Saint Mary's Catholic School

🌟 Key Highlights: Saint Mary’s Catholic School

Saint Mary’s Catholic School (SMCS) is a private, co-educational Catholic parochial school in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. As a ministry of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, it is committed to providing a Christ-centered education that emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service within a supportive community.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Parochial Catholic School (Diocese of Knoxville)

• Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Anderson County)

• Grades Served: Preschool (PK3) – 8th Grade

• Enrollment: Approximately 170–200 students

• Core Mission: To partner with parents in preparing children to be lifelong learners and productive members of the Church and community by providing a Christ-centered, academically challenging, and safe learning environment.

• Accreditation: SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) / Cognia and NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association).

• Focus: Pre-K through middle school education with a strong emphasis on faith and STEM fundamentals.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

SMCS is distinguished by its strong Catholic identity, high academic standards, and focus on foundational learning:

• Christ-Centered & Service Focused: Catholic faith and values are central to the school experience, with students participating in weekly Mass and daily religious instruction. The school strongly emphasizes service learning and outreach to the local community.

• Academic Excellence: The school provides a rigorous K–8 curriculum designed to build strong foundational skills and consistently prepare students for success in local high schools, including Oak Ridge High School.

• Middle School Departmentalization: Grades 6–8 feature a departmentalized curriculum, allowing students to benefit from specialized instruction in core subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies from middle-school focused teachers.

• Small Class Sizes: Maintains a relatively small class size and favorable student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a nurturing classroom environment.

• Enrichment Programs: Offers specialized classes in Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education, ensuring a well-rounded elementary and middle school education.

• Technology Integration: Utilizes technology to enhance learning, including the use of modern computing tools and integration of digital learning across the curriculum.

📞 Contact Information