We seek families who appreciate the benefit of a challenging, Christ-centered education.
What makes a St. Mary’s Education Different?
St. Mary’s School offers an innovative pre-school through 8th grade education that integrates arts, math, and science. Small class settings foster a culture of joy, support, and excellence. Skilled teachers engage each child in an academically challenging environment that promotes imagination, exploration, growth, and achievement.
Skilled & Creative Teachers
to engage and challenge each child.
Arts & Science in Action
Experience to Help
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to St. Mary's School!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. We are first and foremost a Catholic school rooted in fostering a strong Catholic faith and academic excellence.
Since 1911, with parish support, St. Mary's School has been providing an excellent Catholic education not only to the children of Johnson City but children from all over the surrounding counties. All students, regardless of race, religion or economic situation, are welcome to become part of our school family. Upon entering St. Mary's School, one experiences a Christ-centered environment. Our campus sits right alongside St. Mary's Catholic Church. It is truly a blessing to have our Parish and Parish community so close to help foster our students' faith formation.
St. Mary's School offers a curriculum that fosters the growth of the whole-child: academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are blessed to offer classroom environments that allow students to be seen, heard, and appreciated. Our students and their families become a part of our school family. We feel truly invested in each child's growth and development, both academically and spiritually.
As we continue growing our school family, our focus is diligently set on providing the very best overall classroom environment possible. Our teaching staff are certified professional educators that continuously strive to seek the full potential of each individual student. We follow the current state standards as well as educational standards set forth by the Diocese of Knoxville. In addition to a strong educational foundation, St. Mary's School offers opportunities for student enrichment through clubs, sports, and an after-school Educational Enhancement Program. A preschool is available to our youngest students. The After-Care Program provides childcare for working parents after school hours.
Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools Preparing Scholars, Leaders, & Saints
June 2023
Dear School Pastors and School Leaders:
I am happy to announce that Mary Ann Deschaine, Ed. S., a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and most recently as superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W. Va., has accepted the position of Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Knoxville. Mrs. Deschaine will begin her new job sometime in late July.
“I look forward to building upon the strong history and tremendous success of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Knoxville,” Mrs. Deschaine said. “My decision was well thought out and prayerfully considered, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead schools that are strong in faith and have displayed a commitment to their Catholic mission and identity.”
Prior to her time as superintendent of schools in Wheeling-Charleston, Mrs. Deschaine was superintendent of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich., from 2011-2018. She served as a teacher and principal at various schools in Michigan from 1998 until her appointment as superintendent in Saginaw. Mrs. Deschaine earned an undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1985, a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University in 2004, and an advanced degree as an Education Specialist from Saginaw Valley State University in 2010.
“I have spoken with the current principals and school presidents in the Diocese of Knoxville, and I’ve had a chance to visit East Tennessee. My husband and I are looking forward to making the Diocese of Knoxville our home,” Mrs. Deschaine said.
She succeeds Dr. Sedonna Prater who has led Catholic schools in the diocese since 2019. Dr. Prater will continue her career as Vice-President of Academics at Knoxville Catholic High School. I personally would like to thank Sedonna for her hard work and dedication in unifying our schools as an accredited Catholic school system, implementing increased rigor in our curriculum standards, as well as, expanding our instructional and co-curricular programs to improve our service to all students.
Please join me in praying for Mary Ann and Sedonna as they begin their new journey in the Diocese of Knoxville.
Your Brother in Christ,
Deacon Sean
Deacon Sean K. Smith
Chancellor/Chief Operating Officer
Diocese of Knoxville
805 S. Northshore Drive
Knoxville TN 37919
Tel (865) 584-3307
Mobile (865) 414-9828
Fax (865) 584-7538ssmith@dioknox.org