About St. Mary School

St. Mary School first opened its doors to students on September 7, 1927. The school building was a two-story frame house located on North William Street, next door to St. Mary Catholic Church. It was staffed by three Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, from Scranton, Pennsylvania. There were 45 students in grades one through seven. The sisters lived on the second floor and classes were held on the first floor. During the following years, enrollment increased and remained at about 120. Necessary facilities were added as required during this period.

In anticipation of the reactivation of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, a 10.2 acre tract of land was purchased on August 4, 1953, for the purpose of building a new school. On April 1, 1956 the base reactivated and plans were immediately formulated to construct the school. A convent to house ten Sisters was also erected and both buildings were completed in December 1956. The new school opened on January 7, 1957. In 1965 an addition to the school was completed, adding a ninth grade classroom. Then in 1987 the decision was made to discontinue ninth grade and to add a preschool program. In recent years the school has added a computer lab, Spanish program and Fine Arts curriculum. In 2002, the school received initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  This accreditation was updated in 2007.  Through the years, St. Mary School has earned an enviable reputation for quality education.  Our students stand out of the crowd when they go on to High School.  Just ask any of our local High School teachers.

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