St. Mary Catholic School

Not sure why previous post was deleted? I am I not allowed to say that we love the SCHOOL community but don't feel as welcome in the PARISH community by the new Pastor?? By the way, we have given him 4 years and he is not what we need. Again, great school from top to bottom. We have been there for over 15 years. However, we are leaving because of the pastor.
--Submitted by a parent

What a great community!!! The School held their first auction last Saturday and it was a huge success!! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when our principal first shared his idea with us as parents. I am glad that he and the planning committee stayed the course and made the event happen. It was truly a great event and everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard.
--Submitted by a parent

I will say this, and I'll make sure to keep it short so my opinion won't be removed! Please, think twice about sending your child here. With all the things that are going on these days in schools with the kids and administration, be careful. And if you decide to send your child here, pay VERY close attention to what they tell you, don't disregard it and trust the school because it's catholic, the caholic values do not run very deep.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been in St. Mary's now for 5 years and I am so glad I switched when I did! The staff is professional and caring, the values they teach are the ones we teach at home, education with high standards, diversity within the school. Catholic education is something I've always wanted for my children but never knew I could afford so go and take a tour, ask questions, see it for yourself. They start with the best kindergarten teacher you can ever have and that is a great fundamental base in their success. My kids are involved in scouts, sports, choir, band and the leaders are excellent as well. They know that kids are capable of so much more and they try to get the best out of everyone. I highly recommend St. Mary School.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is an important part of my life. I attended grades 1-8 here and learned skilled I've used for life. (there is a heavy emphasis on public speaking- chances for children to lector at Mass, perform in choir, present reports in front of their classes, etc.) By the time I graduated, I had no fear of public speaking and had made friends for life. Now, I couldn't be happier that my daughter is attending K. The academics she is involved with blows me away. St. Mary kids outperform their grade level on IOWA testing but they also learn in a safe and respectful environment. St. Mary School is like a family. When I drop my daughter off in the morning, I know the staff, parent volunteers and other students care about my child. She comes home happy, confident and capable. I couldn't ask for a better school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have put two children through St. Mary Catholic School, and I have to say it's been deeply satisfying. Both kids have had some academic struggles, but have overcome them. Our oldest is now a mostly straight-A student in high school now, despite being labeled as "special needs" by the public schools. His teachers at St. Mary worked closely with us and individualized much of his work so that he could have the best result. He was always - ALWAYS - challenged. It's paid off. The school has done a lot to maintain programs during not-so-good economic times. The music program is excellent, with weekly music classes, a band/orchestra program, a bell choir, and a couple of children's choirs. Sports are through CYO, and are typical of CYO programs (parent run). Great principal, phenomenal staff, beautiful building. Bottom line - a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

Each day, I take great comfort knowing my child is able to attend a school where he is safe, where he is loved, and he is motivated to learn to the best of his abilities. This is our third child to attend St. Mary; the parish and school have been a part of our lives for more than 20 years. Despite the increased financial pressures every family, business, and organization faces in these economic times, St. Mary continues to offer ever-improving curriculum, a highly-qualified and committed staff, and a daily emphasis on Catholic faith. The kids love learning with the new classroom Smartboards, and I can t wait to see what they can do with our improved science lab. Private education requires a lot of personal sacrifice and involvement. St. Mary is the only school we ve ever wanted to consider in helping us prepare our kids to be happy, successful, and productive members of our society.
--Submitted by a parent

Very excited in the new principal and direction of school. I thought there was a slight hiccup in the past administration, but nothing truly troubling. We have two children in this school and I am amazed at their true enjoyment of being students. There is a feeling of being part of a community at St. Mary's school and church. I have recommended this school to anyone interested in a good Catholic and educational experience.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at St. Mary's and I am extremely proud of the school, teachers and staff because they work hard to give our children the best education. I am glad I found this school and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.
--Submitted by a parent

Things have changed dramatically since my last review of St. Mary. It is a shame that a change in principal has totally changed the complexion and feel of the school. My kids are still doing extremely well but I am reconsidering whether they should stay. The new principal's depth in Catholic values is very shallow. I hope that a change in leadership in the future will return the school to what it was.
--Submitted by a parent