St. Mary Catholic School Goldsboro, NC

A Message From the Principal

St. Mary School is a pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade Catholic elementary and middle school under the Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools Office. The curriculum stresses academic achievement within a Christian community where the child feels that he/she is loved and respected by his/her peers as well as the teacher. At St. Mary, we attempt to “teach as Jesus did.”

The diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the State of North Carolina guidelines, are followed for all subject areas. The curriculum is marked by current content and “best practices” of methodology. There is emphasis on principles rather than fact, on learning through problem solving rather than by precept. We strive to offer a program that makes use of many sources of reading material, a wide variety of audio-visual and technology tools and a multi-text approach to the content areas.

Mr. Yorick Sands

Principal

yoricksands@smsgoldsboro.org

Mission

Through academic excellence and a spiritually nurturing environment, St. Mary Catholic School ensures our students will be lifelong scholars and disciples with dignity, faith, and integrity through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Faith

Religion classes at St. Mary teach Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study, social justice, and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, and Eucharist. Each school day begins and ends with prayer, and students participate in a number of prayer services during the year. Liturgical services are held on Wednesday of each week and on several Holy days for the entire school community. All St. Mary students also participate in a variety of service projects throughout the year.

Academics

St. Mary School offers a liberal arts curriculum, including English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, religion, Spanish, art, physical education, computer instruction and music. Students have access to technology to support learning. Teachers strive to differentiate learning and assessment to maximize student growth. Homework is assigned to help students become self-reliant and self-directed. Assignments reinforce lessons, and supplement and enrich classwork. Through our school information system, parents receive routine progress reports and quarterly report cards. Parents are true partners in learning at St. Mary School.

Extracurricular

St. Mary students have the opportunity to participate in recreational league fall and spring soccer. Middle school students may also choose to participate in basketball and cheering in the winter months. Several Scout troops meet in the church and school. Other extra-curricular offerings are determined annually by student and volunteer interest. St. Mary middle school students also have the option to participate in middle school youth group activities sponsored by the parish.