About our School

 

Our Mission

Saint Mary Schools' tradition of commitment to Catholic Education extends to students from Pre-School through Grade 12. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where excellent teaching and innovation develop effective communication, independent thinking and creative problem solving. We strive to instill in our students sound moral and spiritual values rooted in the teachings of Jesus, enabling them to live in a culturally diverse world.

Our Vision

We envision Saint Mary Schools as a safe, exciting and challenging place
where students enthusiastically participate in learning experiences that are facilitated by well-prepared and committed educators. Integral to this vision is the creative allocation of the resources of our campus for each level of learning.

Our History

Saint Mary Elementary School was the dream of Father William F. Grady, pastor of Saint Mary from 1908-1915. That dream was realizaed under his successor, Father James. J. Smith, just eight short years after the parish itself was begun. It was Fr. Smith who donated the statue of Christ embracing a small boy and girl that originally stood at the entrance to the school that now graces the third floor stairwell on Chestnut Street. The inscription reads:

Learn of Me, for I am Meek and Humble of Heart.

September 27, 1916 was the first day of school for the first students of Saint Mary Elementary School. About 100 students were enrolled. The first faculty consisted of four sisters of Saint Dominic, who came from a community in Jersey City. The first Principal was Sister M. Loyola. They were already teaching weekly catechism classes at Sacred Heart Parish in Lyndhurst and soon were prevailed upon to be the first teachers at Saint Mary. Today all of our faculty are members of the laity, but are no less a community of faith in Catholic education.

Saint Mary Elementary Today

Throughout its years Saint Mary Elementary School has remained a vital part of Rutherford and Saint Mary Parish. It succeeds now as it did in 1916 in instilling in its students a love of God and a love of learning. With the help of God and the love and support of its Principal, teachers, students, families and parish, it will continue to do well into the future.

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