Testimonials
We are beginning our third year as SMS parents, and we couldn’t be happier. From Montessori through 2nd grade our boys have been learning, growing and nurturing what we believe will be long-lasting relationships with the staff and friends. They look forward to going to school every day and come Summer, they tell us how much they miss being at SMS. Our 2nd grader has been learning the fundamentals of reading and math seamlessly and has also fostered a love for art class. Our younger child enjoyed the Montessori pre-K program, so much so, we decided to continue with the Montessori House for Kindergarten as well. Our eldest also participated in the SMS sports program this year – making new friends and uncovering the important values of hard work, team work and good sportsmanship. As parents of young children who are just beginning their formal learning journey, the environment at SMS was exactly what we were looking for – feeling like you are part of a bigger family, understanding the significance of God in our lives and being able to impact the community through service and gratitude. We recommend SMS to families who are looking for a well-rounded, family-oriented, spiritually centered, and strong academic setting for their children to not only learn but thrive. Maryrose and Mike Huber, Parents Future Classes of 2029 and 2031
I was given the gift to attend St. Mary’s for 7th and 8th grade, and was part of the graduating class of 2017. I was amazed at the environment I encountered. There really is a sense of community in the staff and fellow students. The technology department is amazing and teaches you countless valuable life skills that all young minds need to learn. All of the teachers endeavor on a daily basis to help each and every student achieve academic success. I truly was blessed to be able to attend St. Mary’s. I am happy to say because of the outstanding education I received at St. Mary’s, I made the honor roll at my current high school. I highly recommend St. Mary’s for any young mind eager to learn. JP Brewster, Alum Class of 2017
St. Mary’s is designed to educate the entire person and to promote social justice with a strong commitment to the students and community. This is evident as students experience the first-hand dedication to service through the church and school’s assistance to those less fortunate. Faith is taught as a way to live and interact with everyone – with kindness, consideration, and integrity. St. Mary’s students also compete in academics which pushes one another to be their best! As each of our children leaves or has left St. Mary’s, we know they did and will with a wealth of knowledge, a kindred spirit and hearts full of love while continuing to use their God-given gifts and talents to the best of their ability as they move/moved on to high school! Due to location and distance, our St. Mary’s graduates have attended public high school and did so moving on into honors classes and entered 10th-grade math, Spanish and science classes their freshmen years, opening up time in 11th and 12th grades for extra courses that would help in their chosen areas of study in college. We are grateful for the foundation that our children received at St. Mary’s School, it is one that has proven to stay with them for the long haul! Mike and Carolyn Luick, Parents Classes of 2015, 2017, and 2019
I have found over the years that the students from St. Mary’s Swormville come to Mount St. Mary extremely well-prepared for the academic rigors of high school. They are good time managers and have learned how to learn. St. Mary’s Swormville students have had broad exposure to learning opportunities, and this makes them eager to take on challenges both inside and outside the classroom at Mount St. Mary. In addition, they come to us ready to be leaders and to serve others, two qualities very important to us at Mount St. Mary. Our Catholic faith is central to every experience at Mount St. Mary, just as it is at St. Mary’s Swormville. Students from St. Mary’s have a strong foundation in their faith and this translates well to high school and beyond. Students’ faith experiences shape who they become as they seek answers to life’s questions in the light of Christ’s teachings. We find that St. Mary’s students have had many opportunities to serve others, and they understand the importance of helping those in need. Julie R. Wojick Former Assistant Principal for Institutional Advancement, Mount St. Mary Academy
We wish we could have found St. Mary School Swormville sooner and loved them longer! Coming from a large public school district, we have watched our son flourish and excel with advanced academic placement, small class sizes, nurturing teachers, and an environment that teaches our son respect, Jesus and kindness not only to teachers but to classmates. The amount of love and encouragement at St. Marys is a breath of fresh air, especially in recent events. There’s no other place we would want our son to BEE! Sheri and Brian Scholl Parents, Future Class of 2024
We are so proud to have placed our four boys at St. Mary School. With the last of our children now moving on to high school, we have reflected on how blessed we are for the academics, the faith, the faculty and the kinship that is St. Mary School. Not only did our children leave St. Mary’s well prepared for the rigors of high school, they left with a deep sense of Christ-centered values. Even in high school, our children often comment on how their closest friends are from the relationships they made at St. Mary’s.. St. Mary’s offers you more than just a school. It offers families an opportunity to raise well-rounded young people through their focus on the whole child; mind, body and soul. John and Colleen Nettina, Parents Classes of 2015, 2018, and 2019
If you’re looking for a Catholic school for your children, take it from a “new family” – choose St. Mary School. You will not be disappointed! From parish leadership to school leadership, teachers, staff, families and fellow students, it doesn’t get any better. St. Mary’s is the perfect size for our family and it will be for yours as well! In addition to a quality education that’s inclusive of all the latest technology, the way St. Mary’s helps develop our children into good people is an extension of everything we try to teach at our kitchen table every night. How to be kind and respect others. How to embrace differences. How to be charitable. These are the values, that in addition to a quality education; we were looking for in a school. We get that and so much more from St. Mary! Tim Marren, Parent Future Classes of 2026, 2029
Changing schools was a daunting task for us. We didn’t know where to begin, but we knew we could no longer stay where we were. St. Mary’s made it all so easy, doing everything for us and requiring so little from us. After one meeting with the principal and key faculty/staff members, I knew we were in the best hands. I immediately trusted them to help my daughter become a happy and successful student. The transition was seamless, clearly demonstrating their understanding of a difficult time for us. We were never just another family walking through the front doors. In fact, the attention given to us and the time spent with us made us feel like we were the only family! When it comes to private schools, we all have choices. Many of them talk a good game, but fall short in their service to both the students and their families. St. Mary’s helps their students achieve their own individual goals. All faculty and staff are highly trained to engage the students to be successful at every level – academically, socially, and spiritually. The principal is involved in all aspects of school life – from administration, to reading stories to the younger students, to working our fundraisers. The children enjoy her frequent classroom visits and her attention to their work. St. Mary’s has given my daughter the tools and the confidence she needs to perform her best. The staff’s dedication to each and every student is unprecedented. In only 8 months, my daughter was no longer struggles to perform in school. There are no more tears in the morning. There are no more insurmountable piles of homework. She is now enjoying high honors, she’s playing an instrument in an advanced group, and she’s an altar server – in front of her peers at school Masses! Being part of a smaller faith-based school has many benefits. At St. Mary’s, you become a member of a wonderful family. My daughter’s teachers know her as a person, not just as a student! They fully practice an open-door policy where communication is quick and easy, promoting a relaxed environment. St. Mary’s appreciates how important each and every one of us is and they are readily available to serve the needs of the students and their families. My only regret is that we didn’t come here sooner! Kathy Trigilio, Parent Future Class of 2023