Stella Maris Academy of Davao

Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) is a private Catholic school on Loyola Street, Poblacion District, Davao City, currently administered by the Hijas de Jesus Sisters. The school's campus was constructed under the guidance of Msgr. Juan B. Velasco, Bishop of Chinese Communities, with construction completed and the building blessed in June 1963, when it took the name Stella Maris Academy of Davao; it was initially run by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The school held its first high school graduation in 1968 and expanded its facilities through the 1970s with support from its Parents-Teachers Association. In 1977, the Hijas de Jesus Sisters took over administration and completed additional elementary, preschool, and high school buildings. SMAD's Grade School and Junior High School programs hold Level III accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), while its Senior High School program holds PAASCU Candidate status. The school serves Filipino and Chinese-Filipino students in Davao City.