School Of St. Mary
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School Of St. Mary is a private school in Lake Forest, Illinois cofounded in 1917 by Rev. Peter A. Klein and the Bishop of Chicago, Bradley R. Weinberger. St. Mary's serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The facilities are located on two campuses. The Primary Grade Center (aka PGC) serves grades PK-3 and is located near St. Patrick’s Parish on the west side of Lake Forest. The Upper Grade Center (aka UGC) is located on the east side of Lake Forest next to the Church of St. Mary and serves fourth through eighth grade students.
The School of St. Mary provides a Catholic educational program in a disciplined, positive environment where each student receives a sound education in basic skills, critical thinking skills, and decision making. Development of human relationships and service to others are integral to the learning experience. Opportunities are provided for all students to develop their God-given gifts to their fullest potential.
This philosophy is rooted in the following beliefs:
• Each student must be provided with opportunities for prayer, worship, and Christian service.
• The Gospel message must be taught and sacramental preparation provided in supportive community surroundings.
• Catholic education, rooted in rich Catholic heritage, provides a unique setting for developing young Christian leaders.
• Christian moral values must be taught through classroom instruction and the positive example of the faculty.
• A dedicated, energetic staff can create a positive environment in which optimum conditions for modeling Christian behavior exist.
• Ongoing faith development and professional development of the faculty are important to the growth of the Christian Educational Community of the School of St. Mary.
• An environment that fosters the spiritual and personal development of each child are key to success.
• All students have the ability to learn and are responsible for their own learning; therefore, they should have the opportunity to develop their fullest potential as individuals, committed to their vocation as students.
• Ongoing curriculum development is necessary, curriculum that will awaken the student’s curiosity, as well as lead the student to understanding the interrelationships inherent in all learning.
• Evaluation of the learning process is necessary in order to help students realize their progress and motivate them toward independence.
• The school must create an environment conducive to learning. This is best achieved by providing a variety of learning experiences.
• An interdisciplinary program encourages the students to function responsibly as an individual and as a member of our faith community.
• The curriculum, in all areas, must provide opportunities that encourage self-direction and foster a positive self-image for each student.
• Mutual respect for the talents, rights, and property of others must be encouraged.
• The education of a child starts in the home, is continued by the school, and supported by the community; each group in this partnership must take responsibility for implementing this community endeavor.
• Communication and cooperation between and among students, parents, and staff is vital to a healthy school environment.
• School wide improvement comes from ongoing planning which is the result of periodic reexamination and revision of policies and priorities in all curricular and extra-curricular areas.
PRAYER AND LITURGY
The regular celebration of the Eucharist, paraliturgies, and prayer services are an integral part of the spiritual development of each student, as well as the entire Catholic education community of the School of St. Mary. Students participate in the preparation and celebration of these liturgies. Parents are welcome to attend.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students of the School of St. Mary participate in the sacramental life of the parish. Students in second grade will celebrate First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students in eighth grade will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Parent involvement in the faith development of students is very important. Parents are expected to participate in the parent meetings related to the sacrament.
SERVICE
Service is an integral part of each student’s Catholic education at the School of St. Mary — an experience of both giving and receiving from those served. Toward this end, the school’s service program, sponsored and organized by the Upper School Committee, is designed to help students become aware of the varying needs of the wider community and to respond actively to those needs. Parental involvement, a critical component of the service program, provides students with Christian role models and promotes students’ independent desire to serve others. Thus, family participation in service projects is encouraged. In addition, all students are expected to participate in class service projects that are accomplished within the school day.
