St. Mary Academy

Both of my children have had a WONDERFUL experience at SMA. The teachers are fabulous! I notice (not just in my kids) but in other children that attend, remarkable care and compassion and respect for other people. The class sizes are small, which is ALWAYS better. One thing that has always stuck with me since we first visited the school is the middle school kids don't have lockers. Why? There is no need! Stealing is not an issue. The kids just put their backpacks and belongings in their assigned spaces and it's not even thought of that someone would disprespect that. Saint Mary Academy is a wonderful, safe, and healthy learning environment and I have no doubt that my children will have the tools they need to become individuals of character.
—Submitted by a parent

SMA is an amazing school! We are new to the school and have nothing but great things to say about this school! The principle is amazing and has made us feel like we are part of the family from day 1! Every person we have encounter has been more than welcoming and made us feel at home! This school has a very strong sense of community! On top of a great education this school teaches self respect and how to treat others with respect. The school embraces technology and keeping up with the times! The teachers are amazing! Moving to this school has been a welcome change for our family and the best descision we have made! We love it and our child loves going to school every day!
—Submitted by a parent

It is important to note that SMA is under the leadership of a different Principal as of Sept 2012. This was a much needed change, as the former principal was not a strong leader and had little interest in the school/teachers/students/parents. SMA is a fantastic school! The teachers and administration are so loving and have a true interest in your child's wellbeing. I feel my children are not only growing academically but also as human beings. The school teaches self respect, respect for others, and community involvement. And SMA expects no less from all students and attending families. This isn't a school for slackers or parents that don't want to be involved. SMA feels like family. Every child should be blessed to be able to attend a school like SMA.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 9th year at Saint Mary Academy and we have multiple children attending. The values taught at SMA are a reinforcement of the values we teach at home- kindness, compassion, and academic prioritization. The last three years were difficult under the previous administration as the past principal was not the best fit for the school. However, upon her resignation, the school has completely changed from the inside out. The new principal works tirelessly to make this school a wonderful atmosphere for the children, faculty and staff. She has made difficult administrative decisions that have resulted in new faculty assignments and she has developed a strong repoire with the area Catholic high school, Diocese and community. The horizon has never looked so bright for SMA and I am excited that our family is part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been a part of the Saint Mary Academy Family for 12 years. It is an amazing school with teachers who truly care for the students that they teach. The past 2 1/2 years have been difficult with administration, however the principal has since resigned & the assistant principal is amazing. She is very interested in what parents, staff and students have to say about the school & is working didigently to bring back the sense of community that we have had in the past with Mrs. Reese & Sr. Monica running the school. I am very happy to have my children at SMA and know that they are well cared for and educated with the current and best educational standards in mind. They are also taught compassion and caring for others while learning the "Golden Rule".
—Submitted by a parent

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

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