Maria Montessori believed in implementing multi-age classrooms, and here at St. Mary’s our preschool (CH 1 & 2) and kindergarten (CH 3) programs are combined into one space called a Children’s House. In this environment, CH 3 students (kindergarten) gain confidence through leadership roles while younger students (CH 1 & 2) learn by watching and imitating their older classmates. All materials for the 3, 4 and 5-year-old are displayed in the environment, and presentations by the teacher to individual students is a vital part of the rhythm and culture of the classroom . CH 1 & 2 students watch the work of an older child with great curiosity as an important part of their learning, preparing them for this same work in the future.

St. Mary’s Montessori Children’s House is licensed with the state of Minnesota for 3, 4, and 5-year-old children. Because of the unique way Montessori programs combine age groups, our kindergarten-age students are considered part of our child care program even though they are school-age students. Tuition for kindergarten-age students follows the school tuition rate, while tuition for 3 and 4-year-olds follows the child care rate.

Preschool Scholarships: Parent Aware Childcare Center/Early Learning Scholarships are available through a state-run program. To see if your child might qualify for an Early Learning Scholarship, go to: education.mn

K-6 KREMER FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Every year, St. Mary’s School receives limited tuition scholarship funds to award families who meet the income guidelines of the Kremer Family Foundation. These applications are due each year in April. Contact the principal for more information.

SPONSOR A CHILD SCHOLARSHIPS
Occasionally, families experiencing financial difficulties might qualify for assistance through the Sponsor a Child program. Contact the principal for more information. 

Yes, students from the community at large are eligible without discrimination for admission whenever space is available. Because we are a mission of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, our school exists first to educate students from families who are registered parish member of our 5 Star Area Catholic Community (ACC). Every year a schedule for priority enrollment is created, indicating when enrollment opens for ACC member families and dates when other applications can be taken. For non-parish families, wait lists for the next school year for the Children’s House open on January 21 of each year and families are contacted when their enrollment application can be received. For grades 1 through 6, students can be enrolled at any time during the school year provided the grade is not already full.

Classes begin at 8:10 and end at 2:53. At 7:30 AM, the school and church basement are open for arrival. CH 1, 2, and 3 students can come to their classroom between 7:30 and 7:50; 1st-6th students come to the church basement from 7:30 to 7:50. At 7:50, the school is open to all students, with the first bell at 8:05 and all students in their seats by 8:10 for the start of the day. Currently there is no before or after school program offered for students.

St. Mary’s students age 5 and up, or 4 year-olds accompanied by a bus buddy, may ride a school bus to and from school. In August, we send our family roster to Aksamit Bus Company who assigns bus routes to students. If you have questions about busing, please call Aksamit at 320-594-8228. In addition, some parents utilize Rainbow Rider, particularly for preschool students who cannot ride the bus. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact Rainbow Rider: 320-283-5061.

Hot lunches are provided to all students through an agreement with LPGE Schools. Currently, the state of Minnesota provides free breakfast and lunch for all kindergarten through 6th grade students. However, preschool students are not included in this and must set up a lunch account at St. Mary’s if they want hot lunch for their child. Breakfast is “Grab and Go” and is served in the Children’s House (to kindergarten students only) from 7:30 to 7:50. Breakfast for all 1-6 students is served in the church basement. 

TITLE SERVICES-BENCHMARK TESTING
All St. Mary’s kindergarten through 6th grade are Benchmark tested in the fall, winter and spring to monitor their progress in reading and math. Based on this testing, some students are provided extra help through daily Title 1 Services provided on site by LPGE personnel.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Upon enrolling at St. Mary’s, all families fill out a Home Language Survey. Families of students for whom English is a second language may opt in or out of attending ESL classes held in our school building. These afternoon classes provide language, vocabulary and grammar instruction that help students increase their written and oral English language proficiency.

SPEECH THERAPY
Speech therapy is provided to any student who qualifies for this help. Sessions are provided by trained LPGE specialists twice per week

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Students who qualify for SPED services are bussed to the public school to receive those services, while still spending the majority of their time in their St. Mary’s classroom. Each student’s schedule varies, and LPGE staff, parents, and their St. Mary’s teacher work together to help assure those services are provided.

Absolutely! Our students can participate in choir and band (5th & 6th grade) during school hours, and we frequently send home flyers about activities provided by the public school. Interested 4th through 6th graders may also participate in LPGE Robotics.