Academic Excellence

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Academic excellence is an everyday occurrence at Saint Mary Star of the Sea School. Our faculty and staff daily strive to provide the children with all they need to excel in school and in life. Each May, students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades qualify to be inducted as new members of the National Junior Honor Society. Each year, 8th graders qualify for the Presidential Awards for Excellence and Achievement—earning the 90th percentile and over for their standardized test scores in reading and math from grades 6 through 8. For over 90 years Saint Mary’s has been known for its high academic standards.

The preschool program includes instruction in a variety of stimulating topics, including the Rowling Foundation Superkids reading series. Kindergarten students are given an early mastery of the academic fundamentals and study skills. Students in the primary grades at Saint Mary’s progressively build a solid foundation of academic skills and a love of learning, preparing them for success in the upper grades. Students in the 4th and 5th grades are exposed to a diverse, well-rounded curriculum that builds upon previously acquired basic skills while developing new ways of learning and thinking. Through the continuing development of study skills and good work habits, they are prepared for the rigorous middle school curriculum.

The middle school program is strong academic preparation for a college high school preparatory program. Parents have continually remarked that their students have achieved much success after graduating from Saint Mary’s.

Accreditation

Saint Mary Star of the Sea School is accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA) of Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA). MSA is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. Hundreds of faith-based schools seek out MSA accreditation because MSA supports and recognizes the importance of having schools fulfill their missions under their specialized faith-based traditions and values.

Curriculum

Saint Mary Star of the Sea School uses the Diocese of Richmond's Consensus Curriculum.

A Master Curriculum Council composed of professional educators within the system (principals and teachers) researches and develops guidelines for all the professionals within the Catholic Schools to review, and proposes competencies within the published learning strands. The curriculum is broad-based and encompasses the state standards and the national standards for education.