ABOUT US

Why St. Mary’s Catholic School?

Welcome to St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School, where academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a supportive community come together to provide an education that goes beyond the classroom. With over 60 years of serving families in Mendocino and Lake Counties, St. Mary’s is committed to nurturing each student’s academic, personal, and spiritual development.

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School has been the sole center of Catholic education in Mendocino County since 1953. Ours has been a history of academic excellence rooted in our primary purpose of proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. We, teachers, parents, and students, form a faith community in which each child is valued as a unique and precious person. Our relationships are characterized by respect, responsibility, and joy.

Here’s why families choose St. Mary’s for their children:

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

At St. Mary’s, we believe every child has the potential to excel. Our rigorous academic program is designed to challenge students while providing the support they need to thrive. We recognize parents as the primary educators, and our partnership with families ensures each child receives a well-rounded education that fosters a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Starting in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), our students participate in co-curricular classes like Spanish, Music and Gardening.

• Advanced Math Curriculum: Our students have the opportunity to progress up to two grades above their current level in math. By the time they graduate 8th grade, many have completed courses like Geometry and Algebra II, setting them up for success in high school and beyond.
• Comprehensive Junior High Electives: We offer a diverse range of electives, including Finance & Investing, Wilderness Survival Skills, Sports Medicine & Kinesiology, and more, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
• Spanish from Transitional Kindergarten: Starting in TK, students begin their journey in Spanish language acquisition. By the time they reach 7th and 8th grade, students are in advanced Spanish and able to test out of Spanish I when they reach high school.
• Music and Creative Arts: Our students not only learn to appreciate music but actively participate in it by singing, reading notes, and playing various instruments. Our comprehensive music program encourages self-discipline, collaboration, and creativity. Students showcase their talents at events like our annual Christmas Program, Mardi Gras, and the Talent Show.
• Gardening: Our students dig into gardening, where they not only learn about the environment, healthy lifestyles, and teamwork but also develop a deep appreciation for nature’s cycles and the importance of sustainability. Through hands-on experience, students cultivate responsibility, patience, and a sense of accomplishment as they see their efforts bloom.

OUTSTANDING RESULTS

Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our students’ achievements. Based on standardized Star Testing results, at the end of the 2022 school year:

• 71% of St. Mary’s School students were at or above grade level in Math, compared to just 18.9% of students in local public schools.
• 55% of St. Mary’s School students were at or above grade level in English, outperforming the 29.7% of students in Ukiah Unified.

FAITH-FILLED EDUCATION

Faith is at the core of everything we do at St. Mary’s School. Our primary purpose is to develop and proclaim a personal relationship with God, which is fostered by our commitment to making St. Mary’s a community of faith built on reverence for each person’s dignity, uniqueness, and self-worth.

• Theology Curriculum: Beginning in TK, our students are immersed in a faith-based education that grows with them. Our curriculum covers Catholic teachings and values, preparing students for important sacraments like First Communion and Confirmation.
• Masses: Students participate in student-led Masses twice a month, fostering a deep connection with their faith and the school community.

SERVICE TO OTHERS

Service is a fundamental part of a St. Mary’s education. We believe that instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion in our students helps them grow into well-rounded individuals who are committed to making a difference. At St. Mary’s, students are taught from an early age to reach out and help others in the community.

• Community Service Hours: Our junior high students are required to complete service hours each year, volunteering for local organizations and participating in school-wide service activities. This experience teaches them the value of giving back and helps develop important leadership skills.
• School-Wide Drives: Throughout the year, our students lead initiatives such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive, RCS Giving Tree at Christmas, and other donation efforts to support those in need within our community.

A SUPPORTIVE AND CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY

At St. Mary’s School, we pride ourselves on being more than just a school—we’re a family. Our close-knit community is dedicated to supporting each other and fostering a positive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Our school is known in the community for its high academic standards, drawing from both Catholic and non-Catholic families.

• Parent Involvement: We cherish the active participation of our parents, who volunteer in classrooms, organize events, and contribute to the school’s vibrant community life. With their help, we create an environment where students receive the personalized attention they need to succeed. All volunteers, chaperones on field trips, coaches and classroom helpers are fingerprinted and screened and must complete a training program prior to being around students.
• Long-Standing Traditions: From Mardi Gras and the Halloween Carnival to Grandparent’s Day and the Alumni vs. Faculty basketball game, our rich history of traditions builds school spirit and lifelong memories for our students.
• Safe and Nurturing Environment: Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. Our campus is equipped with security systems, and we foster a culture of respect and kindness, making St. Mary’s a place where students feel secure and supported.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

At St. Mary’s, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential, regardless of their financial background. The St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School Legacy of Learning Fund is our commitment to this belief—a promise to secure not just today’s educational needs but to safeguard the future of learning for generations to come. Tuition assistance is afforded to students with a demonstrated financial need and has no bearing on admission.

ACCREDITATION

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).