FAQs

What is unique about St. Mary’s?
St. Mary’s School is a place where each child is known, understood and valued. St. Mary’s has an environment that is:

  • Focused on the whole child
  • Welcoming, caring and open
  • Economically diverse
  • Safe
  • Committed to the Catholic tradition with an emphasis on community service
St. Mary’s provides an academic program that offers the following:
  • Small class sizes
  • Rigorous curriculum
  • Ability to meet the unique needs of students
  • Experienced and committed staff with little turnover

What is the average class size?
In the lower elementary grades (K-2), the average class size is 16 students per class. In the upper elementary grades (3-5), classes average 19 students per class. Junior high class sizes average 20 per class (40 per grade).

What percentage of teachers have advanced degrees?
Over 50 percent of the teaching staff either hold master's degrees or are pursuing one.

How much is tuition?
Tuition rates for 2007-08 are as follows:

St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart Subsidized Parishioner Rates: K-8th Grade: $2,640.00
Multiple student discounts apply. See Tuition Agreement (link to 3.4.1) for more information.

Non Parishioner Rates:

Kindergarten: $3,840 Grade 1-8: $4,236
Multiple student discounts do not apply

Is tuition assistance available?
Yes. See Tuition Assistance information on the Admissions page.

How much fundraising is done throughout the school year?
The only fundraising effort that students participate in is the Annual Magazine Drive. The Home and School Association also sponsors the annual Knight of Nights Auction. Participation is encouraged but voluntary. St. Mary’s also participates in the SCRIP program. $200 participation in this program is required for each family.

Does St. Mary’s offer full-day kindergarten?
Yes, St. Mary’s offers full-day kindergarten beginning with the start of the second quarter in November. Up until that time, kindergarten is half-day. Half-day: (Sept through October) 8:00 am - 10:40 am Full-day: (November through May)8:00 am - 2:40 pm

Can my child take the bus to and from school?
Yes. The Owatonna Bus Company provides busing to St. Mary’s School based on the same eligibility as the Owatonna Public Schools. Students who live more than 2 miles from School are eligible for free busing. Busing service may be purchased for students who live within a 2 mile radius.

Does St. Mary’s welcome students who are not Catholic or who belong to a different parish?
Yes, St. Mary’s welcomes families of all faiths and/or parishes.

Do students wear uniforms?
St. Mary’s students do not wear uniforms. The dress code is addressed in the Dress Code.

Is after School care available at St. Mary’s?
St. Mary’s students who require after school care may take the bus to one of the Owatonna Public elementary schools after school and participate in their AfterSchool Care Program.