Admissions

Thank you for visiting our web site and taking a closer look at St. Mary’s School (SMS). We hope that you find our site helpful to determine whether SMS is the right match for your son or daughter. SMS offers a strong academic curriculum combined with an enriching faith community. We also offer excellent extracurricular opportunities in athletics, performing arts, student activities, and community service. With its small student body, SMS provides a unique opportunity to explore new interests and participate in an active school community.

How to Apply

Parents seeking a Catholic education for their children are encouraged to apply. We have a strong commitment to Catholic tradition and to our parish families, as well as to those families whose children would benefit from our school.

Parents interested in learning more about the school or scheduling a visit, should contact the school at
(507) 446-2300.

Download the Tuition Agreement form. Send the completed form along with your $50 application fee to:

St. Mary’s School
Attn: Admissions Dept.
730 S. Cedar
Owatonna, MN 55060

We invite you to browse through our website to get a feel for St. Mary’s.

We also have answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding admission to St. Mary’s

Tuition & Fees – 2012-2013

St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart Subsidized Parishioner Rates:
K-8th Grade: $3,384
Multiple student discounts apply.
See Tuition Agreement for more information.

Non Parishioner Rates:
Kindergarten: $4,584
Grade 1-8: $5,064
Multiple student discounts do not apply

Tuition may be paid annually, semi-annually,  or monthly.
See Tuition Agreement for more information.

Participation in our Scrip Program is also required as a part of our tuition agreement.

Tuition Assistance

St. Mary’s School and the parishes of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s are committed to the belief that no family should be denied a Catholic education for their child or children because of financial hardship. Therefore, we offer financial support for tuition for anyone who qualifies.

Tuition Aid Data Services (TADS) will be conducting financial needs assessments for families that may need assistance in paying tuition. The application process will be completed on-line and is fair and confidential.

If you would like to apply for tuition assistance, please click on the following:

TADS

FAQ

What is the average class size?
In the lower elementary grades (K-2), our goal is to achieve a class size of 17-18 students per class. In the upper elementary grades (3-5), our goal is classes averaging 19 students per class. Junior high class sizes average 20 per class.>

What percentage of teachers hold advanced degrees?
80 percent of the teaching staff hold master’s degrees.

How much is tuition?
See Tution and Fees page.

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

How much fundraising is done throughout the school year?
Our current fundraising event for students is the Marathon for Non-public education. The Home and School Association also sponsors the annual Night of Knights Auction. Participation is encouraged but voluntary. St. Mary’s also participates in the SCRIP program. $250 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 the first week of school.  Contact 507-446-2300 for more information.

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. Elementary students who live more than 1 mile from School are eligible for free busing. Busing service may be purchased for students who live within a 1 mile radius. For junior high students, the eligible distance is 2 miles.

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?
Yes! After School Care is available for St. Mary’s students from 2:40-5:30. Please contact 507-446-2300 for more information.