St. Mary's School

St. Mary s School s stress is on expanded math, literacy, science, social studies, and Chinese language instruction. Emphasis is placed on teaching elementary students about the purpose and challenges of college and the hard work that it will take to get there. They use a balanced literacy approach with phonics, readers and writers workshop, and novel study. My kids' math teachers use research-based methods to ensure students are performing at the highest levels in the country. Students are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum including social studies, science, arts, music, languages, sports, and social skills development. The uniqueness of each child is appreciated and encouraged, and learning happens in a non-competitive environment. Written evaluations of student progress and parent-teacher conferences provide thorough feedback for parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The promotion of family values, self-worth, good citizenship, honor, and moral integrity for each student is central to the purpose of St. Mary's and as a parent, I feel it is motivated by its traditional progressive spirit, inspired by its distinguished students, and in full anticipation of 21st century challenges, St. Mary's continues to embrace its commitment to inspiring excellence in every one of its students. Also, the school is expanding its extracurricular offering, providing learning opportunities in the arts, sciences and global studies that will set St. Mary's students apart and above while preparing kids. And I haven't even started talking about the talented and passionate faculty and staff. Students benefit from a superior college preparatory education in a diverse, family-oriented environment and from a multitude of academic programs that meet the needs of each individual student. My kid has been there for 5 years and never regret sending her there!
—Submitted by a parent

WOW. So much is changing. Just had a meeting with the new principal a week ago and I was impressed by how they are unveiling this thing called the Personal Success Plan where he is going to start these Student-Teacher-Principal conferences annually, arrange individualized internship & high school placement with alumni support and get kids ready for college even after 8th grade and through high school.
—Submitted by a parent

The St. Mary's School and its associated parish and community deserve the best rating. My only regret is that we couldn't have spent more time there. Everyone, including the Principal, the Pastor, the Teachers and the Families made our experience one we will never forget. The academics are tough, the extra-curricular activities are amazing and the religious education is fantastic. I highly recommend the school to everyone, even those families who may be spending just a year or two in San Francisco. We were a military family attending Cal and the time spent in SF with the support of St. Mary's was the best we've had in 16 years of service.
—Submitted by a parent

First, you must understand that St. Mary's is 2 schools in 1. St. Mary's Chinese School is not just another immersion program. It is a Chinese school with Chinese teachers teaching just as they would back home. I have had my non-Chinese children in the Chinese School for a total of 7 years. The Pre-K through 1st grades are marvelous bi-lingual learning environments! I have no experience yet with grades 7 & 8 but right now there is just 1 class for each grade level. They have a brand new school for the school to grow. We have dance, drama, art, concert band, P.E., and lots of after school classes available. Our PTO is very active and raises lots of money, primarily to be sure our teachers have assistants. Love it! BEST OF THE BEST.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have three children enrolled at St. Mary s school in San Francisco and I couldn t be happier. The school s environment is very welcoming and I can t help but notice how close and supportive the students are with each other. The faculty and staff are excellent as is the curriculum and best of all, Saint Mary s has moved to a brand new, state of the art facility on Kearny Street which is right next to the new Downtown City College campus. If I m not mistaken, this is probably one of the closet private schools to the financial district so it s VERY convenient for those parents who work in the area. The student body is nowhere near as large as other Catholic schools in the area. This, in my opinion, is a good thing as a low student to teacher ratio allows for more individual attention in the classroom. I would definitely recommend St. Mary s to parents who are looking for a new school for their children to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our 2 children from another private school to St. Mary's and we are very satisfied that we made the move. Our kids love their new school and their teachers. St. Mary's is a family-oriented school, where parents collaborate with each other to give their children the best school experience ever. With the new facility located in the heart of Chinatown and Financial District, the school has a lot to offer academically and in extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

alumni, best school ever, had a great time, easy to connect with teachers at my time the work is equal
—Submitted by a student

This is a wonderful school overall. It gives opportunity to many students of many ethnic backgrounds a chance to learn and play. Most of the school's ethnicity is Asian (Chinese). There is a Student Council, Big Brother Big Sister Program, Safety Patrol, Teacher Helper and Library Helper. Other unique things about this school is that it has a pack of Cub Scouts affiliated with it and Girl Scout Troops/Pack as well. Piano lessons are offered and Study Halls too! It's a wonderful environment for children. For parents unable to pick up their children at 3 p.m. the Study Hall A is from 3-3:45 or 4 and Study Hall B is from 4ish-4:45ish. Also if that doesn't do, there is a Chinese School from 4-5:30 or 5:45. For Chinese school levels MIddle/High school, classes start at 5 and ends at 6:30p.m. Hope this gives you a scoop!
—Submitted by Matthew Mak, a former student