St. Mary's School has been an integral part of our community for over 120 years.
We celebrated our centennial in 1982-83. The first school was in the basement of the old church.
The church was downtown in the area of Dr. Meacham's office.
The first Sisters came from came from Manitowoc in 1882 and in 1894 the La Crosse Franciscans came to teach and still do so today.
St. Mary's School was formerly called St. Joseph School and it had a High School connected with it.
It closed in 1936 when a fire destroyed the first school.
The school was rebuilt in 1937. In 1961 the new addition was built, and in 1986 the newest addition was built.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 215 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
215 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
3%
State avg.: 35%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for St. Mary School?
The application deadline for St. Mary School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse St. Mary School. 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

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use 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.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.