A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CATHOLIC EDUCATION

The legacy of Catholic education began in Grays Harbor in 1890 when the Dominican Sisters opened Saint Rose Academy on the G Street Hill in the city of Aberdeen, which is on the southern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. The school housed students and even held high school classes for a short time period. Following Saint Rose Academy, Saint Mary Parish built Saint May School located on H Street in the city of Aberdeen.

Saint Mary School officially opened in March of 1926. The years to follow were difficult for the people of the Harbor area because of the depression. However, this had no effect on the enrollment because Catholic education was free at that time. Furthermore, parishioners were able to bear the other financial burdens because the services contributed by the Domincan Sisters of Edmonds minimized costs.

During the 1980s, the school and community experienced economic challenges with diminishing logging and wood product production. The area lost population as families moved or chose lower paying occupations. Subsequently, the school and surrounding parishes began to see more financial challenges. In an effort to maintain Catholic education in the Harbor, beneficiaries and several parishes offered help to Saint Mary School.

Presently, Saint Mary School is growing and expanding. In 1996 the programs were expanded to include a preschool program for four year old students, and the following year a program for three year old students was developed. Later, Kindergarten became full time. Efforts to make the school financially sound include a small endowment fund and an annual outreach to alumni called Friends of Saint Mary.