About Us
Why Catholic EducationWhy 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’s 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:
- Integration of the Catholic Virtues of Practice
- Grades 2 through 8 attendance at Daily Mass
- Friday Mass attended by Grades Pre-K through 8
- Weekly opportunities for Confessions
- Daily religion classes
- Prayer corners in each classroom for reflection and personal devotion. Each prayer corner features a statue of Our Blessed Mother as the focal point, a Bible, prayer cards, books of prayers, and Rosaries.
- Crucifixes are displayed in every classroom, office, and hallway, reminding students of Christ’s presence throughout the school.
- Prayer at the beginning of each class to center students’ minds and hearts on God.
- Prayer at the beginning and end of lunch, fostering gratitude and mindfulness.
- Prayer after recess, helping students refocus and re-center on God as they return to learning.
- Student-led Rosary, as well as Rosary prayed when the priest is away or ill.
- Stations of the Cross during Lent, providing students with an opportunity to meditate on Christ’s Passion and deepen their spiritual understanding.
- Monthly school-wide prayer focus, encouraging students to develop familiarity with traditional Catholic prayers
Interested in Learning More about our Catholic School?
In choosing St. Mary's Catholic School, you are investing in your child’s tomorrow. For 150 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.