I. THE HISTORY OF SAINT MARY SCHOOL

The story of St. Mary School begins in 1890 with the establishment of Saint Rose Academy. Five courageous young women, who then became the nucleus of the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds, traveled to Aberdeen and founded a school for the Catholic children of the area. It was these sisters who, thirty-six years later, became the educational and spiritual leaders of the first parochial school in Grays Harbor. Reverend Michael O’Donnell realized there was a need to build a larger parochial facility to replace Saint Rose Academy. He commissioned architect C. Frank Mahon to design the school, which would cost $65,000.

The official opening of St. Mary School was in March of 1926. The Progress noted at the time, “St. Mary’s School is a concrete, fireproof building, with eight classrooms, as well as offices, closets, playrooms, etc. It is modern to the nth degree and Pastor and people are indeed proud that they have added another fine unit to the chain of parish schools of the diocese.”

The years to follow, however, were difficult years for the people of the Harbor area because of the depression. This had no effect on the enrollment since Catholic education was free at that time. There was no tuition charge and the parishioners were able to bear the financial burdens, which were minimal, due to the contributed services of the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds.

By 1961 the school needed renovating. Father Charles Kelly, the Pastor at that time, accomplished this major task. The school was in fine shape. The classrooms were filled to capacity and there were no great financial problems. However, by the early seventies money became scarce. There were fewer sisters and students and the Catholic Church was in a renewal phase. This combination took its toll on St. Mary School and the enrollment began to show a decline. St. Mary School was a part of a changing Church and felt the pains of change. Many Catholics felt a sense of frustration and uncertainty. St. Mary School also felt this tension and was affected by it, yet managed to emerge as a cherished and valued school system. With the clustering of the parishes in 1995, the school became a Regional School, supported by 6 parishes/missions of the Grays Harbor Catholic Faith Community.

Presently, St. Mary School is growing and expanding. In 1996 the offerings were expanded to include a preschool program for four-year-old students; a year later this was expanded to include three-year-old students. The school became fully accredited in 1999 by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Efforts to make the school financially sound include a small endowment fund, an annual outreach to alumni called Friends of Saint Mary, and the use of the SMART Company, later replaced by FACTS, for tuition payment oversight. In 1999, the first bi-annual SPIRIT Auction was held and has become a community event.

The values St. Mary School imparts are still desired by many parents for their children. The past has strengthened St. Mary School and today it is a vital part of the regional ministry of Grays Harbor Catholic Community.