Testimonials

A father of one of our students explains why he and his wife sent their daughter to St. Mary's School.

"St. Mary's School is a wonderful little school!  I attended SMS, my daughters attended SMS, and so did my siblings and their children.  My mother and her siblings also went to the old St. Mary's School!

St. Mary's is a great place to receive a positive educational experience in a caring environment.  Teachers strive to reach students at all levels within the classroom.  It is also a place where treating one another with respect and dignity are expected.  Everyone knows your name here and there is a feeling of family!

I've always said St. Mary's provides a solid foundation academically and morally for children to take with them when they move on to other schools and to be successful in the choices they make.

I spent many years working at SMS as the administrative assistant and have seen many changes here and I still feel it is THE school for elementary children!"

-Kris Haynes, former student, former parent, former Administrative Assistant

"We noticed our son who has anxiety was getting lost in the shuffle and losing his love for learning while in public school. Grades then started to drop some and getting him to go was even more of a challenge. We reached out to a long time friend who also works here and she said "bring him here, he will have a smaller class size and get the help he needs to find his love of learning again". We started here in 3rd grade and now he is finishing up 6th grade. His confidence is back up along with his love for wanting to learn everything. Since we have seen amazing things with our oldest, we are planning to start our youngest here right away in pre-k."

-Granger family, current Staff member and parent

"St. Mary’s School is more than just a school. It is a family atmosphere with exceptional teachers and staff. My kids have thrived while attending St. Mary’s School. It is a blessing to have such a special school in Niles."

-Mercedee Dillard, current parent

"St. Mary’s School has always encouraged and supported its students in making real life differences in others. This is done throughout the year from food collections for the Christian Service Center and by taking food parishioners drop off at the church to the center. St. Mary’s students help with community projects, and they assist Father Christian with mass as readers and altar servers. Students pray for those in their families, in our community, in our world, and those who need help quickly when they hear emergency vehicles pass by school with sirens on. All of these special activities help St. Mary’s students learn how to care, to participate, to volunteer, to notice the world around them, and how they can make it better. "

-Lisa Frucci, former teacher, current tutor

"After 37 years teaching in public schools, I retired. That fall, I was asked to teach the 2nd/3rd graders at St. Mary’s. After five years, I retired again, but was asked to return to teach Spanish, and later Music. I am currently in my 11th year. I have stayed for several reasons:

• I was warmly welcomed from day one.

• My co-workers have been some of the hardest working teachers, parapros, secretaries and principals I have ever known. They plan tirelessly to provide an excellent learning environment and engaging lessons. 

• They are never too busy to help a student or co-worker and are generous with their time and talents.

But the main reason I have stayed is the caring environment here. During the past decade, both students and staff have experienced the loss of a parent, serious illness, and/ other traumas, as well as the COVID experience. Staff and students have repeatedly come together to provide comfort, encouragement, a listening ear, or a much needed hug. LOVE truly lives here."

-Patricia Baltazar, current Specials teacher

"In short:  We sent our kids to St Mary's because we were dedicated to them receiving an education based on the Catholic faith with small class sizes, and wanted them to be surrounded by people with loving hearts.  It has been worth every penny.  

In....long:  In thinking long and hard about why to send our children to St Mary's, all of these reasons came to mind:

• Without the availability of a local Catholic high school, we knew that eventually our kids would "age out", and move out of St Mary's.  This was a fear of mine for them - they were going to be the "new kids" at the public high school.  My husband and I really thought about this, and came to the conclusion that, "being new is a part of life.  The first day of college, first day on the job, first day in the PTA....they are going to be 'new'.  Getting kids comfortable to being 'new' and therefore out of their comfort zone is a life skill they will need."

• "It's not flashy", some may complain. On the flip side of this, our kids are getting an education without the distraction of each student having their own chromebook, and they are learning skills they wouldn't learn in a public school, such as cursive, chess, and Spanish.  

• They are being taught by, and cared for, loving people with servant's hearts.  

• The small class sizes ensure our kids will get challenged if they are advanced, and get help if they are falling behind.  

• Yes, it's costly.  But what better investment to make in your child?  This is more important than youth soccer, dance, and summer camp combined.  We only get one shot to raise our kids.  Surround them with faith based education."

-Jennifer Keck, current parent

"Our family has been involved with Saint Mary’s for 4 years with 3 children in attendance.  We value the close-knit atmosphere and strong religious education.  We find solace in the island of traditional values that Saint Mary’s provides in a secular world.  Our daughters are learning and growing with the wonderful children of like-minded families.  We love to see our daughters exercise their confidence and reading skills when they perform the role of lector at Friday morning mass.  Saint Mary’s is a fantastic school, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to become part of the Saint Mary’s family."

-The Warner Family, current family

"We are in our 3rd year at St. Mary’s School and plan to continue until our son ages out. As soon as he is old enough, Jason’s little brother will be joining him. We chose St. Mary’s School when we felt we had to change schools for my son’s welfare, mental health, and happiness. 

Our child started school with an IEP but has progressed to the point of no longer needing one. We appreciate the small class sizes making one-on-one instruction easily accessible when needed. We have seen so much progress in areas in which he was not previously excelling, along with patience and understanding in areas that needed more growth. 

When I have been able to join in school activities, I have seen true passion in teaching. Teachers at St. Mary’s School have made connections with our son and are guiding him to enjoy school and his education. I feel at ease when I am unable to attend school activities because I know the staff will be there for him and will make sure he is safe and has a good time. 

The teachers and staff care for the well being of our children even after hours. I know they will continue to provide guidance, support, and cheer him on to be the best he can be for years to come. We feel like the staff at St. Mary’s is family and we are part of the village. 

As a Catholic family, receiving his religious education while in school leaves more time on the weekends for family activities. The well-rounded education our son is receiving is essential in preparing for success in school and beyond."

-The Long Family, current family

-Kathy and Joe Marazita, Alumni family