St Mary's High School

A few years ago, St. Mary's High School kept up to its high standards. The education was extraordinary, the administration/leadership was decent, and the overall community felt positive and welcoming. The same cannot be said for the current state of the school.

Although the teachers still do a good job at educating students and providing help to students, the quality of education has decreased. Many teachers left during the year of COVID, and now, more are considering leaving. The school blames it mainly on retirement and COVID. yet they are not the only factors that contribute to the uncertainty given when a teacher leaves. The main issue lies in management. The administration has failed and continues to fail to lead this school to a better future. There is too much uncertainty and confusion that circles around the administration, and once ideas need to be fixed/carried out, nobody knows who is going to do it or what is going on. Students are lied to, teachers are lied to, and teachers are blamed. The school, in one year alone, has fired two teachers. Staff members have also left during the year, and so have MANY students. More are considering transferring schools next year.
Looking back, St. Mary's had a fun, welcoming, and exciting atmosphere. This has changed in recent years. During the shadow days, while I attended grade school, the overall atmosphere made me less nervous for high school and excited to come. Now, all of the students and teachers seem stressed, as if they would take the first chance they could get to leave. The senior class has roughly 60 students, yet the freshman class has only roughly 30-40 students. These numbers seem alright until compared to the numbers shown just a few years ago. Websites feature that the tuition is only 9,500 dollars-10,200 dollars. The baseline tuition for the 2022-2023 school year has raised to 11,900 (before financial aid). This is most likely due to the lack of enrollment the school is facing.

Credit must also be given to the positives. 95 of the teachers make students feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms. The lunches have improved, and this year are $5 a meal. The events and sports games are still fun and enjoyable. The sports at the school provide a sense of community, and there is a decent variety.

St. Mary's High School has lost its worth in the community. Please consider sending your children somewhere else, because this school is no longer worth $10,000+.

St. Mary's environment is the best! Not only are their academics incredible but their small class sizes allow each and every student to shine! ACT/SAT scores are above average for the local, state and national level. You only educate your child once. No regrets.

I have two children attending St. Mary's. I have watched their ability to critically think improve each year. They have exceeded the state average for the ACT by 5 points. They have been able to play the sports they desired at the varsity level. The faculty is outstanding and hold the students accountable for both the timeliness and quality of their work, and the personal behavior. The success of previous graduating classes both in terms of college success and scholarship money won, is testament to how well this school works. This school is an investment in your child both academically and morally.