St. Mary School

St. Mary School, while not without the typical issues of many nonpublic schools whennit comes to financial situations, is a top notch school. Most of the teachers hold a Master's Degree or higher in Education. The students are taught compassion for eachother and the world around them while excelling in academics. The school has produced many students who have gone on to be valedictorian and salutatorian in high school. Low teacher/child ratios result in higher quality education. The positive atmosphere fueled by a top notch faculty and new principal are setting a tone for an amazing future for the school. If your main concerns for your child's education include lunch and recess facilities. St. Mary School is not for you.
—Submitted by a parent

A new principal and new start for a long-established small town Catholic school. Although not free from struggles that are common to parish schools or to small town politics, the quality of the school community is outstanding. If you think a school is a just building, or you kids don't have the moxie to walk a block in the winter, then its not the place for you. If you want your children to be challenged in a respectful environment, and to be exposed to committed teachers and successful parents of a strong Catholic faith community, this is the place!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not up with other private school curriculums. I have checked other private schools and I am very upset to be paying this kind of tuition for what I am getting. Teachers are not evaluated, the principal says one thing and does another. The school is in major debt they have no cafeteria, gym, and music consists of singing hymns. The school needs new administration or it won't last, enrollment continues to drop.
—Submitted by a parent

St Mary School falls short of being a good school for several reasons. It does not have a cafeteria, forcing children to eat at their desks; it does not have adequately-sized classrooms making it impossible to include more modern technology in he classrooms; the play area is asphalt with no play/climbing stuctures. There is no gymnasium forcing the children to walk three blocks to the local YMCA in all weather. The school does not have a full-time principle. This has created a situation whereby unqualified staff has taken on administrative responsibilities. That lack of management has fostered an environment where gossip and personal judgment by the staff and teachers is an acceptable part of the school's culture. The school has a history of extreme financial difficulties due to the number of families who have left the school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary is known for excellent academics and a great atmosphere for students to learn and grow. In the past two years, the school has added Spanish, two new computer labs, and SMARTboard equipment. The school has updated its Reading, Social Studies, and Science materials and its middle school Math program allows advanced students to move ahead at individual paces (many of these students have tested out of Algebra I before freashmen year in high school!) I wouldn't want to send my 3 children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary is a 5 star school. Not only is it well known for academics and scores highly on the national testing. It has great morals, ethics and religion. You feel secure when your child is at school. As for the 'nasty' comment previously written. The mentality, typing, spelling etc. says it all. That is the education you receive when you leave St. Mary...seriously doubt they were ever there and definitely didn't need to be.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been privileged to send our three daughters to St.Mary School. It has been an outstanding experience. The small class sizes are conducive to individualized teaching and boast a very comfortable environment. The teachers are exceptional and very accesible. The principal is dynamic, involved, and very organized. The quality of education is outstanding, and the environment is spiritual and compassionate. I recommend this school without reservations.
—Submitted by Regina Raab, a parent

It is a horrible school i had two children enroled in the school and they hated the environment. It was a nasty experience for my childrens education! I highly recomed that you take your children to bourbon central elementry or bourbon county middle and high school!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had two children to graduate from St.Mary School and currently have one enrolled. We have so enjoyed our experience with the school and the people involved. The teachers are wonderful and accessable, the kids receive a great education.
—Submitted by a parent