assumed the position of Directress-Principal. Under her supervision, the following facilities underwent improvement: the flooring of the ground fronting the stage was elevated to avert the unpleasant inundation of foul water during high tide, and the kindergarten rooms were also elevated for the same purpose. The Samahan ng mga Magulang at Guro sa St. Mary’s Academy (SAMAGUSMA), under the leadership of Mr. Reynaldo Hilario constructed the bleacher and the SAMAGUSMA Office. Unfortunately, the one-year office was demolished to give way to the new building which rose in its place. The Alumni put iron grills in the left side of Mother Ignacia Building for the safety of students. The graduates of Batch 74-75 started a yearly alumni homecoming with a ballroom dancing for a cause. The graduates of Batch 75-76 thought of a very novel yet a very noble idea – they had a medical mission where – approximately, more than five hundred patients were attended to by experts in their respective fields of specialization. There were free medicines after tooth extraction and consultation. An optometrist offered very cheap lenses after examination. There was a series of drug addiction seminars for the seniors, the first to third year students, teachers and parents and recollections conducted for the benefit of the community.

In terms of extension work, the Munting Paaralan ni Madre Ignacia at Mababang Lupa was realized. The youngsters there were given free schooling while their parents were taught livelihood programs aside from periodic gift giving from the various school clubs and the alumni. In the hope of uplifting their standard of living, the school is exerting all its efforts in giving selfless service to the residents there. The catechetical work was in full swing. There was a well- organized program for religious instruction to public school pupils to prepare them for First Communion.

In the school year 2002-2003, the highest administrative position was transferred to S. Ma. Miraflor A. Bahan, RVM. The first year of her stewardship yielded encouraging results: a new imposing, state-of-the-art building was finished. All aspects of important bearing to quality education were given the needed boost – the facilities were upturned, teachers’ competence was upgraded – all vital services were given a shot in the arm – in preparation for accreditation.

School year 2003-2004 was an optimistic, jubilant year, replete with expectation for a school that was in upsurge for progress and development. The year ended with dynamic changes and S. Miraflor A. Bahan, RVM was superseded by the new Directress-Principal, S. Ma. Arcelia J. Enguerra, RVM.

The school year 2004-2005 was a year of dramatic educational transformation. On the month of May, series of seminars, both in-house and off-campus were done for the teaching, non-teaching personnel and the maintenance. Mid-level administrators were given series of seminars to boost their supervisory skills. Teacher-advisers were oriented on proper classroom management and teaching procedures.

Lunch-in-school was in full swing in order to curb tardiness, absences and loafing of students and pupils. It was also a year of active interaction between the alumni and the school and the healthy working relationship between the school and the home.

The school year 2005-2006 was a year of progress and development under the able steering of S. Ma. Arcelia J. Enguerra, RVM. The students were given much needed social and spiritual exposures through the following activities in inclusive dates: March 4-5, 2006 and March 17-18, 2006 Ignacian Marian Bonding and March 3-4, 2006, Ignacian Marian Youth Leaders’ First General Assembly at St. Mary’s College of Meycauayan. These were just few of the activities given in order to give full development to the students. The launching of the year-long centennial celebration of the school was held on July 19-26, 2005. Each day was highlighted by different activities that culminated on July 26. It was well-attended by the students, teachers, parents, guests and political officials. After several months of preparation by the SMAH community, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) Preliminary Visit for the High School Department was held on September 20-21, 2005. The mentors were given much-needed break and exposure through educational trip to Bohol and Cebu on October 28 to November 1, 2005, to Corregidor on March 27, 2006, and to Vigan and the whole Ilocandia on March 29-30, 2006.

The school in the year 2006 awaited with excitement for two major events, PAASCU development and the preparation and celebration of the centennial of the school. The administration left no stone unturned in providing for the rich educational experiences of all segments of the school. These were the highlights of school year 2006-2007 under the leadership of S. Ma. Alice S. Tan, RVM. The year-long preparation for the centennial celebration that culminated in December 2006 included search for Lakan and Lakambini, Ginoo at Binibining Sentenaryo at Munting Binibini ng Sentenaryo, Poster-Making Contest, Search for Ginang Sentenaryo, the Speech Masters’ Club, Singing Contest and Science Club Interpretative Contest. The Centennial Celebration climaxed with the awarding of 100 Outstanding Alumni who were remarkable in their chosen fields of endeavor. The centennial museum which served as the exhibit room witnessed to the long years of educational pursuit of the school for the youths of the locality.

In the school year 2007-2008 the school witnessed significant growth under the tutelage of S. Ma. Alice S. Tan, RVM. It was under her watch when the school held several in-service training that uplifted professional and personal enhancement of teachers’ skills and competence namely, Seminar-Workshop on Multiple Intelligences, Deepening of Values and Management in Classroom Instruction, English Proficiency Class, etc. Such seminars were geared towards preparing the teachers for the PAASCU Formal Visit on February 18-19, 2008. The

High School Department was granted Level I status by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).

The school year 2008-2009 was a year of significant progress not only in terms of instruction but also in the improvement of its facilities under the supervision and leadership of S. Ma. Alice S. Tan, RVM. Series of seminars, both in-house and off-campus were provided to teachers and non-teaching personnel which further enhanced their skills and competence. The renovation of the Subject Area Coordinators’ Office, the Grade School Faculty Room, Grade School Library and the Catechetical Office were completed in order to deliver more efficient service to its clientele.

The school year 2010-2011 was a year of academic growth for the institution under the leadership of S. Ma. Alice S. Tan, RVM. The members of the academic community have shown their commitment to work towards accreditation. The PAASCU Preliminary Survey to the Grade School Department was held on February 17-18, 2011. This quest for accreditation of the Grade School Department was just another step towards quality education. The school year was also devoted to the preparation for the PAASCU Revisit of the High School Department in SY 2011-2012.

School Year 2012-2013 experienced the birthing of a new breed of quality for St. Mary’s Academy of Hagonoy with the leadership of the new Directress/Principal S. Ma. Remy M. Villaraiz, RVM. Changes in Philippine educational landscape with the commencement of the K to 12 curriculum in Grade 1 and Grade 7 necessitated inevitable adjustments not only in terms of curriculum and instruction but in terms of paradigm as well. The school saw transformation in administration and instruction as it prepared for the Grade School PAASCU Consultancy Visit on October 12, 2012. The RVM Pedagogy was fully implemented. The Grade School Department successfully passed its PAASCU Consultancy Visit and that signaled the school’s leap to undergo Integrated Basic Education (IBED) Visit.

School Year 2013-2014 saw the dawning of a new direction to take. The school had revised its Vision, Mission, Goal and Objectives to align it with that of the RVM-Education Ministry Commission (RVM-EMC). Administrative and Personnel Manual as well as the Student Handbook were revised to align it with the RVM Norms and Policies. The K to 12 curriculum advanced on to Grade 2 and Grade 8. Major repair and repainting of the facade of the Sacred Heart Building, Mother Ignacia Building and Assumption Building were undertaken. The school underwent its first PAASCU Integrated Basic Education Visit on January 27-28, 2014.

Advancement towards quality Ignacian Marian education continued to propel the academic community of St. Mary’s Academy of Hagonoy. The High School Program was granted Level II Re-Accredited Status while the Grade School Program received Level 1 Accredited Status by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) on May 12, 2014 for satisfactorily fulfilling the requirements of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). On May 16, 2014 PAASCU awarded a Certificate of Accreditation to the Basic Education Program of the school. All three certificates are valid until May 2017. For SY 2014-2015, the K to 12 Curriculum was implemented to Grades 1-3 and Grades 7-9. On March 31, 2015 SMAH received the Department of Education (DepEd) approval to its application to offer Senior High School in SY 2016-2017. On May 29, 2015 St. Mary’s Academy of Hagonoy received Government Permit SHSP No. 052 s. 2015 granting the school permit to operate Senior High School Program particularly the Academic Tracks Science and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strands in June 2016.

The weight of the impending onset of the Senior High School (SHS) filled SY 2015-2016 with much preparations – surveys and resurveys, aggressive promotion, roundtable discussions, physical and mental preparations. On the other hand, the K to 12 Curriculum was implemented to Grades 1-4 and Grades 7-10. In March 2016 SMAH had its first Grade 10 Completion Ceremonies. Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremonies and Grade 6 Graduation Rites were also held.

In school year 2016-2017, St. Mary’s Academy of Hagonoy welcomed Grade 11 students who were the initial batch of Senior High School. On April 2017 the school received Government Permit SHSP No. 045 s. 2017 to offer GAS and HUMSS, completing its offering of the four strands in the Academic track.

Outward success means rising above past accomplishments to reach new levels of achievements. SMAH is determined to reach new heights as it continues to nurture Faith, build passion for Excellence and develop deep sense of Service. School Year 2017-2018 was a year of extensive upgrading of school facilities under the efficient administration of S. Maria Ceferina E. Bodiongan, RVM. The Speech Laboratory, the school ground, both the software and hardware in Computer Laboratory were among the facilities upgraded. Another highlight of the school year was the PAASCU Visit on November 9-10, 2017 for the reaccreditation of the basic education program. This year was also marked by the graduation of the first batch of senior high school under the K to 12 curriculum. Rhythms of Broadway, a concert organized by the Personnel Association, was entertaining culmination forthe academic year.

School Year 2018-2019 was a year of fruitful events. The school has a new Principal, S. Maria Amelia V. Sadaba, RVM. New programs were created for our students and stakeholders like the Culture Integration Program for the Grade 7 and Grade 11 students and SMAH CARES (Caring and Recreating Engagement at SMAH) for the parents and guardians. The school was granted Level II Re-Accredited Status. During this school year, technology in instruction was intensified due to the Aralinks, Next Generation System. The students were exposed in using technology in tablets during motivation, lesson proper, assessment and in the evaluation of activities.

In School Year 2019 – 2020, S. Ma. Amelia V. Sadaba, RVM was assigned as the new Directress and Principal. The school received a letter from PAASCU that it could apply already for Level 3. There were improvements in the facilities like the renovation of the Library which is now called Learning Commons and the offices of the Registrar, Academic Coordinator and the Finance Officer. Innovation is the different activities were introduced like the Flores de Maria, the Culminating Activity in the Sacred Heart Month, Recollection of Grade 10 and 11 was facilitated by The Feast Hagonoy (Ignacian Marian Youth Camp)…

However, in the middle of March, 2020, the classes were suspended due to the quarantine period and lockdown brought about the COVID 19 pandemic. The students were not able to take their final exams. Closing Ceremonies like the Moving Up, Graduation Rites and Recognition Day were postponed. The school has to face new challenges brought about the pandemic like the implementation of a Distance Learning approach in instruction which is first time to be done in the school, Online Enrollment, the Flexibility Work Arrangement for the sake of its personnel even it has limited resources, the preparation of the Learning Packages by the teachers and the making of videos of faculty members who are not used in facing the camera and many challenges.

The school continues to face these opportunities and challenges with courage and hope because of it believes that Lord Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary and Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo journeys with us in this time of crisis and uncertainty.