St. Mary's School 1904 

St. Mary'sSchool 2007

A Brief History Of St. Mary's School

St. Mary's School was established in 1878 to teach children in an atmosphere of faith. The school existed downtown at Baltimore and Main until 1970, when new facilities were opened at the present site. St. Mary's has been the only Catholic, parochial, elementary school to operate for over 100 years in the Diocese of Memphis and is the oldest existing parochial school in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. The school is administered by the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville and staffed by dedicated lay people. It is owned and operated by St. Mary's Parish and supported by both parents and parishioners.

Inspired by Christ's words, "I came that they may have life, and have it to the full," we dedicate our apostolate to the education of the whole child - spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically - in a nurturing environment. Fully aware of the accelerating changes in society, we work diligently to set our students on an unending pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.

St. Mary's has an enrollment of approximately 370 students. We welcome all who are interested to visit our school and see our facilities. The present building was constructed in 1970, with additions in 1989, 1995, and 2000 to meet the needs of a growing student population. The classrooms are spacious, providing a pleasant learning environment. The school building includes a gym, computer lab, art room, music room, library, science lab, and a cafeteria serving hot lunches. St. Mary's Church is on the same campus, providing a beautiful spiritual setting for Mass, the sacraments and devotions.

In 2007 St. Mary's School was pleased to announce two firsts for the school -- its first 4-K program and the first football team at the school since 1940.