St. Mary Star of the Sea School

I am very please with St Mary Star of the Sea School. The emphasis on religion is great and remaining loyal to the magesterium of the Church is outstanding. The environment is safe and the Sisters are great! With the addition of the marine science program, the school is well equipped to educate children in both matters of faith and morals as well as the skills necessary to be successful in the world today.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had the joy of moving around with the military and our children have been able to attend many schools. This is by far our favorite!! St Mary's is like a family as the classes are small, the teachers are nurturing and caring, and the Sisters are so joyful to be around. One of the big selling points when we moved here was the fact that the teachers are all certified teachers. Now that we have been here for three years, there are many more selling points. Our three children are happy and have flourished and grown here--academically and spiritually. We will be moving away this summer and are so worried that we will not find a school that lives up to our high expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

All of my children have attended saint marys since kindergarden. One has graduated to peninsula catholic and have three to go. All the sacrifices that we make is all worth it for our childrens education. I thank all the sisters and teachers at saint marys for the morals,love and catholic education that is continually taught to all. Friendships between the childrens teachers and their peers are bonds that will forever be remembered and cherished. As well as mine with all at saint marys. In my eyes, this school is the best in all of the world.
--Submitted by a teacher

this marks the third year of our family's involvement with SMSSS. we've had a great experience. the teachers are caring & dedicated professionals, who drive my children to do more than average. they care about their interests & foster them. i do wish there were a few other after school activities or opportunities for the younger grade levels (e.g. the marine science project), but i believe that they are trying. i moved to the area & chose the school on faith - it was a great decision.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from St. Mary's in 1994. When my daughter was still in the womb I always knew that this was the school that she would attend. My expectations have been fulfilled and surpassed. You don't find many schools that honestly and truly care about children as much as you see at this school. St. Mary's is unlike no other! Even through the passing years the traditions, morals and expectations have always remained the same. The old saying that goes "You get what you pay for" if you pick St. Mary's you get triple what you pay. Your child will grow and learn into being a respectful and intelligent young adult. Success in education starts at a early age. I promise, you can definitely tell a difference from a child that goes to St. Mary's than a child who goes to a public school or another private school. If you want to give your child the BEST of everything, than St. Mary's should be your number one pick as far as their education.
--Submitted by a parent

As a military family assigned to Langley Air Force Base, we sent all three of our children to Saint Mary Star of the Sea School. The school has dedicated teachers, a great athletic program, and a bus that helps to meet transportation needs. Saint Mary's knows how to prepare students for the academic rigors of High School. Our two oldest now attend UVA and Roanoke College. Compared to other Private Schools in the area, we found the tuition affordable. Tuition assistance is available to qualified applicants.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. It is right on the water which makes it a great place of Marine Biology. The teachers are very approchable and the Sisters are very kind. For Seventh and Eighth grade students there are special Math courses. I would reccomend this shcool to anyone!

As a parent who spent 21 years in the Army, with children ranging from senior in college down to first grade, I feel I have seen many different kinds of schools all over the country. Without reservation I would say Saint Mary Star of the Sea school is one of the best. I find that the teachers try to meet the educational needs of the individual child. At Saint Mary s the faculty use every situation as a teachable moment. They have high expectations of the children, they challenge them to meet those expectations, and they hold them to high standards. I am constantly amazed at the things my child learns particularly about his faith. It makes me realize how little I learned as a child. But in this religious environment my child also learns important social skills like courtesy to adults, being kind to other children, and being grateful for the things he has. Is this a perfect school? Certainly not. Like every school it has areas it can improve on, but concern for the children s education and well-being is their first priority. Is it worth the investment over public schools? Absolutely. As a parent we all know we will have to invest in our child s education. My opinion is, invest early while your children are young, it will pay dividends later when they are applying to college. What you will get for your money is an opportunity for your children to attend a school led by Dominican Sisters, who by their example inspire the faculty to be better in their role as educators.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's is an incredible school! This is our second year at St. Mary's and we are completely impressed! The education is first-rate. The teachers and staff are very student-centered. The small class sizes allow the teachers to give individual attention to each student. As you walk down the halls, you can feel a warm, inviting almosphere where the kids are happy and respectful. The kids greet teachers and parents, and open the doors for them. The 'Golden Rule' is lived here by all, with the perfect example of joy and faith from the Sisters. I am so pleased that my boys are not only being prepared to advance to the next grade, but also being taught critical life skills, such as public speaking and leadership. I highly recommend St. Mary Star of the Sea School!
--Submitted by a parent

Saint Marys is a great school. Both of my kids have attended since kindergarten and they are doing fine. The staff and the teachers really care about the kids and the families. As to the comment someone wrote about not having a fence between the playground and the water, we now have a fence. However, it was never really a concern since you would have to cross a driveway, then a field and only then did you get to Mill Creek, not rough water. Check out the school, most of us love it!
--Submitted by a parent