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St. Marys School

835 Swanwick St
Chester, IL 62233

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Tel: (618) 826-3120

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St Mary School is a Strong tradition of quality Catholic education, Meets students' individual educational needs, Dedicated faculty and staff, Enthusiastic parental involvement and support, Warm, close-knit community of learners, High expectations for students' behavior and work habits, In concurrence with Diocesan Child Protection Policy regulations.

Our philosophy is to provide a Catholic Christ-centered education for the whole child by fostering spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical growth through the Gospel's message.

With a keen awareness that both academic and religious instruction needed to be provided for the children in the community, Father J.

Kraemer founded St. Mary Help of Christian School in 1863. Today the school continues its tradition of offering students a quality academic education based on the foundation of the faith.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked IL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 94 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

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

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Year Founded

1863

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

94 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

7 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

13:1

National avg.: 11:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

School Motto: St. Mary’s School / A Family of Families
School Mascot: Hawk

St Mary School is a Strong tradition of quality Catholic education, Meets students' individual educational needs, Dedicated faculty and staff, Enthusiastic parental involvement and support, Warm, close-knit community of learners, High expectations for students' behavior and work habits, In concurrence with Diocesan Child Protection Policy regulations. Our philosophy is to provide a Catholic Christ-centered education for the whole child by fostering spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical growth through the Gospel's message. With a keen awareness that both academic and religious instruction needed to be provided for the children in the community, Father J. Kraemer founded St. Mary Help of Christian School in 1863. Today the school continues its tradition of offering students a quality academic education based on the foundation of the faith.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Marys School's ranking?

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

When is the application deadline for St. Marys School?

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

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked IL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 94 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Illinois is $10,945 for elementary schools and $15,865 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Illinois is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).