St. Mary
Star of the Sea
Catholic School
About
St. Mary
Star of the Sea
A Star in the Heart of the Community
St. Mary Star of the Sea School is dedicated to providing a values-driven curriculum that instills Catholic principles in every aspect of learning. We aim to nurture a strong Catholic faith in our students while preparing them to face the challenges of the modern world with confidence and integrity.
At St. Mary Star of the Sea School, our mission is to embrace a values-driven curriculum rooted in Catholic principles. Our focus is on fostering a robust Catholic faith and equipping students to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
At Our Core
Our Curriculum
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Academic programing for Preschool (3-4 years) to 8th Grade
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Music, Computer, Physical Education, and STEM Classes
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Core Based Arts-Integrated Curriculum
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Title I Program
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Title lll Program
Dedicated Educators
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Our teachers are dedicated educators who strive for excellence.
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They emphasize inclusive and flexible teaching strategies.
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Our educators are committed to lifelong learning and innovation.
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They prioritize being supportive mentors and guides for both students and colleagues.
Inside the Classroom
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Personalized Instruction in the Classroom
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Use of Smart Boards, iPads, Chromebooks, & Computers
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Advanced Computer and Science Labs
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Climate-Controlled and Soundproof Classrooms
Student Achievements
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Our students utilize iReady Assessments to providing teachers with a personalized view of each student
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Our students attend top CPS Selective Enrollment & Catholic high schools
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Students participate in Church & Community Service projects
Student Involvement
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Band & Choir
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Rotating extracurricular clubs such as Disney, Newspaper & Memory Book Clubs
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Student Council
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Athletics such as Soccer & Volleyball
Additional Offerings
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Before & After School Extended Day Program
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Breakfast & Hot Lunch Programs
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Financial Assistance Available
Meet Our Principal
Dear Parents & Families,
It is a privilege for me to welcome you to our Catholic school. When you and your child walk through the doors of St. Mary’s, you will experience a warm and welcoming community of faith, security, academic success, and joy for learning.
Our school is blessed with a superb faculty and staff who take great pride in their vocations as Catholic school teachers and educators. Our teachers know each child’s individual strengths and interests, and seek ways to inspire and challenge our students from preschool through eighth grade. Working in partnership with our school parents, our teachers strive to help children discover and explore their own passions and talents that will make the world a better place.
We are excited to implement a new program entitled Pathways to Biliteracy. Students have the opportunity to continue this program in high school and have the potential to earn up to 16 college credits upon matriculation. Also, in the Fall of 2025 our science lab will be expanded to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities and events.
All children who attend St. Mary’s are equipped with a Chromebook and learn to use Google Classroom. They participate not only in computer classes, but PE, Spanish, Health, Music, and Art. We also offer Speech, IDEA services, Title I tutoring, academic counseling, and social/emotional counseling services.
Seventy-five plus years after our school’s founding, we remain full of hope and gratitude for all who have come before us. We stand on the shoulders of heroes of Catholic education, starting with the Adrian Dominican Sisters and continuing through our pastor, Fr. Roger Corrales Diaz, our tremendously dedicated teachers, staff, and our Spartan alumni, who represent the values of our school through their lives of meaning and service to others.
Our school is truly, “A star in the heart of the community.”
Blessings,
Candice M. Usauskas, M.Ed.
Principal