St. Mary Academy

We left this school after 6 years. School is very antiquated with teaching materials and teachers set in their ways. Administration is apethetic with students and parents alike. The Principal offers no support to parents with concerns/questions and hastily avoids meetings. All in all a very disappointing experience for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience at St. Mary Academy was not a good one. The teachers are burnt out and resistant to any change. The classes are too large and the children suffer because of it.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary Academy is the best of both worlds- it is a school with a lot of tradition but is also forward-focused. Like other area schools, it has made many recent progressive changes in technology, curriculum and school policy so that the students are academically prepared for the real world. The very best thing about St. Mary's is that the school is like a family. The caring and kindness that I see occur on a daily basis is not only a reflection of its Catholic spirit but also of the faculty and staff's attempts to genuinely nurture each child's strengths. I am new to this site but was surprised at the negative review that I read when first logging on. We have been at St. Mary's for 7 years now and I have not witnessed what that other parent has claimed. The teachers have been there for a long time, yes, but this strengthens the school, not weakens it. They are receptive to change, modern teaching styles and adaptive methods. We are very happy with this school and, quite honestly, would never consider another.
--Submitted by a parent

The facultive and staff at St. Mary's have been superior in the approach to helping children of all capablities. The individual approach to the student has been exceptional for many students. The facitlities are well kept and being improved. The students have a great Christian attitude. It is a good value for the tuition, and provides a safe environment for children.

Great school with a great community. Students are valued, teachers are excellent, and the parents are involved. If a Catholic education is important to you, this school will exceed your expectations
--Submitted by a parent

In my opinion, SMA is poorly managed and the teachers are overworked and underpaid, many of which should have retired long ago. Several sport jaded views of the principal, their students and parents alike. The principal promotes a culture of negativity with her staff and teachers. She likes to blame a lack of resources for not committing to helping students that need extra guidance...if she were truly committed, she would find a way to help children despite low budgets. Keep in mind that this school charges a hefty tuition, about on par with other private schools in the area. While not necessarily a function of learning or teaching, the material condition of the school is awful. Everything is dirty, dirty paint (i thought i noted a hint of urine smell in the air),class rooms look like they have not been updated in 50 years, generally run down. Students play in a parking lot that is within view of a city street where I have seen many parked cars with seedy looking individuals leering at the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have thrived at SMA. The school is a wonderful asset to families who choose to use it. Both of my children feel loved & respected while at school. They have always felt comfortable approaching their teachers when needed & feel that their opinion/thought matter. My husband and I have felt blessed to have such wonderful staff supporting our children in their education & feel very comfortable approaching the teachers, staff & principal with concerns - they all want feedback & are appreciative of it. Thank-you Saint Mary Academy!!
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary Academy is a wonderful learning environment. The teachers, faculty and students learn dignity and respect of themselves and others. We have loved being part of this community. The Piper's
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent and teacher at Saint Mary Academy, I cannot say enough about this wonderful school. The students are outstanding, respectful and smart; the courses are challenging and students are ready to take on that challenge. The environment is beautiful, teachers truly care and truly know every single child in the school. Saint Mary Academy is a welcoming place, a respectful place, a warm place. And I say that from the 'inside out' and the 'outside in.' I am thrilled my daughter will have an outstanding education where respect is encouraged, where God is allowed, where prayer is a daily action and where solid academic preparation is thriving! Come check out this school, stop by - we'd love to meet you!
--Submitted by Susan Dromey Heeter, a parent

SMA is one, if not the best school in this district. The teachers provide plenty of challenge, but they do it in a way that is fun and exciting. For example, when learning about the animal world, students create a 'virtual zoo', where each researches, dresses up and creates a background for a particular animal and all the classes turn the gym into a complete zoo for a day. The kids love it, while learning a great deal about many animals and unleashing their toral creativity. Another plus about this school, students there learn to be respectful and minding of others, something that appears to be severely lacking in our public schools these days. I highly recommend any parent to check out their open houses - I guarantee you will be as impressed as my husband and I were. Good luck!
--Submitted by a parent