St. Mary's School believes in the "wholeness" approach to learning and living, culture and faith. It is brought about not only by our unique program of studies, but more importantly, by the presence of educators who express and exemplify this integrated means of learning and living in both their private and professional lives. We are very proud of our strong ties to the community. Several community service projects are undertaken throughout the school year by all grades as a means of giving back to the surrounding community as well as an extension of student learning. In addition, activities such as monthly dances, Grandparents Day, our yearly Walk-A-Thon, and field day engage families and students in opportunities outside the classroom. Students also participate in many field trips and overnight retreats. As a caring community of dedicated learners we honor student achievement as well as good citizens in our yearly Awards Assembly program.

			Student Characteristics

St. Mary's is an elementary and middle school with kindergarten through 8th grade classes. Our student population reflects a blending of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Of the total population, approximately 27% are non-Catholic. Currently there are 121 families who have children attending St. Mary's School. In general, students are placed in grades according to age, with exceptions made for those who have repeated a grade level. Special Education services are provided to students who qualify. Discipline is generally handled by the classroom teacher with support from the Principal and Assistant Principal. Discipline referrals to the office average one to two per week. Teachers refer students to the office when there is a pattern of misbehavior or a serious infraction of the Code of Conduct.

			Assessment of Student Performance

Student performance is assessed daily by the teachers. Examples are cooperative learning activities, group projects, writing activities, critical thinking, listening skills, hands-on activities, observations, and tests. Teachers use standardized as well as teacher made tests, or a combination of the two. Individual student projects are also a means of student assessment. These include the annual Science Fair for grades 6 thru 8, the DAR American Essay Contest for grades 6 thru 8, the Monday Club Poetry contest for grades 1 thru 8, a 5th grade research project, and age-appropriate projects for all grade levels.

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a norm-referenced achievement test given in the spring of each year to pupils in grades 1 thru 8. Test scores indicate that St. Mary's consistently scores in the upper percentile of the nation. St. Mary's students' scores are consistent across all demographic groups. Students receiving Special Education services consistently score between the 25th and 50th percentile.

The Cognitive Abilities Test (Cog AT) is administered to students in grades 3, 5, and 7. The Cog AT measures general and specific reasoning abilities within three domains: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal.

STAR Reading is a diagnostic test used to help teachers determine the independent reading level of each student and measure individual and class growth. STAR Math is a diagnostic test used to determine the math level of individual students and measure math progress.

The National Catholic Education Association ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education) Test is administered to grades 5 and 8. This assessment provides information regarding faith knowledge, religious beliefs, attitudes, and practices of the Catholic faith. The results are used by our religion teachers to make curriculum/instructional decisions.