St. Mary Elementary opened over 50 years ago, and our tradition of excellence in Catholic education continues. St. Mary parish is very supportive of the school and is committed to providing quality, faith based education to our students. All roads easily lead to St. Mary Elementary.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked SD School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 367 students
- Yearly Tuition: $4,135
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Mary Elementary ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1949
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2019
Student Body
Total Students
367 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
6%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Navy blue pants, white collared shirts, plaid skirts optional for girls
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
non-Catholic tuition rate is $5535
Admissions Director
Jenni Struck
School Notes
- Currently St. Mary Elementary has grades Preschool through 6. School hours: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. In addition to classroom offerings we have vocal music, band, technology, art, library, and physical education instruction by certified teachers. All student needs are addressed at St. Mary Elementary. We augment and address student instruction with enrichment instruction or remediation/assistance based on student needs for success. Auxiliary staff, aids, and volunteers round out our certified staff as part of our dedicated educational team. In addition to formal academic enrichment, we offer group band, private band lessons, guitar lessons, liturgical music, and the Accelerated Reader program in our library.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Mary Elementary cost?
St. Mary Elementary's tuition is approximately $4,135 for private students.
What is St. Mary Elementary's ranking?
St. Mary Elementary ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary Elementary?
The application deadline for St. Mary Elementary is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 1/31/2013
Excellent school, the hardworking staff and teachers work hard to challenge you children intellectually while creating a warm atmosphere that promotes learning and free thinking. Children will grow not just intellectually but their social skills will also improve so that they will be ready to enter middle school and high school with confidence in themselves. Religious Ed. will ensure their spiritual growth as well.
Endorse St. Mary Elementary. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.