St. Mary Catholic School
155 years of excellence in education
Our Mission
To ensure learning for all our students within the framework of Catholic Christian values
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Our Programs
Our Early Education program is designed to ignite the curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in our youngest students (ages 3-4), setting them on a path to lifelong success.
Our philosophy towards elementary education is rooted in a deep commitment to nurturing not only the academic growth of our students but also their personal and spiritual development.
Our Middle School program is designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and character they need to thrive in their academic journey and beyond.
Our After School program is designed to give students extra support with their homework and time to unwind in a safe, nurturing environment.
Meet our principal
Meet our distinguished Principal, Joseph Poletti, a seasoned educational professional with an impressive 37-year career dedicated to shaping young minds and fostering excellence in education. His diverse roles within the field have included serving as a classroom teacher, instructional technology facilitator, state department consultant, university program administrator, athletic director, central services director, and school administrator. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Visit Us
School Tours
For the 2025 - 2026 School Years
Discover the excellence of St. Mary Catholic School through our guided tours! Prospective students and parents are warmly invited to experience our vibrant educational community in action. During these tours, you'll get a firsthand look at our historic campus, meet our dedicated staff, and witness the engaging learning environment that sets St. Mary apart.
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
155 Years of Academic Excellence
Welcome to St. Mary Catholic School, a K-8 institution nestled in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington!
St. Mary Catholic School is strategically located, serving families not only in New Hanover County but also offering convenience to families across multiple locations in Brunswick County, ensuring accessibility to a quality education for all.
With a rich legacy of academic excellence and a diverse student body, we are more than just a school; we are a close-knit family committed to nurturing the future leaders of tomorrow.
Our school is known for providing a foundation of religious education and a strong arts and STEM program. We are the only school in Wilmington offering Suzuki violin, and our middle school students have an opportunity to take high school courses.
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
At a Glance
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Testimonials
"Wonderful school. I had a graduated from Saint Mary that loved every moment of it. I currently have my kids attend and they loved it as well. The teachers are wonderful, and they offer a great Science program."
~October 04, 2023
"We have 3 children who started at St. Mary in Kindergarten. We especially appreciate the individualized instruction, excellent academics, diversity, and amazing downtown location. Our kids routinely engage in arts and history events downtown. They also have all earned state medals participating in St. Mary's Science Olympiad team, and our oldest was quickly accepted into a high school honors program, where she is thriving with the basis of education from this little gem of a school. It is also the only school-based Suzuki violin program in the city, and it is amazing to think that my three kids can play an instrument this well they have learned at school! This year we have a new principal who has been working to make the school even better, which is hard to imagine but I believe it will be true!"
~September 08, 2023
"St. Mary Catholic School is a small school that provides personalized education based on the student's needs. The teachers are extremely responsive and well trained, challenging students academically across content areas. There are multiple enrichment activities available, including top-rated Science Olympiad teams, Battle of the Books, advanced middle school mathematics, and a comprehensive technology program. In addition, the school offers a wide range of athletics, a school-based Suzuki violin program, band, choir, and art. Weekly religious instruction, attendance at mass, and service opportunities instill a sense of social responsibility and moral character at all grade levels. Finally, the school community is very family oriented. Our child enrolled in the 4th grade during COVID and we were warmly welcomed into the fold. Regular social events help families build school-based relationships that create a close-knit social network upon which families can rely."
~July 20, 2023
ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Day in the Life
Grade Levels
St. Mary offers PreKindergarten 3 to 8th grade. PreK 3 and PreK 4 are offered as a half day and a full day (until 3:00 p.m.)
School Hours
School begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. After school is offered from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. as an addition to tuition. Mass is celebrated with the community Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
Curriculum
As a Catholic Institution, St. Mary follows the Standards and Instruction of the Diocese of Raleigh. St. Mary students participate in faith formation throughout their years.
Classes Offered
Core courses are Science, Math, Social Studies, English/Language Arts, PE, Art, and Music. Middle school electives are Journalism/Publications, Technology, and Art. High school Math I and Math II are offered to advanced math students in the 7th and 8th grades.
We need YOU to make our school the best it can be! To help each family reach the 10 hour goal, we are asking that you keep a record of your hours in FACTS Family Portal:
1. Login to Facts Family Portal
2. Click on "Family" on the left hand side
3. Under "Service Hours" click Add (+)
4. Fill out date of volunteering, number of hours, description of what you did, who verified the hours.
5. Hit save
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at St. Mary Catholic School, see our page on Giving.
Phone Number
(910) 762-5491 ext. 140
Email Address
info@thestmaryparish.org
Address
217 S. 4th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
