About St. Mary Elementary
St. Mary Elementary School is a private, Catholic elementary school enrolling students in PreK-6th grade. We foster a learning environment in which your child is able to reach his/her potential while being nurtured in a safe, family-oriented environment. Parents and teachers work together to instill Christian values and high academic standards.
St. Mary Elementary upholds an 80 year tradition of nurturing and educating students. Instead of the typical Three Rs we emphasize the Six Rs: Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic, Respect, Responsibility, and Reverence. St. Mary utilizes the foundation of religion coupled with the proven philosophy of teaching by using activity oriented learning, integrated phonics in literature based reading programs and a hands-on approach to math and sciences. We serve all faiths and welcome diversity.
Our class size is intimate enough to allow each student to receive personalized attention from his/her teachers and learn at a suitable pace. St. Mary also strongly encourages parental involvement in all school activities. We feel learning does not end when the school bells ring.
St. Mary offers a strong academic education in a family-style environment. Our Academic program includes:
- Full & Half Day Preschool
- Full Day Kindergarten
- Individual Tutoring Available
- Annual Social Studies Fair with all grades participating
- Annual Science Fair with all grades participating
- Art Classes
- Music/Instrumental Classes
- Physical Education
- Computer Class
St. Mary School Quick Facts
St. Mary Elementary School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Class sizes are small. Student/Teacher Ratio is approximately 12:1
- Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 are self-contained classrooms with one teacher
- Wilson Fundations Program K-2
- Specialists are available for Religion, Art, Music, Computers, and Gym
- Computers are available in every classroom
- Financial Aid is available. No student is turned away for financial reasons
- Bus service is available to students living in Clinton
- Hot lunch is available every day and is included in the tuition
- Extended Day Programs are available from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
History of the School
In the early 1920s it was the dream of Father Anthony Polowski, then Pastor of Our Lady of Jasna Gora Parish, which sparked the creation of Saint Mary School. Father Polowski believed that the parish would not flourish without a school. The eagerness and generosity of the people compelled him to do the utmost about building a school. The cornerstone was laid in 1925, and the brick building was completed in the spring of 1926.When Fr. Polowski retired, Father John Oszajca was assigned to the parish. Under his direction the classrooms were furnished and living quarters were prepared on the second floor of the building for the Bernardine Sisters of St. Francis. The school opened with a large registration of students in grades one through six. The birth of Saint Mary School was a collaborative, faith based, community effort, which clearly demonstrated the mission of the school in the fall of 1926.
The Great Depression hit the Town of Clinton very hard. The closing of the Lancaster Mills resulted in many Polish families leaving the area, and the student enrollment was reduced dramatically. Saint Mary School was forced to close it doors.
In September 1936, the school reopened, and five grades were taught by the Felician Sisters. In 1937 grade six was added, and in 1938 the seventh and eighth grades completed the school.
In June 1981, the Felician Sisters were forced to leave the school because of declining enrollment in their order. Father Joseph Swazch, pastor, and the parishioners and school families worked together to keep the doors open. A completely lay faculty took over, which meant that Saint Mary School became the first school in the Diocese of Worcester to have a lay principal and an all lay faculty.
Today, Saint Mary School consists of students in PreKindergarten through Grade six. The tradition of the community spirit has remained with the school to this day. Through the work of the parishioners and the school families, Saint Mary School is well prepared for the new millennium. Extensive renovations have been made. Renovations continue to take place as the school family grows. Enrichment and athletics programs, community service projects, and strong Christian and academic values are held and practiced at Saint Mary School fulfilling the dream of founders so many years ago.
Our school family continues to grow in a continuous collaborative effort, following the greatest teacher of all, Jesus ChriSt.