We have a full range (grade-wise, abilities-wise and interests-wise) of kids there, and we have been SO pleased. The curriculum has gone back to a more classical curriculum - Orton-Gillingham/strong phonics in the younger grades, more emphasis on, for instance, reading the classics in the older grades.

We did have reservations about the strength of the middle school math curriculum a few years back, when my oldest started middle school (and his math MAP test scores started falling - this was something we had been warned about). But, the school has done a complete 180, switched out some of the less effective math teachers, and now my kiddo's math scores have risen back into the 90's in standardized testing again, and he's placed into Algebra 1 for 8th grade.

The school is also very strong in traditional Catholic/Christian values, with weekly lessons in religion class on living these values in everyday life, and student of the month awards given for children who have exemplified these values/virtues.

In addition, we found that the larger school size (relative to other Catholic schools; however, it's still only 3 classes per grade) has allowed the kids to both have more distance from any kids they don't jibe with (nothing worse than getting stuck with the same kids for full 9 years), as well as the benefit of many different clubs, programs and after school activities that the other catholics lack the resources to offer.

Hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:Did St. Mary’s ever straighten out the middle school? Last I heard it was having problems.

Yes, after an admittedly chaotic year two years ago when several 8th grade teachers left mid-year, the middle school seems to be back on track. As a current school parent, I am grateful to the Middle School AP who understood first-hand the academic concerns and addressed the issues.

BSSM is a strong school, not perfect (no school is!), but a positive Catholic academic experience for students.

To be candid, I will say the main concern among school parents is excessive spending. This issue can be fixed with parental pressure asking for a shift in focus to academic spending versus beautification efforts.

Anonymous wrote:Did St. Mary’s ever straighten out the middle school? Last I heard it was having problems.

My understanding is that it’s improved.

Run! Bad education that does not prepare for high school! Money for fundraising does not make sense…. Look into the money!

Anonymous wrote:Is this the really conservative anti science st Mary’s?

What? Catholics believe in science and evolution. Go away.

Is this the really conservative anti science st Mary’s?

Did St. Mary’s ever straighten out the middle school? Last I heard it was having problems.

Also check out St. Louis. Same curriculum, different vibe.

I had 3 DC attend BSSM, youngest in HS now. We had a great experience there.

So many posts about St. Mary's. Use the search function. My kids went through K-8 there and then on to rigorous Catholic high schools and top 15 universities. St. Mary's installed a good foundation for all of that. Is it perfect? No. But it is a very good school.

Considering this for my rising Kindergartener. Does anyone have direct experience with this school? If so, please tell us your experience!