PHILOSOPHY

Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School believes that each student is a child of God, endowed with unique gifts and talents.  In cooperation with parents, the primary educators of their children, the school and church form a faith community dedicated to teach, nurture, and integrate Catholic values into students' everyday lives.

Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School is a Christ-centered environment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth through the living traditions of the Church.  Faith development is achieved with the practice of prayer, participation in Mass, and a strong religious curriculum.  Students are able to celebrate the presence of Christ in themselves and others, by displaying charity, performing service, and making faith-based decisions.  Mary Star of the Sea is our mother and our model as we practice our Catholic Faith.

As a faculty and staff, our school strives for academic excellence through a standards-driven, assessment-based curriculum.  Students are challenged and guided towards achieving grade level expectations within their individual capacities by way of lessons that reflect cross-curricular connections with real-life applications.  By providing a strong foundation, students are prepared for the demands of high school and learning as a life-long process.

Our students will possess a working knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as a member of our community, and as a citizen in the United States.  They will develop cultural awareness, show tolerance towards others, and have an appreciation for differences.  Through cooperative learning, physical education, and extra-curricular activities, students exercise teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Furthermore, our students will exhibit both personal and academic accountability as well as the virtue of self-discipline.  Through this integration of faith, academics, and personal development, we are preparing our students to become Catholic leaders of tomorrow.