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About St. Mary's

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Living as Christ

Jesus was a teacher.  It is from his example that the teachers of St. Mary's School draw their inspiration and guidance.  Our mission is to pass to our students a love of learning entwined with Gospel values. Like Jesus, we want our students and staff to be the disciples of Christ as they live out their lives.  In order to best achieve that goal, a rigorous curriculum, service to others and love of neighbor and self are paramount values lived out daily at St. Mary's.  Because of Jesus' loving example, we don't have to reinvent what if means to create a loving atmosphere in which to teach and learn.  We just follow the lead of the master teacher.

Our Philosophy

St. Mary's School is based on the belief that each child is a unique individual. It is believed that students can best grow to their fullest potential in a God-oriented atmosphere. We believe growth in spirituality is fostered by active participation in the Eucharistic Liturgy, in the study of religion, and in a variety of service projects that serve the needs of others. We believe that the school staff must work closely with parents, as well as the Parish community. We also believe that, as role models for children, parents and school personnel should continue to grow in spirituality and knowledge.

​Each Teacher is a Catechist

Because the Catholic faith is at the center of our mission, the teachers who work at St. Mary's are all Catechetically Certified. What that means is that by centering ourselves on the person of Jesus Christ, we are integrated in four fundamental dimensions of formation: the catechist as a person of Faith; an understanding of the person being catechized; methods used in teaching and witnessing to Faith; and the content of the message of Faith. Pope Benedict said, "Without adequate education in the Faith, no lasting and profound evangelization, no growth or maturation, no change in mentalities and cultures is possible." As catechists, we 'echo' the Gospel every day.

​Well-Rounded Curriculum

The curriculum in our school aligns with the Mission of the Catholic School; that of providing religious education and spiritual development; and that of equipping our students to be responsible citizens in our society.
To carry out this Mission, our curriculum incorporates:

• Formal and informal learning
• Summative and formative assessments
• Differentiated instruction
• Catholic Christian values lessons that are modeled, observed, and experienced
• Research, discovery, and guided exploration
• Cooperative projects
• Direct instruction
• Technology innovations
• Our 6th-8th grade students can participate in our own school Cyclone basketball program in addition to cooperative participation in other sports offered in our neighboring school districts like Spring Lake and Grand Haven Public Schools, and  Muskegon Catholic Central.

Service In Jesus

At St. Mary's School, we honor the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by participating in multiple service opportunities.

• We believe that when service to others is begun early, it becomes a lifelong, personal ministry.
• Like Jesus, we believe that every life is precious in God's eyes and it is our obligation to seek to comfort those most in need.
• Each classroom participates in service projects throughout the year.