Peoria Catholic Grade School

Connecting Faith and Learning: St. Mary’s

At St. Mary’s School near Peoria, we provide a dynamic Catholic education that nurtures both the mind and spirit. Our small class sizes and innovative assessment methods ensure each child receives a tailored learning experience, grounding them in both academic excellence and spiritual growth. We’re passionate about fostering future leaders through diverse extracurriculars, community engagement, and an emphasis on service. From daily prayers to athletic competitions and family events, we nurture every aspect of our students’ lives, preparing them for a successful future. Discover how our community can elevate your child’s educational journey.

Core Academic Programs

At St. Mary’s, we’re proud of our core academic programs that stand out due to our innovative student assessment methods and individualized learning plans. We’ve tailored our approaches to fit each student’s unique needs, ensuring no one falls behind. Our teachers frequently engage in collaboration strategies, pooling their expertise to enhance our curriculum with enrichment activities that cater to a diverse range of interests and aptitudes.

We don’t just teach; we inspire. From the CONNECTed curriculum that incorporates real-world applications in STEM to Agriculture/Cooking, we strive to keep our students engaged and curious. Our small class sizes allow for more hands-on experiences and direct teacher-student interactions, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

Recognizing and celebrating academic achievement is central to our ethos at St. Mary’s. We believe in acknowledging every student’s hard work and success, which boosts their motivation and confidence. This recognition also fosters a supportive community where students feel valued and encouraged to pursue excellence.

Through a combination of dedicated teaching, comprehensive assessment, and a nurturing environment, we ensure that each student at St. Mary’s not only meets but exceeds their academic goals.

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

We recognize the importance of spiritual growth at St. Mary’s School, where faith integration is woven into every aspect of our curriculum. We’re committed to nurturing each student’s relationship with God through daily prayer practices, engaging sacramental preparation, and joyful liturgical celebrations. Our approach ensures that spiritual development is not just a part of our students’ lives but a foundation for their entire educational experience.

Service learning projects are integral to our curriculum, teaching students the values of empathy, compassion, and community contribution. By actively participating in these projects, our students learn to live out their faith in tangible ways, helping those in need and making a positive impact in our community. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding of Catholic teachings but also fosters a lifelong commitment to service.

Furthermore, our sacramental preparation program is designed to prepare students for significant milestones such as First Communion and Confirmation. Through these preparations, students explore and deepen their faith, supported by their families and the St. Mary’s community.

At St. Mary’s, we celebrate our faith, learn to serve, and grow spiritually together, creating not just learners, but well-rounded individuals ready to lead with integrity and compassion.

Extracurricular Activities Overview

Engaging in a variety of extracurricular activities, students at St. Mary’s School thrive outside the traditional classroom setting. We offer a wide range of options that cater to diverse interests, ensuring that every child finds something that sparks their passion. Our art programs allow students to explore their creativity through various mediums, nurturing budding artists and thinkers.

With several athletic teams, students develop physical skills while learning the values of teamwork and perseverance. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or volleyball, there’s a sport for everyone to join and excel in. Our student council plays a crucial role in school life, giving students a voice and teaching them the fundamentals of leadership and responsibility.

Theater productions at St. Mary’s are a highlight, providing students with the opportunity to shine on stage. These experiences not only boost confidence but also enhance public speaking and collaborative skills. Additionally, music lessons are available to students interested in both vocal and instrumental music, enriching their educational experience and fostering a lifelong appreciation for music.

We’re proud to offer these opportunities, which are integral to developing well-rounded individuals who excel in multiple areas.

Community and Family Engagement

Fostering strong community and family engagement, St. Mary’s School values the active participation of everyone in our school family. We understand that parent involvement is crucial to enriching our learning environment and enhancing student success. Through various community partnerships, we’ve been able to expand our educational offerings and provide a network of support that benefits all our families.

We encourage parents to dive into volunteer opportunities, whether in the classroom, during school events, or through our Parent-Teacher Organization. These roles not only help our school operations but also build a tight-knit community where every member feels valued and connected.

Our calendar is packed with family events throughout the year which are designed to strengthen relationships among students, parents, and staff. From our annual Fall Fest to Spring Art Shows, these gatherings are more than just fun activities—they’re a cornerstone of our community building efforts.

At St. Mary’s, we believe that strong support networks are the backbone of effective education. By working together, we create a nurturing environment that encourages every student to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Let’s continue to work hand in hand for the betterment of our children and our community.

Preparing for Future Success

At St. Mary’s School, we’re dedicated to preparing our students for future success by fostering an environment that emphasizes individual growth and personalized learning. We understand that each child’s journey is unique, and our tailored educational approaches are designed to nurture their full potential. Through our innovative programs, we encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for life beyond our classrooms.

Our commitment to experiential education means that students don’t just learn from textbooks but through real-world, hands-on experiences. From our outdoor classroom to the CONNECTed curriculum, we integrate agriculture, cooking, and STEM activities that make learning vivid and meaningful. Additionally, technology integration isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a vital part of our teaching strategy. We equip students with the digital tools necessary for today’s tech-driven world, ensuring they are not only consumers of technology but also creators and thinkers.

We’re preparing our students to be courageous in their learning, compassionate in their actions, and competent in the skills they need for tomorrow. At St. Mary’s, we’re not just teaching children; we’re shaping the leaders of the future.

A Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future

At St. Mary’s School, we’re dedicated to fostering not just academic excellence but also spiritual and personal growth. By integrating rigorous academics with enriching extracurriculars and spiritual teachings, we prepare our students for future successes in all aspects of life. Join us and experience a community where we nurture every child to lead with integrity and wisdom. Let’s shape the future together at St. Mary’s, where education meets inspiration.