Academics

Our Philosophy

St. Mary School strives to integrate religion with the rest of learning and living.
The School recognizes parents as the primary educator and endeavors to support parents in this role. The faculty and staff at St. Mary are committed to maintaining academic excellence while building a strong Christian community founded on the Gospels. The curriculum at St. Mary focuses on developing the human dignity of each individual by fostering the spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, emotional, social and cultural development of each student.

St. Mary School endeavors to:

• Meet each student`s individual needs.
• Emphasize a Christian commitment which fosters the spiritual growth of each student.
• Assist students in mastering basic educational skills.
• Prepare students for their future roles.
• Enhance self-esteem.
• Nurture leadership skills.
• Stress critical thinking skills in light of moral reasoning.
• Teach self-discipline.
• Foster a responsibility for peace and justice.
• Enhance students` abilities to function in an increasingly technological world.
• Challenge students to develop their potential.

Curriculum

The curriculum at St. Mary stresses the mastery of basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics while focusing on the development of strong moral character by teaching Christian principles based on Jesus` teachings in the Gospels. All grades follow State and Diocesan guidelines.

Subjects studied include: Religion, Mathematics, English, Reading, Phonics, Literature, Oral Communication, Written Composition, Spelling, Handwriting, Science, Health, Social Studies, Computer Science, Music and Art.

The Physical Education program plays an important role in the curriculum by helping students develop physically. The program focuses on promoting a healthy life style that includes regular exercise by making physical activity fun.

Weekly Library Instruction promotes a love of reading and literature, and assist students in developing essential research skills. While visiting the School Library, students have the opportunity to choose books for home use, listen to stories, discuss literature and learn library skills.

The Junior High Program is directed towards the specific educational needs of young teenagers to prepare them for the demands of high school. The above subjects are taught by the Junior High Teaching Team, and are modified on a departmental basis to meet these unique needs.

The Preschool offers an Early Childhood Education program which emphasizes Christian values and beliefs. Recognizing the important developmental changes that take place during these early years, the program is designed to provide an appropriate environment for young children to grow spiritually, cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically.