St. Mary's School was first opened as a parish school on September 3rd, 1898 and was dedicated by the second Bishop of Springfield, Thomas Daniel Beaven on October 31st of that same year. Five Sisters of St. Joseph taught the one hundred and fifty children who were first enrolled in Grades 1-8. From that day to this, there has never been a time when the Sisters of St. Joseph have not been present and ministering at St. Mary's Elementary School.
In June of 1899, we graduated our first eighth grade class. Nellie Roach, a member of that class was determined to finish her education under the guidance of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Though reluctant, at first, to take on the establishment of a high school, Fr. James Donahue eventually allowed Nellie to stay at St. Mary's. Nellie became the first graduate of St. Mary's High School in June of 1903. In 1914 a third floor was added to the building to accommodate the increased enrollment in both schools and to provide facilities for an adequate high school program. In 1963, St. Mary's High School was relocated to the Westfield Vocational High School Building formerly owned by the city of Westfield, adjacent to St. Mary's Elementary School.
The 1920's, 30's and 40's saw a tremendous growth in the school population and the classrooms were filled to capacity. Even when the nation began to experience the demise of many Catholic schools in the 60's and 70's, St. Mary's continued to flourish.
As a further sign of its committment to quality Catholic eduation, St. Mary's completed its program by adding the first Kindergarten in the history of the school. In September of 1979, thirty-six five year olds became members of this first class. For the 2001-2002 school year, we registered 49 children for Kindergarten whose capacity is now thirty children.Perhaps two or three of those children on the Waiting List may be admitted into the first grade depending on the attrition at the end of the school year. However, in the primary grades, we retain most of our children.
Throughout its history, St. Mary's Elementary has continued to improve itself in many ways. The school was the first to complete a self-study and receive accreditation from the Diocese of Springfield on May 6, 1986. Several years ago, we entered the age of technology. Every room is equipped with computers, which are now all On-Line. We have a Computer Lab and a State of the Art Science Lab complete with water and gas lines. Our Pastor, School Board and families are very supportive of the administration and faculty's efforts to constantly upgrade the facility and the educational program of the school.
The school has produced outstanding students who, in competition with much larger organizations have brought fame and victory to St. Mary's in every field of endeavor. Graduates of the school go on to all city schools and many private schools, as well. They have succeeded in industry, business, education, medicine, politics and religion. The current administration and faculty seek to uphold that fine tradition and spirit which is St. Mary's. We also seek to expand the reason for our founding: the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus and the truths and traditions of the Catholic Church. With our wonderful history, we have only to trust that we will also have a wonderful future.
