Early Origins and Founding
The roots of St. Mary School in DeKalb are closely tied to the history of St. Mary Catholic Parish, one of the oldest Catholic communities in the area. The parish community first began gathering for Mass in homes and public spaces as early as 1850, growing steadily in size and influence over the next decades.
As the parish expanded, there was a recognized need to provide Catholic education for local children. In 1911, construction began on a dedicated school building adjacent to St. Mary Church.
The roots of St. Mary School in DeKalb are closely tied to the history of St. Mary Catholic Parish, one of the oldest Catholic communities in the area. The parish community first began gathering for Mass in homes and public spaces as early as 1850, growing steadily in size and influence over the next decades.
As the parish expanded, there was a recognized need to provide Catholic education for local children. In 1911, construction began on a dedicated school building adjacent to St. Mary Church.
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Growth Through the 20th Century
Construction on the new St. Mary School began in 1911. In 1913, the school opened with 90 students and an inaugural graduating class in 1914 of 12 students. |
Over the following decades, the school expanded as DeKalb grew and more families joined the parish community. Additional classrooms and facilities were added to support increased enrollment.
In the 1950s, major building expansions were completed to modernize the campus and accommodate more students.
Throughout much of the 20th century, the school maintained a firm commitment to faith-based education, combining academic instruction with the Catholic spiritual formation of its students.
In the 1950s, major building expansions were completed to modernize the campus and accommodate more students.
Throughout much of the 20th century, the school maintained a firm commitment to faith-based education, combining academic instruction with the Catholic spiritual formation of its students.
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Modern Development and Campus Changes
As time passed, the school continued to evolve physically and educationally. The campus eventually moved to its current location on Gurler Road in DeKalb in 1994 to support a growing student body and improved facilities. |
Over more than a century of operation, St. Mary School has remained a central educational institution in the community, serving families from DeKalb and surrounding areas with a Preschool through 8th grade program.
The school today is known for its emphasis on academic excellence, values, and faith formation in a close-knit environment.
The school today is known for its emphasis on academic excellence, values, and faith formation in a close-knit environment.
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Contact us by phone
Main: 815-756-7905
FAX: 815-758-1459 |
Contact us by e-mail address
[email protected] |