Schools > Private > St. Mary's Catholic High School

St. Mary's Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona

St. Mary's Catholic High School Detail

(602) 254-6371
2525 N. 3rd. St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Levels: 9-12
District: Private


St. Mary's Catholic High School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear

St. Mary's Catholic High School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating3
Average Principals Rating3
Average Teachers Rating3
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating3

St. Mary's Catholic High School Reviews

St. Mary's High School still maintains the long standing traditions that have been in place for decades. Emphasis is placed on providing a strong Catholic education centered around God's teachings and how they apply to our everyday lives. Being a smaller school makes the community a closer one and generates a familiarity that bolsters the achievements of the student body.
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mary's is supposed to be a school based on family unity and tradition. Although generations of families have passed through here I don't feel any strong sense of school spirit or tradition. I feel that if I would've known that the school would be like this I would have left my freshman year. The head administration are all puppets to the diocese who is ruining the traditions of this school. If you or your child is thinking about attending this school just now you will be paying for a close minded and arcaic system where everything is turned down by the school board and tons of students transfer all through the year. I wish I could but I'll just tolerate it for my parents sake.
This review was posted by a student.

I have on child who has graduated already and now my last is going to this school. This school has remain to be the best. The teachers and staff are awesome. They help to the best of there ability. Ask your-self how much I'm I involved an how much have I invested. Compare to some of the schools my friends and family send their children I am grateful and blessed that my child is attending St. Mary's.
This review was posted by a parent.

Saint Mary's High School used the best Cathilic school to send a child. The principal has destroyed everything Saint Mary's has always beens. He came in and told us parents he had a daughter who told him 'dad whatever you do---do not change all the traditions. But he has done just the opposite and changed almost everything. In fact he has done damge to the school and the school enrollment. Just take a look at the teacher turn over, which did not used to occur. Ha does not support nor attend events. I guess that is is own time, but his wife (who happens to be a teacher at the school) finds the time to attend all the events the principal can't find the time to do------go figure. The sooner the principal leaves, the less damage can occurand Saint Mary's could return to the great school it used to be.
This review was posted by a parent.

let the principal GO and the scholl will return to the OLDEST, BEST, CATHOLIC High School in the valley. He has done more damage in his few years at Saint Mary's than anyone!!!!
This review was posted by a parent.

The school is great rich in tradition, with the exceptionof the principal. The teachers and support staff are great, the students seem to be to the same.
This review was posted by a other.

We have a student with a signicant learning dissability and after intense searching, decided on St. Mary's. Our experience has been far beyond our expectations. This is a fabulous school and the sense of community is overwhelming. We would recommend it to everyone looking for a great high school. I have friends who teach in public high schools and what is tolerated is unbelievable. As for the pregnancy issue in the previos comment, as far as I know it's not contagious. We all love St. Marys!
This review was posted by a parent.

I have been very dissatisfied with SMHS. What exactly are we paying for? There is a lot of theft on campus from students, a lot swearing, students who are openly sexual, and even some pregnant young ladies. Now I will be the first to tell you that people make mistakes, but this is supposed to be a Catholic school. Statistics show that if girls see one girl pregnant, it starts to spread. I'm just very disappointed for what is supposed to be a faith-filled community. I've called the Dean on 2 separate occasions and have never had my call returned. One in which my son had his wallet stolen and another when his folder of work was stolen. If this is the direction of a Catholic 'paid' education, I can get this for free!
This review was posted by a parent.

Our family has mixed feelings about the school. There are some serious issues and the discipline is not consistent. There are however, some fantastic teachers. Their competence and the hope that there are others like them is enough for us to keep with the school. Administration is very inflexible about changing teachers. Go to all of the teacher conferences and make yourself known, as well as the fact you will back your student at all times. Public school is worse.
This review was posted by a parent.

The worse thing about the school is the principal. He has destroyed the great sense of community spirit and identity the St. Mary's was known for in the community. He does not support the sports program or other activities that are not 'Catholic'.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great School! Academics and extracurricular activities are far beyond the 'average' school.
This review was posted by a parent.

SMHS is a wonderful place for a child to realize their true self. If you have a child and you want a true Catholic experience combined with academic and athletic success then SMHS is the place. SMHS is a Catholic community that provides students with a chance to enjoy high school and yes even go to a wonderful college. We have been pleased with the experience and the commitment that has been shown to our student athlete. The school embraces diversity in the student population which is a representation of the world we live in today. KUDOS to the staff and administration.
This review was posted by a parent.

If you send your child to this school, you better be sure to keep a close eye on your student. Much of what goes on at this school needs to be scrutinzed more closely. Bad students and loud parents often dictate what happens at this school. The sad part is that this used to be a terrific school. I would not send my child here under any circumstance.
This review was posted by a parent.

Saint Mary's High School has always offered a very good Catholic education. Religion classes are not optional, our Faith is the reason the school exists. There is a calculated untruth eveident that intelligent students cannot receive a quality education at St. Mary's, nothing could be further from the truth. Honors clases have always been available, College level classes for college credit for some time, and next year even a graduated gpa, so those taking honors clases can have their gpa reflect it. Drama has been expanded of late, and although small, there are various band /music experiences available, including liturgy participation. Parent involvement, student involvement, salumni involvement are second to none.
This review was posted by a parent.

I have been saddened by the many changes at the school. It seems that the heart of the school has been taken out. The school is inconsistent in dealing with drug and alcohol issues. At the same time, there are some very good and caring people. My son did well and is now in a very competitive, out-of-state college.
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mary's is a great school for non-catholics as well. My daughter has made a 360 degree turnaround since enrolling here. She went to a different school last year and was falling in with the wrong crowd. This year she is making good grades and liking school.
This review was posted by a parent.

I believe that St. Mary's used to hold a very high standard of excellence in education, discipline, and Catholic teaching but has been allowed to lose that through the years. Many teachers are underqualified and overworked for little pay. Alumni are involved, and yes- often over-involved in too much decision making. Extracurricular activities are limited and often costly. I would highly encourage looking around before sending another student to Saint Mary's.
This review was posted by a student.

Rich in tradition, education, and student-centered education.
This review was posted by a parent.