St. Mary's School has been an integral part of our community for over 120 years.
We celebrated our centennial in 1982-83. The first school was in the basement of the old church.
The church was downtown in the area of Dr. Meacham's office.
The first Sisters came from came from Manitowoc in 1882 and in 1894 the La Crosse Franciscans came to teach and still do so today.
St. Mary's School was formerly called St. Joseph School and it had a High School connected with it.
It closed in 1936 when a fire destroyed the first school.
The school was rebuilt in 1937. In 1961 the new addition was built, and in 1986 the newest addition was built.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 215 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
215 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
3%
State avg.: 35%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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

What Private School Alumni Say a Decade Later
Ten years after graduation, private school alumni reflect on advantages, regrets, career impact, and life lessons—unearthing truths families need to know.

Can Private School Help with College Admissions?
Explore how private schools influence college admissions—advantages, limitations, and what families should expect.

Inside the Daily Life of a Private School Student
Discover what daily life is like for private school students in 2025, from classes and athletics to dining, dorms, and extracurriculars.