St. Mary Catholic School in Wilmington

Posted: May 20, 2025

Our experience with St. Mary Catholic School was unfortunately not a positive one. If your child begins their educational journey here from the start, your experience may be different. However, for families joining later or with children who require any form of academic or emotional accommodations, I would advise careful consideration.

We found communication with teachers to be lacking, and there seemed to be minimal investment beyond the basics in the classroom. Concerns were often met with blame directed at the student rather than a collaborative effort to support them. For some families, this approach may work, but it was not what we hoped for in a nurturing academic environment.

Our experience in the middle school also raised concerns around how bullying is addressedor rather, tolerated. Additionally, while the current principal (as of two years ago) may be focused on the operational aspects of the school, we found him difficult to communicate with. When concerns were brought up, we often felt dismissed and unheard, with comments suggesting the school's limited resources as justification.

If your student fits the mold of a high-performing, independent learner, St. Mary may be a good fit. However, if your child needs a more supportive, communicative, and compassionate environment, I would strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.

Regrettably, this was the most difficult and disappointing educational decision we made for our child.

Posted: May 20, 2025

Posted: June 17, 2024

This school is a hidden gem. Students flourish here.

Posted: June 17, 2024

Posted: October 4, 2023

Wonderful school. I had a graduated from Saint Mary that loved every moment of it. I currently have my kids attend and they loved it as well. The teachers are wonderful, and they offer a great Science program.

Posted: October 4, 2023

Posted: September 8, 2023

We have 3 children who started at St. Mary in Kindergarten. We especially appreciate the individualized instruction, excellent academics, diversity, and amazing downtown location. Our kids routinely engage in arts and history events downtown. They also have all earned state medals participating in St. Mary's Science Olympiad team, and our oldest was quickly accepted into a high school honors program, where she is thriving with the basis of education from this little gem of a school. It is also the only school-based Suzuki violin program in the city, and it is amazing to think that my three kids can play an instrument this well they have learned at school!

This year we have a new principal who has been working to make the school even better, which is hard to imagine but I believe it will be true!

Posted: September 8, 2023

Posted: July 20, 2023

St. Mary Catholic School is a small school that provides personalized education based on the student's needs. The teachers are extremely responsive and well trained, challenging students academically across content areas. There are multiple enrichment activities available, including top-rated Science Olympiad teams, Battle of the Books, advanced middle school mathematics, and a comprehensive technology program. In addition, the school offers a wide range of athletics, a school-based Suzuki violin program, band, choir, and art. Weekly religious instruction, attendance at mass, and service opportunities instill a sense of social responsibility and moral character at all grade levels. Finally, the school community is very family oriented. Our child enrolled in the 4th grade during COVID and we were warmly welcomed into the fold. Regular social events help families build school-based relationships that create a close-knit social network upon which families can rely.

Posted: July 20, 2023

Posted: July 16, 2023

I have three children at St. Mary. I just graduated one from 8th grade after 9 years there. I have enjoyed the small classroom size which allows all of my children to receive tailored, on level attention. St. Mary also is the only school in town to offer a Suzuki violin program from K-8, a full band, chorus and alternative music program, Math II for advanced middle school students, and many sports, including soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, fencing, tennis, and baseball. Last but not least, they are very invested in their STEM program, boasting top 2 performances in the regional Science Olympiad tournaments for 10 years, and many state-awarded events.

St. Mary has met my expectations for a very high academic program while balancing compassion, service, and engagement in their programs. The school prepared my rising 9th grader to a competitive high school honors program.

Posted: July 16, 2023

Posted: July 6, 2023

Love the school. My kids have been attending since kindergarten and will be an 8th grader this year. We never had an issue that can not be resolved. The teachers are great and there is great communication with them. Loved the campus and the most important the Basilica.

Posted: July 6, 2023

Posted: September 8, 2021

My children have attended St. Mary's Catholic School since Pre-K. We love the small classes and extra attention each child gets. The level of education is exceptional. I would recommend St. Mary's to any family with young children in the area. The music and Science programs start early and are sublime.

Posted: September 8, 2021

Posted: February 23, 2016

I sent my child there to get a moral education. The children bullied him everyday and made fun of him (he has a speech impediment) the kids laughed at him during class and the teacher all but called him special needs and said he would fail the year during the second week of school. We withdrew him and he is now doing better in public school but is afraid of reading outloud because he's afraid people will make fun of him.

Posted: June 13, 2014

St Marys has been great for our Son, I love the Campus and the Christian environment. The facility itself is old and full of history, located in Downtown Wilmington. Our son started in Public School but we quickly realized we needed more and St Marys has been that. Just look at the History of students who graduate, they are more prepared and most go straight into Honors programs. Its expensive but worth every penny.

Posted: July 5, 2013

Saint Mary School has a warm and nurturing environment. The teachers are creative, fun, and so kind to the students. I'm so happy we found this school for my daughter!

Posted: July 7, 2010

Our child just finished the fifth grade at St. Mary's. Both my husband and I were very disappointed with the curriculum and the teaching. The children were not challenged. We expected excellence in education, but instead received less than average. I would not recommend this school.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cypress Pond at Porters Neck	Apartment Complex	Wilmington	NC	9.7 mi
2	The Landing at Mill Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Sneads Ferry	NC	35.6 mi
3	Mallard Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	40.6 mi
4	West River	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	41.4 mi
5	Countrywood Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	43.5 mi
6	WilliamsburgPlantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	48.3 mi
7	The Bluffs on The New River	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	49.5 mi
8	Timber Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	49.9 mi
9	Carolina Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	NC	50 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Porters Neck	Wilmington	NC	12 mi
2	Sneads Ferry	Sneads Ferry	NC	38.2 mi
3	Richlands Area	Beulaville	NC	45.1 mi

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Wilmington	2.6 mi.
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU)	15.9 mi.
Stone Bay	33.6 mi.
New River MCAS	43.6 mi.
Camp Lejeune	46.3 mi.

St. Mary Catholic School

Wilmington, NC 28401

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St. Mary Catholic School

Wilmington, NC 28401

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