St. Mary's School

AMAZING!! The only word needed to describe St. Mary's School from this SMB Family. This is our first year w/ a 7th grader & a Pre-K'er. We transferred here from another Catholic school after 14 yrs & my only regret is that we didn't do it sooner. I was very nervous about how our 7th grader would adjust, but found I had no worries. Our entire family has felt welcome from the start. While dropping off supplies the week before school started, we were stopped in the hall by 5 boys who not only introduced themselves to my son & myself, they shook our hands and welcomed us to the school. That's something you rarey see anymore. It just goes to show the kind of ladies & gentlemen this school is producing. The academics are outstanding, the teachers superb, the atmosphere is like home, & the principal cares about everyone.....the school, her staff, the students, & the parents. I'm also excited to have a priest who is active in the school. My family is blessed to have found St. Mary's. I'm so thankful my daughter will have her first 10 yrs here.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow! I couldn't disagree more with the disappointed parent of a project not selected for a ribbon. I'm glad my child is a better sport, happy for his classmates that were recognized for their projects. While his did not win a ribbon, he was just as proud to show off his project and equally pleased to show me all of his friends' projects when we attended the reception tonight. The principal was present (as she is at every event--and not something you get from most school leaders) and she took time to talk with me and my child about his project. He may not have received a ribbon for his project but he learned a lot and felt like a favorite tonight!
--Submitted by a parent

Let the parents BEWARE! It's science fair time at St. Mary's School and as in past years, this experience is a true example of the school's politics and favoritism. Do not be too disappointed in your child's outcome because generally all awards go to the "friends' of the principal. Fairness and quality of their work do not really count for much unless you have the right last name so just chalk it up as another example of the poor, misguided leadership of the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids are in their second year at St. Marys. We are very happy with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at SMB for many years. We have experienced two principals and three priests. I can say without hesitation the current principal, Mrs. Sharon Caniglia, is by far the most dedicated, committed, and talented principal. She truly cares about each and every student and goes out of her way to be supportive of families.
--Submitted by a parent

I am glad I was able to read about our school needing new leadership, because I feel the same way but am afraid of retaliation against my kids. They need a new principal, several new and educated teachers and most definitely a new PRIEST. One that is there for the children and parish people not the principal. I will be checking into other schools as well.

There are many quality Catholic Schools in the area and I believe that this is not one of them. Under a new administration, I feel that this could be a good school. However, there have been numerous issues at this school and many families have left. The Principal claims that the decline in enrollment stems from the economy, but why are the families that are leaving enrolling in other private schools. In my opinion, this school needs an administrative over-haul. If everything were as good as the comments of the few frequent writers, why would they even concern themselves with a few negative opinions and constantly have their comments removed. In my opinion it is a paranoid atmosphere and a facade.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great. The school grounds are beautiful. The kids are well behaved. Overall a very good school.
--Submitted by a parent

We love St. Mary's and have found it to have one of the strongest academic programs in Southern Maryland. Come see for yourself - we did and we've never looked back.
--Submitted by a parent

Proud to say my three kids are graduates from SMB. They were fully prepared for the rigors of a college preparatory high school and two of them are enjoying successful college experiences. The remaining high school student is excelling in his AP World History class during his sophomore year of high school. These things don't just happen - my kids are the product of an elementary and middle school which has sound educational programs in place to educate the whole child. And while our time at SMB (a total of 12 years) was not always "rosy" - no place ever is - St. Mary's Bryantown was, and always will be, home for our family.
--Submitted by a parent