Old St. Marys School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked IL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 505 students
Yearly Tuition: $9,085
Average class size: 25 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Old St. Marys School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

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Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Old St. Marys School
Pre-K	78
Kind	43
1	57
2	40
3	50
4	38
5	54
6	54
7	44
8	47

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

2004

Summer School Offered

Yes

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2019

Student Body

Total Students

505 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

15%

State avg.: 34%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

47 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

11:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

45%

Average Class Size

25 students

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

plaid jumper or skirt; blue slacks and white shirt and sweater vest

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$9,085

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

9085 is the tuition price for k-8. Full-day Pre-K tuition: $9370 Half-day Pre-K tuition: $7569

% on Financial Aid

15%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$2,000

Admissions Director

Naomi Palacios

Application URL

Online Application

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Sports

Total Sports Offered

3 sports

Sports

BasketballTrack and Field

Volleyball

School Notes

Welcome to Old St. Mary's School! We are a vibrant Catholic school in the South Loop of Chicago serving over 500 children in preschool through 8th grade.
We are a diverse community committed to the diversity and inclusion of everyone in our community
We offer a rigorous academic program, rooted in a firm foundation of our Catholic faith, preparing our students for the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.
Our students enjoy a curriculum designed with many hands-on learning opportunities.
Our location, just minutes away from the Museum Campus, allows us frequent access to the rich history and treasures of our great city.
Our students are challenged to observe carefully, think critically, and respond compassionately to the needs surrounding them.
Our goal for each one of our students is to become a life long learner, never losing that excitement of knowing more about the world in which we live.

Although Old St. Mary's parish is Chicago's first Catholic congregation and oldest parish in the city, it is now located in one of Chicago's newest church buildings. The Church was founded in 1833 but is currently in its sixth location. The original Saint Mary's Church was built in 1833 on the south side of Lake Street, west of State Street. The building was moved to the northwest corner of Michigan at Madison in 1836 where it was enlarged and an open belfry added. In 1843, with the establishment of the Diocese of Chicago, St. Mary's Cathedral was built on the southwest corner of Madison at Wabash. The original wooden structure was cut in half and moved to the grounds of the cathedral where the first Catholic grammar school in Chicago was established in 1846. The Cathedral was destroyed in The Great Fire in 1871. Most Chicagoans know the church from its former site, the corner of Wabash and Van Buren. In 2002 the parish community proudly dedicated their new church on South Michigan Avenue. It soon became clear that there would be a need for a new educational ministry. The many young families who had moved into the neighborhood were looking for a faith-based, quality education for their children. In 2004 Old St. Mary's School opened its doors to its first preschool class of 18 children. Today Old St. Mary's School serves over 500 students in preschool through eighth grade. Old St. Mary's Catholic School is dedicated to educating the children of its parish by:
Providing a solid foundation in the Catholic faith, within the context of a challenging academic program, one that takes advantage of all of the cultural opportunities available in the city around us.
Complementing the role of the family in nurturing a strong sense of dignity and self-worth in each child.
Developing an appreciation in every child of their connection to others by fostering a sense of concern and a commitment to service.
Encouraging habits that build strong minds in healthy bodies and that nurture secure and poised individuals who will be ready to meet the challenges of the present and future. *

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Old St. Marys School cost?

Old St. Marys School's tuition is approximately $9,085 for private students.

What sports does Old St. Marys School offer?

Old St. Marys School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is Old St. Marys School's ranking?

Old St. Marys School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Old St. Marys School?

The application deadline for Old St. Marys School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Old St. Marys School located?

Old St. Marys School is located in the Near South Side neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other private schools located in Near South Side.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 1/17/2023

The school is amazing. It is clean and well-organized. My son loves his teachers. Bullying of any sort is not tolerated. The educational progress of my son is definitely above average thanks to his teachers and their program.

- Posted by Parent - SEBASTIAN Z

5 5/21/2015

Had a wonderful experience at this school. The teachers are outstanding and they are what makes the school top notch. I would send my child here if I lived closer!

- Posted by Teacher - Maggi

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chicago, IL is $12,873 for elementary schools and $18,675 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Chicago, IL is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).