St. Mary of the Woods School

This school is great if you have an average child. SMOW cannot handle any child that needs a lot of help, or one that is very intelligent and bored. The former principal was a nun that ran a tight ship, but was slow to embrace technology. The new principal in last 4 years brought on technology which is a blessing. However, I feel he was too non-confrontational, had no leadership skills. This year alone there is a large turnover in staff, including the principal (I believe he was asked to leave) and assistant principal (who was great btw, but got a better offer elsewhere). And there are some teachers that have been there for a very long time, including one for over 30 years. Most are excellent. There is very little control of bullying issues, to the point that several families have left this year alone. The bullies stay, the victims leave. There seems to be strong push for athletics over academics, especially football. However most, if not all, students do get into their chosen high schools, including a few to Northside, which is next to impossible to get into. The school is very community based, with high parent involvement. A lot of fundraising goes on to keep the tuition down.
--Submitted by a parent

SMOW is a great school! It promotes Catholic identity and prepares our children for the real world. The teachers are enthusiastic and well prepared. The school is really a close knit community that has great family orientated activities. My children enjoy learning here and we have the school and community to thank. The students are more than prepared for high school and ready the challenges that will face academically and socially. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

We had more than a handful of issues with the school. The leadership of the school is seriously lacking. Bullying is an issue that is not handled appropriately. Teachers are hit or miss. Sports are overemphasized and academics are not. We expected more from a faith based school.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary of the Woods School (SMOW) provides a wonderful educational foundation for high school and college. This school is for the average to above-average student, and strives to challenge students. I have three children who attended SMOW from 1997 to 2014 with terrific results. From my experience I could not recommend the school for IEP students, especially a student who needs a self-contained setting. Our family has witnessed many changes and improvements through the years. The school administration went from being run by a very dedicated religious order - focused on the fundamentals of a quality education but slow to incorporate the latest technological advances - to a school presently run by a layperson who has achieved a school with all the latest and greatest bells and whistles. Change is embraced and encouraged! Communication by the adminstration has always been the weak-link and continues to be. SMOW is for your children is you want them to be engaged and challenged daily with exposure to Art, Music, Gym and Spanish.
--Submitted by a parent

We currently have two children at St Mary's and a very pleased with their progress. Homework is given every day which takes our children about 90 minutes to finish. We like the long school day compared with the public school accross the street. Parents are very involved at our school along with the parish as a whole. National test scores seem to be impressive and are posted online when the school recieves them. The modern facilities really do facilitate a good learning enviroment.
--Submitted by a parent

School average at best. Teachers less than average, except for the new, young ones. These kids will be in for a rough ride in high school
--Submitted by a parent

I have a 7th grade student at this school and find it average. Very good math program, but the new vice principal is a little off the memo. Most teachers are outstanding and deserve more than they are credited with.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding. 4 children go ( 2 current and 2 graduated) to this school. Very community based school. great involvement from the parents and children. Great prep for High School. All honors math and English in HS. Faith based community that looks out for those in need.
--Submitted by a parent

I could not be more pleased with my experience at St. Mary of the Woods. I have 3 children who range in age from kindergarten to 7th grade and they have received the most well rounded education possible. The children have art, music and Spanish at least twice a week which is unheard of in other schools. Over 95% of the students are accepted at the high school of their choice. This includes St. Ignatius College Prep and Northside Prep. The teachers are very committed and very involved. There is very little turnover. The tuition is very reasonable compared to other private schools because the parents are very involved in private fundraising efforts. I couldn't be more thrilled with the education that my children are receiving.
--Submitted by a parent