Openings For Youths at St. Mary's School in Waterbury

As summer winds down, the faculty and staff at Saint Mary School are gearing up for the start of a new school year.  Having just completed a milestone year – the school’s 125th anniversary – the Catholic elementary school has “plenty to offer,” according to Principal Joseph M.Kenny, “starting with the Catholic school difference.”  

He cited statistics from the latest Catholic School report prepared by the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Catholic Schools.  That report underscores the successes the archdiocesan Catholic schools are experiencing, including the fact that 98% of students from a Catholic education further their education in some way, whether it be a two- or four-year college, vocational training or the military.  On standardized tests, Catholic school students consistently test one to three grade levels above their public school counterparts.  

Discover the Catholic School Difference

Kenny says the key difference is that “Christ is at the heart of all we do, so students develop a moral compass as their foundation, as well as an appreciation for living a life filled with faith, showing concern for others, and excelling in their efforts.”  He adds, “our rigorous curriculum trains students to think critically, as well as globally, developing leaders in the arts, humanities and business.”

Why Choose Saint Mary School

Saint Mary School is Waterbury’s only Catholic elementary school to offer city-wide busing.  It accepts students beginning at ages 3 and 4 for its Pre-K classes.  The school goes through Grade Eight.  It also offers before- and after-school programs, extracurricular activities in sports and theater, grade appropriate field trips, service projects and, of course, a special Mass for the students and their families during the school year on First Fridays and certain Holy Days of Obligation at its parish, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  The school accepts students without regard to race, religion, or socio-economic standing, provided parents understand and accept there will be Masses and prayers in the classroom.  Located in downtown Waterbury, Saint Mary School provides an inclusive environment that fosters acceptance and understanding.  

Pre-K and Kindergarten Information Night Scheduled

Parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians who want to know more about an education at Saint Mary School should mark their calendars for Wednesday, August 20, beginning at 6:30pm.  The number of people in attendance and the number of questions will determine the length of the evening, according to Pre-K faculty member Eileen Riley.  She says she’s designed the information session to be approximately 30 minutes in duration.  Teacher Joanne Lesnokoski also will conduct an information session on the same evening at the same time for those with Kindergarten-age students.  

The Pre-K and Kindergarten Information Night will be held at the school, 43 Cole Street, located across the street from Saint Mary’s Hospital.  Signs will be posted in the school parking lot and plenty of free onsite parking is available. 

Mrs. Riley notes the Pre-K program is designed so that three-year-olds attend two days each week, while the four-year-olds may attend either three or five days per week.  She says the three-year-old curriculum is literature-based with an emphasis on socialization, verbal and motor skills, while the four-year-old curriculum is center-based and emphasizes Kindergarten readiness skills. 

Pre-registration is not required to attend the information night; however, it is appreciated.  Parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians may register by calling the business office at 203.753.2574.  Please be sure to let them know whether you will be attending the Pre-K or the Kindergarten information session.  Summer office hours at the school are Monday through Thursday from 9am until noon.  Those who want more information also may contact the business staff to ask questions and/or arrange a visit to the school, or they may go online to stmaryschoolwtby.org or visit the school’s Facebook page.  

While the primary openings exist in the Pre-K program, space also is available on a more limited basis in several other grade levels at the school.  Those who are interested should call the school for specifics.  A limited amount of tuition assistance is available.