Fast Facts
- St. Mary Catholic School was founded in September of 1916.
- St. Mary is associated with St. Mary Parish, Woodstock, founded in 1853.
- Grades offered: Preschool - 8th-grade
- Enrollment: Approximately 175 students in grades preschool - 8th grade
- Accreditation: Illinois State Board of Education, Diocese of Rockford, WCEA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Parish Parochial Administrator: Rev. Sean E. Grismer
- Principal: Ms. Hillary Russell
- Affordable Before and After School Child Care Available
- Bus Service is available at no charge to students living inside Woodstock School District 200 boundaries, subject to District 200 policies
- Location: 320 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098
- School Day Schedule: 8:20 am - 3:00 pm
- Daily Mass at 8:30 am
- Catholic High School Marian Central: https://www.marian.com
Providing a faith-filled Individualized Academic Experience
St. Mary Catholic School recognizes that each child is made in the image and likeness of God with unique gifts and talents. At our school, we serve students in all capabilities through our inclusive education curriculum. Through our inclusive education approach, we have the resources to teach children with special and gifted needs.
Through our accelerated math and reading curriculum, as well as our extracurricular activities, our students are given a well-rounded academic experience proven annually by the individual and grade-level results of our Iowa Assessments.
Our faculty focuses on teaching our students to meet and exceed State and Diocesan goals and standards. Our homeroom teachers hold teaching licenses and every religion teacher earns credentials as a certified catechist by the Diocese of Rockford. Teachers integrate faith in all courses, including specials.
Parent testimonials
We transferred our children to St Mary's 5 years ago. Transferring our children to St. Mary’s from our local public school district was, without question, one of the best decisions we have ever made for our family. St. Mary’s provides an exceptional education while fostering meaningful friendships, enriching extracurricular activities, faith, and a supportive community for both students and families. It truly offers the complete package.
The faculty and staff are outstanding. They consistently go above and beyond what is expected, taking the time to know each child as an individual and helping every student reach their full potential. Every child is genuinely seen, valued, and supported. Communication with parents is consistent, proactive, and an integral part of the school's culture.
St. Mary’s also reinforces the values of kindness, respect, responsibility, and courtesy in a positive and encouraging environment. High expectations in both academics and behavior are paired with compassion, creating a school culture where students thrive both academically and personally.
Although our family is not Catholic, we have been welcomed with genuine warmth, acceptance, and inclusion from the very beginning. We have experienced a level of partnership and community with this school that we simply did not and could not find in our previous public school.
We truly believe that St. Mary’s has played a significant role in our children's academic success, personal growth, and confidence. We are incredibly grateful for everything the school has given our children and our family. We wholeheartedly recommend St. Mary’s to any family seeking an outstanding education in a caring, values-driven environment. Our only regret is that we didn't make the switch sooner.
--- the Kasten family, Fall 2026
When our family was searching for a school, we wanted more than strong academics—we wanted a community that would help our children grow in faith, virtue, and character while recognizing and nurturing each child as an individual. St. Mary has exceeded every expectation.
From the very beginning, we felt welcomed into a community deeply rooted in Christ and committed to forming not only students, but entire families. The emphasis on faith, virtue, and service is woven into everyday life, creating an environment where children are encouraged to become compassionate, confident, and servant-hearted leaders.
Academically, St. Mary both challenges and supports each child, meeting them where they are and helping them reach their fullest potential. What has surprised us most, though, is the incredible sense of belonging. The school intentionally cultivates meaningful relationships among families, creating a community centered on the things that matter most.
St. Mary has been an incredible blessing to our family. We are grateful every day for the investment the teachers, staff, and parish make in our children and in our community. It is truly a gift to our local community and a place where the next generation is being formed with faith, excellence, virtue, and a heart for serving others. ---the Biver family, Fall 2026
Choosing St. Mary for our family was an easy decision. We value the smaller class sizes, which provide a more personalized, hands-on learning experience and allow each child to receive the attention they need to thrive. What truly sets St. Mary apart is the caring and dedicated staff, who genuinely invest in each student’s growth—both academically and personally. We also appreciate the strong emphasis on faith and values, which helps nurture character, compassion, and a strong moral foundation alongside an excellent education.--- the Geier family, Fall 2026