St Mary School

217 South Lincoln Avenue

Niles, MI 49120

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 14, 2025

St. Mary's School has been a great asset to our family since my children started attending. Wonderful teachers, staff, and kids.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2025

We have been in the St Mary’s community for 8 years and my 3rd child just started pre school this year. I love the small class sizes and the ability it gives each child to move at their own speed. The family environment also allows for many opportunities to volunteer in each classroom and within the community.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2025

When our son started having issues in our public school system we were recommended to bring him to SMS. That was the best decision we ever made. Smaller class sizes, kindness of students and staff. Very much a family atmosphere. We loved his time here so much we enrolled our youngest into the preschool program.-Granger family
Submitted by teacher on February 01, 2025

My children went to this school and now my grandkids attend. St. Mary's is a great place to send your child. The teachers teach with compassion and respect.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2025

All of my kids have gone to St. Mary's School. My kids who learn easily did great and had no problem transitioning to their other schools they went to. I do have one child with learning disability, and it has been challenging but the staff has tried to help as much as they are able to. The new administration has been working hard to get more resources for kids and offering more to all students. They offer after school club for parents who need later pick up time. The parents at school are great and there are many activities for families to get to know one another.
Submitted by student on February 13, 2023

I already submitted a review but I would like to rewrite it, plus people need to know the truth of this school. it seems like a great school till you see the ugly truth. For learning, 1/5. at first it seems like they teach the right way till you move on to a different school. you will have bad grades. I remember my classmates not being that happy when we had to learn stuff. it was not fun at all and you dont notice that its not that good teaching till you go to a different school. For special needs, 0/5. The only extra cirricular activity is after school club which is just for kids who have parents who can't pick them up in time. theres no tutors however there is a speech teacher for very few students but thats it. the only way to have a tutor is if you have a tutor that has nothing to do with the school (unless they're a family member of staff or a student) that is allowed to come to the school to help ur kid and it takes a while for them to be able to do that. For teachers, 1/5 teachers here are mean. there were barley any teachers that were nice to me and my friends here and there was a teacher who marked tests wrong for kids she didn't like and would embarrass kids she didn't like. another teacher did the same thing. For safety, 2/5. I think they try their best but also don't for safety. there's at least 1 bully per class and they don't care unless they don't like the student, but the principal always tried her best to keep everyone safe. there are no harsh punishments and the only way to get suspended or expelled is to break the law here.For social/emotional support, 0/5.once again, they don't care about this at all. they treated autistic kids badly and didn't care if a kid had mental disabilities.for family engagement, 2/5. the students try to make people feel welcome but fail most of the time, but the staff try to just to try and have a good look until you notice the ugly truth that they don't care and will let ur kid get bullied and hurt. Overall, St Marys is bad and is basically in dysfunction. last year they had to get rid of 7th and 8th grade since the middle school teacher back then didn't feel safe because a student there death threatened him. a lot of students leave each year and the education is bad. 0/10 overall would not reccommend to anyone. i went here for a year and a half and wish I refused when my mom asked if I wanted to go here. Don't go here, i'm warning you. You will regret it and get mistreated.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2020

Very disappointed. Not returning next year. Also important to note that there are no after school, extra-curricular activities. The tuition is low, and you will get what you pay for.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2019

Our experience here has been wonderful so far!
Submitted by other on April 13, 2017

St. Mary's School is more than just a school, it is a home away from home. You can feel the positive energy and love when you walk in the doors. The children always have smiles on their faces and are eager to tell you everything they are learning about in class. The small class sizes provide individualized attention to students who may fall through the cracks or become bored in a larger class setting. The teachers and staff are hardworking individuals who put in more time than they are given credit for. They care about the students as if they were their own children.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2015

I am a college professor who cares greatly about education. That's why my wife and I are more than willing to drive 30 minutes twice each day to transport our daughter to St. Mary's School in Niles. We are thoroughly impressed. Learning proceeds best with love, and that is what our child experiences at St. Mary's. The atmosphere is safe, skillful, and spiritual. The leadership is eminently capable and caring. My daughter's classroom appears particularly inviting and rewarding, a warm reflection of a truly delightful teacher. In sum, St. Mary's loves our daughter and our daughter loves St. Mary's. I will recommend this school enthusiastically and most sincerely to anyone who is searching for an optimal venue for their child's early education.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2015

Our son has attended St. Mary's School for the past two years. He has thrived in the transitional kindergarten program where he receives personalized attention-he is reading, learning math, science, social studies, music, art and technology. The small size of the school means that all the teachers know him and know us. We receive a lot of feedback and are well informed of all of his activities. The teachers are dedicated and experienced and the principal is caring and involved in all aspects of the school. Honestly, my husband and I are big believers in public schools and thought we would try St. Mary's for preschool but ended up really loving the fantastic education that our son is receiving here.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2015

I feel very comfortable leaving my daughter in such capable hands each day. The faith that surrounds St. Mary's School provides great comfort to me. She is learning to think beyond. We truly feel as though we are part of a school family. There is a ton of positive energy throughout her classroom and school that is growing my daughter in an upward direction.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2015

St. Mary's School is a place where children thrive. Enter the building and there is a feeling of joy and grace. The goal at St. Mary's is to provide a strong education enriched in faith to give students a promising start in life and structure to serve them beyond. Children are taught according to their needs. Days are enriched to celebrate learning. My children began their education here and were well prepared for the rest of their academic lives.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2015

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! Within the walls and halls of St. Mary's School is complete dysfunction! The small class sizes continue to speak volumes of the decreasing enrollment due to the lack of a quality education. However, if you're looking for a school similar to a dysfunctional family, then St. Mary's School is the place to be!
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

Love this school small size classes more one on one for the students and family like atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

We are extremely happy with Saint Mary's School. Our daughter is doing well both academically and socially. She is learning new skills each week as well as has opportunities for fine arts, such as music and art weekly. The afterschool program is extremely helpful to working families and our daughter enjoys it!
Submitted by other on March 22, 2015

Due to economic conditions in the last few years, St. Mary's School has had to combine classes. The class sizes even when combined are below 15 students at the present time which is much smaller than the area public schools. As differentiated learning comes to the front of solid educational philosophy, St. Mary's School will be piloting a blended learning program where each child receives individualized attention and works at his/her own rate lessening frustration and creating a love for learning. This paradigm has been in place for quite a while, but the technology necessary has been purchased. Although there are fewer families than in past years, these families are supportive of the teachers and are "on board" with the educational philosophy. St. Mary's School is a great place to learn!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2014

Sadly, St. Mary's School is in critical condition. Poor decisions and a very poor attitude on the part of the principal have resulted in a marked drop in enrollment in this already struggling school. Enrollment under previous principal was 100+. Current enrollment is less than 40. Speaks for itself. Families have voted with their dollars. Their dollars go with their children to other schools as parents seek a quality education. Even with the small class sizes, families who have transferred children to other schools are consistently finding that these former St. Mary's students are lagging behind their peers academically and often socially. It is unfortunate and is a difficult reality to face for parents who truly believed that St. Mary's School was the best choice for their child. Unfortunately, parents don't realize their error until their child has moved on to another school and struggles with higher expectations.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2014

St Mary School in Niles is the best. I have 2 children who go here. The small class sizes and one on one attention is great. Both my children have excelled at this school.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2014

This is a wonderful school. Small classes sizes. If your child is needing additional help, they will work with your child. The administration is wonderful, encouraging and has done a lot in terms of helping the school. It is a wonderful sense of family and community.