St. Mary's School

St. Mary's has been a great school. My child reads extremely above grade level and continues to excel in all areas. He enjoys attending school and is very involved. Sister has always been warm, approachable, and professional. My child has made wonderful friendships with fellow students and parental involvement is ever present. The school is solid in its leadership and academics. We are very pleased. Their uniforms could use a little upgrade.

Our five children attended St. Mary's from pre-school/kindergarten to eighth grade which if you count each year individually amounts to approximately 46-48 years. It was the best financial investment we ever made as all five of our children went on to excel at St. Pius X High School and found college to be "easy" in comparison. The three oldest are college graduates and are pursuing medical degrees. The two youngest are finishing their last year of high school. Thank you, thank you to the teachers at St. Mary's. They set the stage for success. The teachers pushed our children and expected them to succeed, thereby teaching them that hard work was important and very rewarding. Thank you to Sister Marianella for her life long devotion to her "love doves". I hope one day to see my grandchildren wearing the plaid jumpers and skirts worn by St. Mary's students.
--Submitted by a parent

My family has been at St. Marys for 12 years now. Sister needs to step down, she is getting too old to run a school. The office staff is rude and needs a class in respect and customer service. There are quite a bit of teachers that really care, however, there are some that do not belong there. I believe they are just placed in positions they shouldnt be. Even though there are some issues, I would pick this school over APS anyday.
--Submitted by a parent

St Marys teaches values that include community, service, stewardship and making a difference. I know the teachers care about the kids.Plus they installed Low-E windows this summer.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending St. Mary's. I believe that the school and administration are excellent. Traditional values are taught and faith is reinforced. I recommend this school to all parents looking for a good school that values education, discipline and faith. The principal is caring and compassionate, but does not accept excuses for poor behavior or grades. Children receive a solid education and more importantly learn responsibility and faith.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a good Catholic education, but lacks the ability to teach skills that will help in high school. Most of the handbook rules are old fashioned and just plain stupid (such as the no jackets in slass rule). The middle school has better education in general. I would not reccommend this school to anyone who won't put up with the rules. They actually have a uniform violation slip that can go home! The principal and vice-principal do not regard any parent complaints and are too harsh on the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

The middle school has really stepped up in challenging and teaching appropritely according to level.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, I was please with the discipline and safety St. Mary's implements, and they have some awesome teachers. I have seen some improvement in St. Mary''s Cirriculum, but I must say I have three children that attended there, and two of them were not prepared for an APS High School curriculum after 8th Grade. They were 'A/B'' students at St. Mary's and were not able to pass the Honors Math and English tests for their freshman year. They struggled through their freshman year of high school, then were able to get back into track their sophomore year. Administration needs to be a bit more customer friendly and listen to the needs of the families attending. The principal is to controlling and needs to listen to the needs of the teachers also.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending for the past 2 years and now my youngest has begun as well. I have to say I wouldn't want my children anywhere else. Academically and spiritually the school is solid. The principle has always been available to talk and is very responsive to us as parents. St. Mary's is a great school-
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's, while there are some dedicated instructors, offers much the same academics as the public schools. The administration is weak, with very little consistency. The site is in adequate condition but could use a more committed custodial staff. The security of the school is good, with a dedicated, on-site security officer. The Art,Sports/PE programs are a strength. The office staff would benefit from a course on customer service.
--Submitted by a parent