Saint Mary School, Bordentown
Saint Mary School was a private coeducational Roman Catholic day school in Bordentown, New Jersey, that served students in kindergarten through eighth grade as part of Saint Mary's parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton.
The school closed its doors in June 2013 with a final graduating class of 11 students. The Diocese of Trenton cited the school's financial challenges in the face of enrollment that was half of the 220 students needed to remain financially viable.[1][2]
History
Saint Mary's was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, a sisterhood based in Ireland. In 1843 the organization came to Pittsburgh before moving their Motherhouse to Bordentown in 1873. They had a church and school built in Hilltop, New Jersey, but the space there was inadequate and they moved back to Bordentown, where they built a new church and school. These two stayed in use, and have been used ever since. This year, 2013, they will be celebrating 125 years of Faith, Service, and Academics.
Philosophy
As a Catholic School in the Diocese of Trenton, St. Mary's is committed to the development of each individual student in a Christ centered environment. Together with our families, we share the awesome responsibility for the total education of the student. Our school is strongly committed to academic excellence. By emphasizing excellence we hope to encourage all students to reach their God given potential.
School life
The students at St. Mary School are academically as well as socially challenged with the classes and activities that happen within the vintage walls of the school. There are advanced math classes, science labs and fair involvement, creativity fair involvement, special subjects that include the arts, technology, music theory, afterschool clubs as well as a comprehensive sports program. The sports program includes basketball, soccer, softball, and cheerleading.
Service is also a big component of the school. In the year 2012-2013 alone, students have participated in the Relay for Life, Pink Ribbon Challenge, Clothing Drives, The Giving Tree for infants and children in need, a book collection for Children's Hospital, 1,500 Can Challenge for the St. Mary Food Pantry, altar serving at all masses, and choir for school masses as well as Sunday's Children's mass. St. Mary School develops the whole child.
External links
References
- Mulvaney, Nicole. "St. Mary School in Bordentown closes after 150 years", The Times (Trenton), June 15, 2013. Accessed June 16, 2013.
- http://www.courierpostonline.com/viewart/20130615/NEWS01/306150061/Bordentown-Catholic-school-shuttered-after-150-years