St. Mary Catholic School in Berea, Ohio - Est. 1860 Educating the Mind, Nurturing the Soul. If you are seeking an elementary school for your child entering Preschool - Grade 8 for the 2024-2025 school year? St. Mary School may be the ideal choice for your family.
Visit our STREAM Discovery Hall, reading lab, collaboration space, indoor playground, speak with teachers and much much more.
You'll see what makes us stand out! Call today to schedule a tour (440) 243-4555.
St. Mary Catholic School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
School Mission Statement: As followers of Christ, we live as a Catholic familyto learn and teach in ways that will help usto educate our minds, grow in our faith, and live as disciples of Jesus. - Est. 1860.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked OH School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 219 students
- Yearly Tuition: $6,500
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Mary School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia/Language-based, Mild to Moderate Learning Differences/Speech/Social Emotional Supports & Learning
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
Year Founded
1860
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
219 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
6%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
22 students
Number of AP Courses
1 course
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
plaid jumpers, navy pants, white polo
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
State Scholarships are available: EdChoice, EdChoice Expansion, Cleveland, Jon Peterson.
Local and Parish Financial Assistance is Available.
No Family is Paying the Full Tuition Cost w/Scholarship and Financial Assistance Available.
Contact the school office for more information. 440.243.4555.
Summer Program Cost
$30
Summer Program Cost Notes
$30.00 Registration Fee per child.
$4.75 hourly rate per child
Fees cover cost of activities, supplies, craft materials, etc.
Extended Summer Care Hours:
6:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Friday
Excluding July 4th
Summer Camp Field Trips:
Young Chef Academy, Chuck E. Cheese, Cleveland Zoo, movies, restaurants, Nature Trail, Art Sessions, Berea Pool, Coe Lake Pavilion, etc.
Admissions Director
Diana Zjaba
Admissions Associate
Lisa De Core
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
24 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
3D Print ClubAlgebra
Classroom AnticsCrochet Club
Faith FamiliesFitness Club
Gamers UnpluggedGardening & Cooking Elective
Lego ClubRobotics Elective
STREAM ProgramStudent Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced BandArt Elective
BandChoir
Instrument LessonsYoung Rembrandts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
BasketballCheer
FootballGolf
SoccerVolleyball
School Notes
- St. Mary Catholic School in Berea, Ohio - Est. 1860
- Educating the Mind, Nurturing the Soul.
- St. Mary School is a place where all children feel loved, safe and cared for. As our Student Council President, Sarah C. stated during her graduation speech on June 5, 2024, "St. Mary's School is family. You can't help but to run into others who care about you and want the best for you. I feel like everyone knows and cares for everyone. That is what makes St. Mary School in Berea so special."
- If you are seeking an elementary school that truly cares for your child entering Preschool - Grade 8 for the 2024-2025 school year, SMS is the right place for you and your family.
- We would love to have your tour and visit our STREAM Discovery Hall, reading lab, collaboration space, indoor playground, speak with teachers and much much more.You'll see what makes us stand out!
- Call today to schedule a tour (440) 243-4555 or email Mrs. Diana Zjaba at dzjaba@smsbera.org.
- St. Mary Catholic School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
- School Mission Statement:
- As followers of Christ, we live as a Catholic familyto learn and teach in ways that will help usto educate our minds, grow in our faith, and live as disciples of Jesus. - Est. 1860
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Mary School cost?
St. Mary School's tuition is approximately $6,500 for private students and $30 for summer students.
Does St. Mary School offer a summer program?
Yes, St. Mary School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does St. Mary School offer?
St. Mary School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Flag Football, Football, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Mary School's ranking?
St. Mary School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for: Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary School?
The application deadline for St. Mary School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/3/2024
This school is one where ALL children feel safe and able to be who they are, and to be accepted for who they are as children of Christ. They LOVE coming to school and being part of the school community. And if your child does not practice any particular faith, that is alright too. They are simply asked to learn and participate to the best of their ability during faith formation opportunities. They really enjoy being part of Faith Families and rolling up their sleeves and learning through creative experiments and exploration through our amazing STREAM program. The teachers and support staff are amazing and care for each and every one of the students. We have welcomed many new students during the past few school years and look forward to meeting and welcoming more students and families to St. Mary School in Berea, Ohio. Go Chargers!
Endorse St. Mary 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

The End of Teacher Tenure As We Know It?
Teacher tenure in our public schools is under attack. Will tenure as we know it survive? Some thoughts here.

Schools for Gifted Children
Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their special gifts and themselves appropriately.

June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed EducatorsNavigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.