Threads of
an Education...
"We are many textures, we are many colors,
each one different from the other. But we are entwined with one another in
one great tapestry. Weave us together in unity and love."
...Rosemary
Crow
Our Mission...
Students at Saint Mary’s Catholic Elementary
School in Arcata, California develop respect and responsibility through
spiritual commitment, educational pursuits, and community involvement.
St. Mary’s School welcomes the Catholic
students of Saint Mary’s parish, other neighboring parishes, and non-Catholic
students from throughout the area.
Academics...
St.
Mary’s is a WCEA/WASC accredited school with a California Credentialed
teaching staff and a commitment to high academic standards.
In small class size settings, St. Mary’s teachers set the expectations for
each child to reach his or her individual potential. Our teachers use an
academically rigorous curriculum as a foundation, and draw from their own
expertise and experiences to engage the children in an adventure of learning and
exploration.
School & Family...
Parents are our children’s first and most important teachers, and that is
why St. Mary’s encourages strong parental involvement. We have parent
volunteers in the classroom and on the playground. Our monthly family nights
offer parents and children a chance to share a meal and socialize. Our many
school wide and community special events involve parents, teachers, students and
administrators.
Students at St. Mary’s are taught the values of respect and tolerance.
Children from Kindergarten through 8th grade work together and teach each other
in a cross-age tutoring program. Family groups give teachers and students of
various ages a special relationship outside the classroom.
St. Mary’s "Family" of students, teachers, parents, and community
provide a safe, rich and nurturing environment for your children.
 Athletics...
Intramural and extracurricular sports are offered in volleyball,
basketball, and track.
Family Groups...
"Family groups", made up of students from grades K through 8
are formed at the beginning of the school year. Under the guidance of a teacher,
this multi-aged group works on various projects through- out the year.
For the younger children this opens a door for communication with the older
children. Patience and tolerance are gained as the older children help the young
ones in their "family group". This special program is successful in
many ways and models St. Mary’s motto "We Care about Teaching, We Teach about
Caring."
What
Parents say...
"The school environment is a community. There are quality teachers
who give individual care to the kids. We know most of the parents by name and
that gives us the feeling of relating well with each other."...Mitch
Hunt
 What
Students say...
Talking about cross-age tutors...
"I like the big kids because they help us on very hard things."
...Tom, 2nd grade
"I like the proudness of the school very much."
...Gregory, Kindergarten
| 
