FAQ - St Marys of the Assumption

Why St. Mary’s?

A Center-based classroom model provides individual attention as needed, opportunities for both independent and collaborative work, and the perfect environment for teachers to assure and guide each child’s progress.
A sequential curriculum builds on a growing body of knowledge and skill set, so students are always advancing to the next level. Coursework is aligned with Massachusetts standards and frameworks while being implemented with creativity and imagination.
Religion as faith and also as a way of life, is integral to the St. Mary’s program and community. Regular coursework lays both an historical and values-based foundation that inspires hard work and compassion.
A strong Parent-School Partnership helps us know your children better, keeps you informed about their progress, and contributes to a vibrant, inclusive community.
Arts and Athletics are part of a complete educational experience at St. Mary’s and help your children explore all the parts of their identities.
As a school that is committed exclusively to students in grades Infant – Grade 8, St. Mary’s focuses all its attention and resources on the specific needs of this age group.
St. Mary’s size is small enough to provide a personal experience, in which every student is known and valued, yet large enough to offer a wide range of opportunities for exploration and growth.
Developing cultural competency is the natural by-product of a respectful learning environment that honors difference, and celebrates families who represent more than 25 first languages.
St. Mary’s is a safe place to learn and grow. Students feel a sense of both emotional and physical security here that allows them to explore freely.

What are the hours of a typical school day?

The school day at St. Mary’s lasts from 8:00 am until 2:15 for our Early Childhood Education Program and until 2:25 for our Kindergarten through Grade 8. There is free Early Morning Care for all students starting at 7:30 am and a comprehensive Extended Day program after school.

Is there an Extended Day Program?

Yes, St. Mary’s offers every family enrolled at school the opportunity to utilize the comprehensive Extended Day program after the school day. To learn more please visit our Extended Day page, found here.

Does the school serve lunch?

St. Mary’s has partnered with the Brookline Public School system to offer hot lunch available for free to every student enrolled at St. Mary’s.

Do the students wear uniforms?

All students at St. Mary’s wear the assigned uniform for their grade level. Students are required to be in uniform during the school day unless there is a Dress Down Day. Land’s End is our uniform provider and we provide information on how to purchase our uniform to all enrolling families.

Is there transportation available to get students to and from school?

St. Mary’s is located on several bus lines and in between the Brookline Village and Coolidge Corner T stops. Many students walk or bike to school and families drive their children to school. Currently, we do not offer school bus transportation to St. Mary’s.

What athletic programs are offered?

St. Mary’s is proud to offer interscholastic Cross Country and Basketball for students from Grade 4 – Grade 8. We also offer inter-mural after school sports clubs in Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, and Dance.

Where do the families of St. Mary of the Assumption School live?

St. Mary of the Assumption School families come from many surrounding communities such as Brookline, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Jamaica Plain, Fenway, Dorchester, Back Bay, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Brighton, Somerville, Cambridge and Watertown.

Do you have experience welcoming families who are relocating to Boston from abroad or other U.S. States?

We pride ourselves on being a diverse and global community. We are home to students from over 25 different countries, and have experience with families relocating from all over the globe. Located in the heart of Brookline, MA we understand how relocating can be a challenging transition. We work to make the transition as smoothly as possible for you and your family, and work to support our new students during this transition.

Do we need to be Catholic to attend St. Mary’s?

Our identity as a Roman Catholic school is an integral element of our mission and culture at St. Mary of the Assumption School. Nearly half of our school identifies as Catholic, we pray together, attendance Mass together, and engage in a mandatory Religion class. We believe that religious diversity enriches our students and teachers and welcome families of all religious backgrounds.

What high schools do students attend after Saint Mary’s?

St. Mary of the Assumption School students matriculate to many public, exam, independent, and Catholic schools in the Boston area and New England. Students matriculate to schools such as Boston College High School, Brookline High School, Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, Catholic Memorial School, Fontbonne Academy, Newton Country Day School, Malden Catholic High School, Miss Hall’s School, and Xaverian Brothers High School.

How are families involved?

We welcome parent involvement at St. Mary’s! We have several opportunities for families to volunteer in the activities of the school.

Is financial aid available?

St. Mary of the Assumption School is dedicated to providing need based financial aid to improve the accessibility of our school. We believe that Catholic education should be provided to every family that seeks it. To that end, St. Mary’s has multiple resources to provide financial aid to students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 8.

Due to generations of prudent stewardship and management, St. Mary’s is able to provide scholarships and financial aid to families from our own funds.
The Catholic Schools Foundation has been a partner of St. Mary’s for decades in providing financial aid assistance for income eligible families to provide a Catholic education to their children.
The St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Mary of the Assumption parish is committed to providing financial support to income eligible families seeking financial aid.
Learn more about our Scholarship & Financial Aid opportunities here.