St. Mary of the Woods School exists to help the parent as primary educators of their child and further the educational mission of the parish to nurture children to become whole, responsible persons spiritually, academically, aesthetically, and physically.
The school is to provide the children with a solid moral foundation rooted in church doctrine, enabling them to develop Catholic attitudes based on Catholic social teaching, justice and scripture. The foundation learned at St. Mary of the Woods School enables the student to incorporate Catholic Christian values in the local and global communities.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 380 students
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 21 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Mary Of The Woods School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1952
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2012
Student Body
Total Students
380 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
4%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
3%
Average Class Size
21 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Logo Vest,
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mrs Mary Yamoah, Principal
Admissions Associate
Mrs. Joyce Sopko
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Girl Scouts, Junior National Honor Society, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Irish Folk Dance, Yoga
Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Girl Scouts, Junior National Honor Society, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Irish Folk Dance, Yoga
School Notes
- St. Mary of the Woods School exists to help the parent as primary educators of their child and further the educational mission of the parish to nurture children to become whole, responsible persons spiritually, academically, aesthetically, and physically. The school is to provide the children with a solid moral foundation rooted in church doctrine, enabling them to develop Catholic attitudes based on Catholic social teaching, justice and scripture. The foundation learned at St. Mary of the Woods School enables the student to incorporate Catholic Christian values in the local and global communities.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of St. Mary Of The Woods School?
The acceptance rate of St. Mary Of The Woods School is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 90%.
What sports does St. Mary Of The Woods School offer?
St. Mary Of The Woods School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. Mary Of The Woods School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.
What is St. Mary Of The Woods School's ranking?
St. Mary Of The Woods School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary Of The Woods School?
The application deadline for St. Mary Of The Woods School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. Mary Of The Woods School located?
St. Mary Of The Woods School is located in the Forest Glen neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 3 other private schools located in Forest Glen.
School Reviews
5 10/20/2015
This school has so much to offer academically and extra curricular activities. My children truly enjoy being a part of this school
Endorse St. Mary Of The Woods School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Why Did You Select That School?
"Because I heard it is a good school." That may well be, but there are some other factors in the private school selection process we need to consider.

Pre-AP, PSAT/NMSQT, BlueBook, and More
This article explains the College Board's programs designed to prepare middle and high school students for the SAT. It covers Pre-AP courses, and the PSAT Suite of Assessments, highlighting how these programs use technology to enhance learning.

Independent Schools in Africa
Discover Africa's vibrant international education landscape with our comprehensive guide to private K-12 schools across the continent. From British and American curricula to French, German, and niche language programs, explore how expat families can find world-class education tailored to their needs. Learn about boarding and day schools in South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and beyond.