State of the School – Spring 2025
Dear St. Mary’s Families,
The state of St. Mary’s is strong. The past year has been tremendous at St. Mary’s. Our students are thriving, our teachers are growing and the community has a vibe of positivity everywhere you turn. Important information indicative of the strengths of the school:
Teacher Retention
2024-25 Teacher Retention – 100%
2025-26 Teacher Retention – 95%
Teacher retention is at 95% for the upcoming year. Having Mrs. Herring retiring is bittersweet, we are happy for her, but sad to see her go. We are pleased to be adding to our staff with the addition of Miss Heffner (5th grade), Mr. Bernal (4th grade), along with a new counselor. In addition we are adjusting current teacher roles to provide opportunities for our students including:
- Mrs. Geile – M.S. Science and Student Support Services
- Mrs. Russell – M.S. Math and Math Interventionist
- Mrs. Bernal – M.S. Language Arts and Reading Interventionist
Student Retention and Re-enrollment
2025-26 Student retention – 94.8%
Of the students not returning, 67% are moving out of town. We are providing a safe, challenging, and positive community where students are supported to be their best and strive to expand their potential.
During the 2024-25 school year, we had 12 mid-year transfer students. We work hard to be a welcoming school community that allows students to thrive in a new environment with new teachers, classmates and expectations.
We have had a record number of tours and shadows during the current school year. We stand today to add more than 30 additional students and their families to St. Mary’s. Our enrollment will increase by over 10% in the upcoming school year. St. Mary’s has worked hard to market the school. Most effective has been word of mouth from our satisfied and happy students and families. We have the momentum behind us and our trajectory is incredibly positive.
Academic Excellence
MAP Testing Spring 2025
School Wide – Reading – Achievement – 73% – Growth 58%
School Wide – Language Usage – Achievement 80% – Growth 67%
School Wide – Mathematics – Achievement 74% – Growth 58%
St. Mary’s is very proud of our student’s achievement. We are much more proud of the growth they have shown during the year. Our collected students are out performing other students participating in MAP across the nation.
Our teachers are building strong relationships with our students and their families to provide a safe, challenging and productive academic and spiritual environment where our students grow and develop.
Finances
**We will not have a final budget number until the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2025.
- Maintained a reasonable tuition increase plan and overall tuition plan consistent with the mission of the school
- Record fundraising at our Diamonds and Denim Gala and Spartan Run
- PTO contributed more than $115,000 through fundraising efforts
- Investment in teacher’s salaries to be more competitive with Boise School District
- Secured a non-interest bearing loan from the Diocese to make up budget shortfalls in prior years
St. Mary’s received over $60,000 from the John J. Creegan Foundation – The Creegan foundation provides a financial gift to the school annually. For more information about the foundation and how you can contribute, please visit the foundation page on the school’s website
Future Projects and Focus
Progress towards the St. Mary’s 2030 Strategic Vision in cooperation with the Parish, which includes:
Continue after school programs
-
-
- Young Rembrandts – Art program
-
- Spartaneers – STEM program
- Mexican Dance
Relocate library to expand the number of classrooms
Continue to invest in teacher salaries to close the gap with Boise Schools
Continue to grow enrollment – Goal is 212 based on desired capacity
