When considering the best schools in Illinois, it is essential to evaluate various aspects, including the curriculum, extracurricular activities, student-teacher ratios, and the overall educational environment. St. Mary’s School stands out among these institutions, offering a unique blend of traditional and progressive education rooted in Catholic values.
Individualized Attention and Small Class Sizes
One of the primary advantages of St. Mary’s School is its small class sizes. With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, educators can provide personalized attention to each student. This ratio ensures that every child receives the support they need to excel academically and develop personally. Small class sizes also foster a close-knit community where students feel valued and understood.
Comprehensive Curriculum with Real-Life Applications
St. Mary’s School has developed a unique curriculum called CONNECTed. This curriculum, designed by St. Mary’s teachers, integrates real-life inspired subjects such as agriculture, cooking, STEM learning, physical education, and computer skills including typing and coding. The aim is to prepare students not only for academic success but also for practical challenges they may face in the future. By incorporating hands-on learning opportunities, the school ensures that students can apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Outdoor Classroom and Hands-On Learning
The outdoor classroom at St. Mary’s School provides a distinctive space for hands-on learning, play, and prayer. This innovative approach to education allows students to engage with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment. The outdoor classroom is used for various subjects, giving students the chance to learn outside the traditional indoor setting.
Strong Focus on Faith and Community
Faith plays a central role in the education at St. Mary’s School. The school’s mission includes engaging, challenging, and inspiring students to strive for individual excellence as lifelong learners within a Catholic framework. Three cornerstones of faith life at St. Mary’s are liturgy, sacrament, and service. These elements help form a strong foundation for students, allowing them to build meaningful lives based on Catholic Christian values.
Diverse Extracurricular Activities
St. Mary’s School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to various interests and talents. Students can participate in art, theater, athletics for boys and girls, band, music, chess club, and student council. These activities provide opportunities for personal growth and skill development outside the regular academic curriculum.
Liturgy, Sacrament, and Service
Liturgy, sacrament, and service are integral to the St. Mary’s experience. The school community gathers for prayer and worship, celebrating the feasts of the liturgical calendar and participating in traditional liturgies. Sacraments like Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and Confirmation are significant milestones in the students’ spiritual journeys, with parents and the pastor playing active roles in the preparation and celebration of these sacraments.
Service is another cornerstone of the school’s philosophy. St. Mary’s emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, teaching students the value of service from a young age. The student council and classes regularly engage in service projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion in the students.
Academic Assessments and Continuous Improvement
St. Mary’s School employs NWEA/MAP assessments three times a year for students from kindergarten through 8th grade. These assessments provide valuable insights into the progress of individual students, allowing teachers to tailor their instruction to meet each student’s needs. The results also help the school evaluate the effectiveness of its curriculum and make necessary adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.
Welcoming Diverse Families
St. Mary’s School is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes families of diverse faiths and cultures. The school community is built on a solid moral and ethical foundation of faith and academic excellence. As a result, students from various backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging and support.
Preparing Students for the Future
St. Mary’s School aims to develop lifelong learners and followers of Christ who are prepared to become leaders and community builders. The education provided at St. Mary’s equips students with the skills and values they need to succeed in their future endeavors, whether in further education or in their personal and professional lives.
In conclusion, St. Mary’s School offers a comprehensive educational experience that combines academic excellence with faith-based learning. The small class sizes, unique curriculum, strong community focus, and diverse extracurricular activities make St. Mary’s a top choice for families seeking quality education in Illinois.