School History

St. Mary School was founded on September 11, 1871 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1888 the order left, but the school remained open under the direction of Katherine Murphy. Then in 1890 three Presentation sisters from Fitchburg, Massachusetts assumed the administration of the school at the invitation of Bishop Mora of the Monterey-Los Angeles Diocese.

In 1918 the Presentation Sisters of San Francisco amalgamated with the original community and continued until 1981 when an all-lay faculty replaced them. In 1987 Sr. Bobbi Green, PBVM, a SMS alumnus, returned to teach and is currently on staff. The present school building was opened in September 1953. A primary wing was added in 1973, and a computer lab was installed in 1990.

Our commitment to quality Catholic education has continued to grow under the guidance of our Principal Ms. Christa Hanson. This growth is evidenced in our recent improvements, such as refurbishing the school plant and gym, creating and updating our computer lab, expanding the physical education, music, art, Spanish and sports programs, updating the curriculum and library, and promoting staff development through attendance at and participation in numerous workshops and in-services.