Admissions
FAQsFrequently Asked Questions about St. Mary Catholic School
What does SMCS look for in an applicant?
We strive for diversity and inclusion at SMCS and we evaluate application based on each child’s potential to succeed in our school’s unique and challenging educational environment.
How do I submit an application?
All new applicants will complete and online application using Finalsite Enrollment. Click here to start your application: https://stmarycatholicschool.fsenrollment.com/users/sign_in.
Where do SMCS graduates attend high school?
A number of our graduates attend Mercersburg Academy, St. James School, North Hagerstown High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, and the Barbara Ingram School. A few students each year move on to other private schools or public schools in the area. Details about are graduates are here: http://stmarycatholicschool.org/admissions/our-graduates/
What are the school hours?
Students are to arrive between 7:55 and 8:15 A.M., enter through the Primary Doors, and go directly to their homerooms. The school doors will remain locked, but a staff member will be stationed at the Primary Doors to welcome the students into the building. Only students may enter the building through the Primary Doors. (All visitors must enter through the front office.) After the 8:15 A.M. late bell, students must enter the school through the front office. If a child is late, you must bring him or her through the front entrance door (218 W. Washington Street), where the child will be given a tardy slip to take to his/her teacher. There is no supervision for children arriving before 7:55 A.M.
Dismissal will begin at 3:15 PM on full days and at 12:15 AM on early dismissal days, unless otherwise announced.
How does the school day begin?
The entire school participates in Morning Prayer and announcements at 8:15 am. Students grades 3-8 attend Daily Mass. Pre-K through 2nd grade attend Mass on Friday mornings.
Is there an after school care program?
St. Mary Catholic School offers an optional after care program from 3:15 to 5:30 PM on full school days.
Read more here: http://stmarycatholicschool.org/families-friends/after-school-care/.
How do I contact the school office?
The school phone number is 301-733-1184. The school fax number is 301-745-4997.
How is information communicated to school families?
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is the first Catholic school system in the nation to use PowerSchool, an internet-based student information system that tracks a wealth of information including grades and attendance. Parent Access is a tool provided by PowerSchool and the Archdiocese of Baltimore to allow parents access to their child’s grades and attendance.
School-wide emails and notifications are sent via email alerts. Also, homeroom teachers keep parents informed of grade-specific events and assignments via email and take home papers.
What should I do if my child will be late, is home sick, or has to leave school early?
If your child will be late or absent, please call the school office at 301-733-1184. Parents must send a note with the child when returning to school. If you will be picking up your child early, please send a note to the teacher or call the school office so that your child will be ready when you arrive.
Is there a hot lunch program?
Yes, SMCS offers a daily hot lunch program in the school cafeteria, the Crusader Café. In addition to the meal of the day, a hot dog or salad (with or without meat) are offered daily. Lunch is $4.50 per meal and are billed through FACTS weekly.
May my child have a cell phone at school?
Students may not use any type of electronic device at school. Cell phones must be turned off and handed into homeroom teacher during the school day. If an electronic device is visible, it will be taken away, the student will receive an infraction, and a parent must pick up the device at the school office. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged property. Students may not call home for lunches, homework, projects, etc.
What are the health requirements?
Children entering Kindergarten, 3rd and 6th grade need to have a physical exam, and all new students need to have a current physical exam. All children must be up-to-date on their immunizations and provide current records.
Are the kindergarten students evaluated before beginning school?
Kindergarten placement testing takes place in May prior to starting kindergarten. The placement testing is used to help plan the kindergarten curriculum to best fit the needs of the students.
What standardized testing program is used?
Incoming kindergarten students are administered the Brigance Screening in the spring prior to the start of their kindergarten experience. MAP Growth Assessments are administered to students in grades two through eight and help determine how students are performing on nationwide standards. The ACRE Exam is given to students in grades 5 (Spring) and 8 (Fall) each school year.
Interested in Learning More about our Catholic School?
In choosing St. Mary 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.