How St. Mary’s Prepares Students for a Lifetime of Leadership and Service
Building Character Through Faith and Learning
At St. Mary’s School in Kickapoo, education goes far beyond textbooks and tests. Our mission is to form young men and women of faith, integrity, and compassion — students who lead with confidence and serve with purpose. From the earliest grades through graduation, St. Mary’s provides the foundation for lifelong leadership rooted in Catholic values and academic excellence.
Families across Peoria County choose St. Mary’s because they see how our students grow not just in knowledge, but in character. Through daily faith formation, community involvement, and strong academics, students learn what it truly means to live with purpose and lead with heart.
Faith as the Foundation of Leadership
Leadership begins with faith. At St. Mary’s, students learn that true leadership is grounded in service, humility, and responsibility. Daily prayer, weekly Mass, and lessons centered on Gospel values help children develop empathy and moral courage — qualities that shape leaders who make a difference.
Faith-based education gives students the strength to make ethical choices and the confidence to stand up for what is right. Whether leading a classroom project or volunteering in the community, St. Mary’s students learn that leadership is about serving others before self.
Academic Excellence that Builds Confidence
Strong leaders are lifelong learners. St. Mary’s School provides an academically challenging curriculum designed to help each student reach their full potential. Core subjects in language arts, math, science, and social studies are taught with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Our teachers encourage curiosity and collaboration, guiding students to take initiative and responsibility for their learning. By fostering confidence in the classroom, St. Mary’s prepares students to become capable, compassionate leaders in high school, college, and beyond.
Service as a Way of Life
One of the defining features of a St. Mary’s education is its commitment to service. From food drives and parish volunteer work to class service projects, students experience firsthand the joy of helping others.
Through these opportunities, children learn that leadership and service go hand in hand. They discover that they can make an impact — whether by comforting a friend, helping a younger student, or volunteering in the community. This lifelong habit of service strengthens their faith and deepens their sense of purpose.
Encouraging Leadership in Every Grade
Leadership at St. Mary’s doesn’t start in middle school or high school — it begins in Pre-K and continues through every grade.
- Early Grades: Students learn teamwork, responsibility, and empathy through classroom roles and group activities.
- Intermediate Grades: Students take part in student-led projects and faith-based service initiatives that teach accountability.
- Upper Grades: Older students serve as role models, mentors, and leaders during school events, Mass, and community programs.
By providing these experiences early, St. Mary’s helps students grow into leaders who act with confidence and compassion in every stage of life.
The St. Mary’s Difference: Faith, Family, and Future
Our approach to leadership and service is built on three core pillars — faith, family, and future.
- Faith: A Catholic foundation that teaches students to lead with kindness, humility, and love.
- Family: A supportive school community where every child is known, valued, and encouraged.
- Future: Academic and moral preparation that empowers students to thrive wherever life leads them.
When these pillars work together, students graduate from St. Mary’s with the tools and heart to make a lasting difference in their schools, churches, and communities.
See How St. Mary’s Builds Leaders for Life
If you want your child to develop the confidence to lead and the compassion to serve, we invite you to learn more about St. Mary’s School.
St. Mary’s School
9910 W Knox St, Edwards, IL 61528
(309) 691-3015Schedule a visit today and see how St. Mary’s School near Peoria prepares students for a lifetime of leadership, learning, and service — grounded in faith and guided by purpose.