[1] The new campus contained many architectural innovations, including separate low-profile classroom buildings centered around a large garden area of native flora, reminiscent of Mexican Alameda Central urban parks; unique offset vents and jalousie windows designed to maximize the cooling effect of southerly breezes; and the gymnasium with its award-winning design (highly unusual at the time) by which the entire weight of the structure is supported by four curved roof beams that meet at the center of the building.

[1] On 8 April 2008, the Mexican pop group RBD played at a private concert in Saint Joseph Academy's gymnasium after several students won a competition sponsored by Verizon Wireless.

[6] St. Joseph Academy, conducted by the Marist Brothers with the mission to serve the children of the lower portion of the Rio Grande Valley, is dedicated to provide a "religious and moral formation" and a college preparatory education under the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

[7] According to the official page of the school, the SJA endeavors to form students that will succeed in their university studies, understand and love Jesus Christ, and participate in the mission of the Church, including Catholic social teaching on the preferential option for the poor.

[8][9] At a high school level, SJA has baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance team, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field.