Philosophy

"...the purpose of Catholic education is to communicate Christ to you, so that your attitude toward others will be that of Christ.., you will be making major decisions which will affect the whole course of your life. If these decisions reflect Christ's attitude, then your education will be a success."

Pope John Paul II October 3,1979 Madison Square Garden New York

The foundation of the Catholic Faith begins in the home. Since we believe that the home has the prime responsibility for communicating Christ to the child through all phases of life, we, the staff of St. Mary's, work together with the home, to foster, develop, and strengthen the child in the Catholic Faith.

We recognize the responsibility for the total development of each child - spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. We make every effort to offer a well-balanced curriculum which provides an academic foundation for life.

We encourage each child to know himself/herself, accept himself/herself as he/she is, and to appreciate himself/herself as a unique and important person. We encourage each student to achieve his/her maximum potential and with a Christian concern to contribute effectively to the welfare of others at home, at school, and in the wider community.

As a team of educators, we strive to nurture each child's faith, thus enabling him/her to cope with daily, personal problems. We endeavor to prepare him/her to make independent, wise decisions, to be aware of today's issues and challenges, and respond to global situations.

We trust that each child, in a Christian climate of joy and love, will continue to grow in Christ.

HISTORY

One of the Oldest Boston Area Catholic Schools

Sisters of Notre Dame from St. James, Salem, had been coming to St. Mary's, in Beverly, for Sunday School from January 1898 to September 1925. When Reverend John Degan became pastor in 1916, he saw the necessity of erecting a school. He began work, and on June 15, 1924, the cornerstone was laid.

The school was opened on September 11, 1925, following the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which was sung by Father Degan. There were 81 students registered.

In 1927, Fr. Degan purchased the Giddings House on Chapman Street next to the school. After undergoing renovations, it was opened as a convent on September 5th.

The first eighth grade graduation took place on June 21, 1932. There were 18 boys and 21 girls. St. Mary's High School was opened in September 1932 with 21 girls. The last high school class was graduated from St. Mary's in 1962.

Currently, Saint Mary School serves a population of 175 children from a variety of towns and cities in the North Shore area.  Saint Mary School is a Pre-K – 8th grade accredited school.  Our students represent a variety of socio –economic families.  We provide instruction for both regular and special education students.  Saint Mary School continues to honor its legacy by instilling a sense of community hosting a plethora of service opportunities that address local, national and international needs.