From its humble beginnings in January 1898, St. Mary's has educated children of all races and creeds. Our mission is carried out in the spirit of Christ - which is a spirit of love. Over the past 100 years, thousands of children have passed through the doors of St. Mary's. We have helped them to acquire the skills necessary to shape their futures.

Buildings like this served as classrooms for the old St. Mary's School.

With an invitation from the Bishop of Roseau, Dominica, the Belgian Redemptorist Fathers arrived at the parish of Holy Cross in the town of Christiansted and quickly laid the foundation for a Catholic school. Two hundred and fifty students were educated that first year at "Mount St. Mary's." The new off to a great start on a hill overlooking the town of Christiansted. However, it was not long before a new site was needed for St. Mary's. The daily trek up the hill proved burdensome for many of the children.

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Architect Mr. Enrique Marango Building contractor Mr. Francisco Cruz.

The Redemptorists soon realized that help would be necessary to secure a strong future for the school. They turned to the Canonesses of St. Augustine- later known as the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1915, five Belgian sisters assumed the responsibility for the children of St. Mary's. Under their very capable direction and leadership, St. Mary's became an important par of the St. Croix community.

The rigorous academic standards and spiritual values offered by the new Catholic school made St. Mary's leader among schools on the island.

Sisters at the convent in Christiansted. Click on pictures to enlarge

Weathering time and the elements, St. Mary's endured. She grew from a tiny elementary school, teaching the basics, to an educational institution that, at one point in her long history, included a High School curriculum. Our present program includes grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight.

The sisters left the school in 1980's. However, their spirit of dedicated service is still alive and well. In October 1998, St. Mary's successfully completed all requirements for Middle States Association Accreditation.

After a century of service, St. Mary's remains committed to its mission - providing a quality education to any student who desires it. Christ is still the center of the values-based education offered at St. Mary's. Continuing our Catholic tradition, students are held to high standards.

Today the "new" school building is 50 years old and has been again newly renovated and painted. The cafeteria has been added. The playground has been enclosed and enhanced with a regulation basketball and volley ball court. The internet hookup is now in place. Each room now has multiple computers that are part of a local area network.  TVs and VCRs in every room make audio visual presentations easy.

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St. Mary School moves into the future with its eyes on its wonderful past.   The mission of educating the whole person still stands firm -mind, heart and spirit. The Catholic Faith is the foundation on which St. Mary School stands and from which its vision flows.  Education, not just for Time but for Eternity as well. All for the great honor and glory of God!

We are proud of our history and all who have helped shape it. At St. Mary's today, "Our pride is Alive!"