God is the center of St. Mary’s Catholic School. Religion is a very important part of our academic program in each grade. Aspects of our religious beliefs are integrated across the curriculum. Service to the Church and community is promoted and celebrated. School-wide discipline is based on respect and responsibility.
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
St. Mary’s offers two different preschool programs. The Pre-Kindergarten class meets three times a week. The Preschool class (three and four-year-olds) meets two times a week. Both program allow the children to be creative and explore during free time. There are many different centers in the room including art, writing areas, a book area, blocks and science activities. Both programs also encourage the children to learn new motor skills during exercise time and recess. Story time enables the children to listen to stories, ask questions, act out plots and share experiences. Stories are read during every class time. Language is also encouraged through Show and Tell and Circle Time. Many different math concepts are incorporated and practiced in class time.
Three-year-olds must be three by July 1st to enroll in the Preschool program. Children must be 5 by July 31 to enroll in the kindergarten program.
A physical and eye examinations, by qualified physician, are required for a child entering school at the kindergarten level, as well as transfer students from out-of-state. Students entering school for the first time must furnish proof of the three doses of DPT/DT vaccine, three doses of polio vaccine, two doses of MMR vaccine, three doses of pediatric Hepatitis B vaccine, and two doses of varicella. Written documentation of varicella disease will be accepted. These are kept on file at the school.
Kindergarten Program
Children attend kindergarten 5 days, all day. Kindergarten focuses on phonemic awareness and developing initial reading skills. Strong vocabulary and primary math skills are emphasized. Spalding Spelling is used as the students begin to spell words. Language for Learning incorporates all aspects of sentences, and creative writing is stressed. The teachers continue to encourage social development.
Grades K-5 Program
St. Mary’s School is fully accredited and offers a quality educational program. Below are the primary areas of study:
Read Naturally is a computer program to improve reading ability.
Accelerated Reader is a computer program that assesses comprehension of the books that students read.
Grades 4-5 uses Sitton Spelling which focuses on spelling words used most often in writing. Knowledge is assessed by sentence dictation.
Two short class activities promote daily review of language concepts (Simple Solutions) and mathematical concepts (Rocket Math).
