About

Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

The School of St. Mary nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth of every child. We inspire academic excellence and guide students to live with faith, purpose, integrity, and respect for others — now and throughout their lives.

Our Vision

Rooted in faith, the School of St. Mary delivers an exceptional Catholic education that empowers students to develop their God-given talents and reach their fullest potential.

Our Values

We learn with purpose, serve with joy, and lead with integrity.

List of 3 items.

  • Learn with Purpose

    Our students engage with a rigorous, whole-child curriculum that nurtures curiosity and challenges them to grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
  • Serve with Joy

    From age two through eighth grade, students learn to live their faith through care for others in their school community, their parish, and the world beyond.
  • Lead with Integrity

    We form young people of strong character who think clearly, act honestly, and stand confidently in who they are as children of God.

Three Pillars: What We Believe

Three foundational pillars support our mission:

List of 3 items.

  • Catholic Identity

    The Gospel and the sacramental life of the Church ground a School of St. Mary education. Through daily religion class, weekly Mass, sacramental preparation, and meaningful opportunities for prayer and reflection, students grow in a living faith that shapes who they become.
  • Academic Excellence

    An enthusiastic faculty dedicated to Catholic education delivers a rigorous, differentiated curriculum. Through honors and acceleration options, our STEAM lab, Spanish instruction, and the arts, we equip students to think critically, take ownership of their learning, and excel at the next level and beyond.
  • Faith Community

    We believe community forms character. Faculty model caring instruction and mentorship, students learn alongside friends who challenge and encourage them, and families partner with the school to create an environment of trust, kindness, and mutual respect.

Parent of three Crusaders

"The teachers are truly outstanding and care about each child in such an unbelievable way. They are thriving academically given the rigorous instruction they have received. Even more importantly, they have grown into kind, respectful, inclusive friends and their faith formation has been extraordinary."

A Roman Catholic School Since 1917

To Learn, To Serve, To Lead

Primary Grade Center

900 West Everett Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 283-9800

Upper Grade Center

185 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 234-0371