About Us

Why Catholic Education

Why Catholic Education

Now, more than ever, the world needs what Catholic schools have to offer.

So it’s time to tell everyone what we’re about. To find a fresh way to show what makes a Catholic education special: the high standards, the moral foundation and the positive, compassionate energy our society needs right now.

Our story starts with our heritage. Going back to 1634, when Maryland was settled as a refuge for English Catholics. Going back to 1789, when the Archdiocese of Baltimore was established as the first Catholic diocese in the United States. To 1810, when Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton laid the foundation for the Catholic school system in the United States by opening her school for girls in Baltimore. And to 1829, when Mother Mary Lange founded America’s first Catholic school for girls of color.

That spirit of education has been in our hearts ever since, and it’s played out in our schools every day. Here, every student is valued. Learning is celebrated. Faith is strengthened. And we provide the rigorous, advanced education that our children need.

And for all of us, clergy, religious and laity, providing that education is far more than a job. It’s a higher calling.

After all, Catholic schools are founded in faith. Helping students realize the full potential of their God given abilities. Bringing Christ’s message of service to others above self; the promise of eternal life that raises Catholic education to a higher level.

We also demonstrate that Catholic schools rise to the high standards of instruction today’s world demands, particularly in math, science and technology.

And to do all of that in a way that no one else could claim: an identity that could only belong to the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Our schools challenge students and teachers to go beyond the status quo and exceed expectations.

For theArchdiocese of Baltimore: Catholic Schools, Rise Above.

“St. Mary Catholic School” – What sets us apart from other schools?

What makes us very special?  Our identity, our CATHOLIC identity! In addition to the wide-range of academic and special courses that are taught, our students are reminded daily of the importance of prayer in their lives and the importance of living their lives as God asks us all to do.  Our Catholic identity is shown and lived by:

  • St. Mary Catholic School Daily Prayer Offering
  • Grades 3 through 8 attendance at Daily Mass on a rotating basis 
  • Monthly Masses attended by Grades K through 8
  • Penance Service and Confessions during Advent and Lent
  • Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent
  • Rosary during October and May in honor of our Blessed Mother
  • Daily religion classes
Part of our Catholic identity is honoring our namesake, our Blessed Mother, Mary. Our students are taught by trained, dedicated, caring, and loving teachers who are proud of the Catholic heritage found at St. Mary Catholic School. Since 1874, St. Mary Catholic School has been steeped in our Catholic identity, and we continue to follow this path today. Students of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds come together at St. Mary. We are proud of our record of having produced many graduates that have gone on to become leaders in our community and beyond. With the grace of God and the intercession of the Blessed Mother, we will continue our efforts for many years to come.

Interested in Learning More about our Catholic School?

In choosing St. Mary Catholic School, you are investing in your child’s tomorrow. For over 145 years students and families have been entrusting SMCS for educational excellence – spiritually, academically, and socially. We invite you to visit our campus in historic Hagerstown, Maryland to learn more about our school as well as our school community.

Registration for the 2024-25 school year is now open!