The School of St. Mary is committed to the development of the unique gifts of each child - spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional.
In a supportive atmosphere, students are challenged to academic excellence and are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success.
In an atmosphere that deepens Christian values, students experience prayer and worship and are encouraged to make responsible decisions for themselves and to cooperate with and care for others.
Faith development, self-awareness, academic achievement, and community responsibility are emphasized in order to prepare the children to be contributing Christian citizens in the society of the future.
The mission is accomplished in a partnership of cooperative parents, supportive parishioners, and qualified faculty.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 425 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,939
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
School Of St. Mary ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia / Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1917
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 14, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2012, 2020
Student Body
Total Students
425 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
4%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
5%
Average Class Size
19 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms: Navy pants or plaid skirt and white shirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,939
Tuition Notes
Tuition listed is the Parishioner rate for 1 child.
% on Financial Aid
5%
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Mandy Castle
Admissions Associate
Mandy Castle
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Newspaper Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Choir
Chess Club, Newspaper Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Choir
School Notes
- From the youngest Primary Grade Center preschooler to the most mature 8th-grader at the Upper Grade Center, a School of St. Mary Crusader demonstrates genuine school pride, a sense of community, personal confidence, Catholic values, and a deep commitment to serving others. Faith development, self-awareness, academic achievement, and responsibility prepare our students to be leaders with high integrity.
- St. Mary`s believes in educating the whole child both in the classroom and out. Our students benefit from a rigorous, differentiated academic curriculum. Faculty offer acceleration as well as honors courses. We are blessed with a state-of-the-art STEAM lab, Spanish instruction, art appreciation as well as music theory and performance. The United States Department of Education has three times recognized the School of St. Mary as a National Blue Ribbon School, in the category of academic excellence. Only 38 private schools in the country have ever received this award three times.
- For more than 100 years, the School of St. Mary has forged a partnership with parents and parishioners at the Church of St. Mary. We remain steadfast to our motto: To Learn, To Serve, To Lead. Call today to see these words in action
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does School Of St. Mary cost?
School Of St. Mary's tuition is approximately $10,939 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of School Of St. Mary?
The acceptance rate of School Of St. Mary is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
What sports does School Of St. Mary offer?
School Of St. Mary offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is School Of St. Mary's ranking?
School Of St. Mary ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for School Of St. Mary?
The application deadline for School Of St. Mary is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the School Of St. Mary below.
School Reviews
Endorse School Of St. Mary. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a 17³Ô¹Ï Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.

How to Secure a 17³Ô¹Ï Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.

The 17³Ô¹Ï Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.