HAGERSTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s Catholic School is one of only 38 schools in the nation – and the first in the Archdiocese of Baltimore – to have reached the gold standard in Catholic education.
Putting faith first in all realms helped the only Catholic elementary school in Washington County, Maryland, earn a coveted spot in The Newman Guide, a roster compiled annually by The Cardinal Newman Society listing K-12 schools across the nation it recommends. Criteria for inclusion includes a strong Catholic identity, modeling the principles of that identity across all subjects and utilization of Catholic curriculum standards and policies derived from Church teaching.
The mission of The Cardinal Newman Society – founded in 1993 – is to promote and defend faithful Catholic education, something St. Mary’s Catholic School has strived to do since it was established in 1874.
“What makes St. Mary’s truly special is that we put God first, while also having a high value for academics,” said Principal Amy Summers. “Each day begins with daily Mass, setting the tone for a school day rooted in prayer and faith. Faith is integrated into everything we do, from core subjects to specials classes, so students experience learning and growth through a Catholic lens in every part of their day.
“Our academics are strong, with a focus on reading, writing, math and critical thinking, but what makes them truly special is how faith is truly woven into all content areas, including in art and music,” said Summers, who has been at the helm since December 2023. “In all classes, students are encouraged to explore, ask questions and develop a love of learning. Our teachers are dedicated not just to academic excellence but to guiding each child in virtue and character and service to others. We strive to also differentiate to reach the needs of many learners.”
The application process for inclusion in The Newman Guide was extensive. Summers spent months compiling information about the school’s mission, curriculum and policies tied to its Catholic identity and academics to demonstrate how its programs support Catholic teaching and the formation of students. She included evidence of the school’s fidelity to Church teaching, opportunities for prayer and the sacraments, as well as lesson plans illustrating that Catholic teaching is incorporated into all subject areas.
Summers also outlined the hiring and formation practices that support its mission, which is, in part, “to make saints, equipped to go out into the world to transform our culture and bring souls to Christ.”
Once all the materials were reviewed, Summers said she had a brief follow-up conversation with a representative from The Cardinal Newman Society. She received a congratulatory letter via email on Feb. 26 from Kelly Salomon, vice president for Newman Guide programs for the Society.
The Rev. James Boric, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the school, said such national accolades show that promises are being kept.
“It just shows the community that we’re doing what we said we were going to do,” Boric said.
“The No. 1 reason for a Catholic school is to impart the faith.”
Sister Patricia McCarron, superintendent of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, said inclusion in The Newman Guide is noteworthy.
“This is a significant honor that speaks directly to the dedication of Father James Boric, Principal Amy Summers and the St. Mary’s community, who are providing a vibrant Catholic education to Hagerstown and the surrounding area,” McCarron said. “The Cardinal Newman Society is highly selective, and the evaluation process is quite rigorous. To be honored on a national level, one of only 38 across the U.S., highlights the unique and important experience St. Mary’s Catholic School offers.”
McCarron added that the Newman Society recognition shines a light on the value of Catholic education.
“Students in the Archdiocese of Baltimore come from diverse faith backgrounds,” McCarron said. “As educators, our mission is to equip our students for a bright and successful future, marked by a meaningful contribution to the world. In terms of academics, Catholic schools excel nationally, as demonstrated by standardized testing results.
“However, our greatest distinction lies in our commitment to nurturing our students’ moral, social and spiritual growth. We are cultivating a strong foundation of critical thinking and decision-making skills, rooted in the enduring values of our Catholic faith. This approach instills in them the essential qualities needed to effectively navigate the world ahead, empowering them to live a life full of purpose as cherished children of God.”
Being on the guide’s list of esteemed schools also fulfills a promise that Boric made when he became pastor in July 2023.
Having come to St. Mary’s following five years at what he called “the heart of the Church in America” (the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore), Boric faced a significant challenge by leading a school.
“Having a school is a huge blessing and responsibility,” Boric said.
His background in business finance was put to good use because the parochial school’s budget was in the red, but he also was driven to build on the legacy started long ago by Church ancestors.
“We will make the national scene,” Boric told the staff at St. Mary’s when he became pastor of the church and the school on West Washington Street.
He instituted daily Mass at the school and also presented what he called “The Hagerstown Solution” to families and local businesses, calling on each of them to sponsor a student annually for a little more than $2,000 so the school could continue serving its children. He believed that if it was successful, it could be a model for saving Catholic schools around the country.
This academic year, there are 204 students ranging from 3 years old to eighth grade enrolled at St. Mary’s Catholic School, and its financial footing is more solid, Summers said.
Boric also invited business leaders to speak at the school to inspire students and to meet their future employees.
“What business doesn’t want virtuous people working for them?” he said.
Summers is proud of her school community.
“Our community is incredible – families, teachers and students truly care for one another,” she said. “It’s this combination of a strong faith foundation, rigorous academics, a vibrant House System (every student, teacher and staff member is assigned to one of four houses named for Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that compete in activities promoting teamwork, kindness and school spirit) and a welcoming, caring community that makes St. Mary’s such a remarkable place for students to grow.”
To see the complete list of schools that made the prestigious guide, go to The Newman Guide online.
This story was prepared by journalist Meg Partington on behalf of St. Mary’s.
