Our History
A lot has changed since our school began in 1952. One thing has not...our commitment to students.
looking back and moving forward
The main entrance to St. Mary of the Assumption school was constructed in the 1950s.
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St. Mary of the Assumption School has a long history of success and merit dating back to the fall of 1952 when four Ursuline nuns arrived following an invitation by Monsignor George Whitehead. The parish had purchased twenty-one acres of land that included an old farmhouse a few years earlier in hopes of building a school. The farmhouse was remodeled and turned into a convent for the Ursuline nuns who would become the first teachers at the school. The school began with eight classrooms and 113 students. In 1956, under the direction of Father Joseph Dreher, the parish raised funds for an eight-classroom addition to the school as well as an auditorium/gymnasium which also served as a cafeteria and meeting hall for many parish groups.
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In 1964, enrollment grew to 950 students in the day school and 750 public school children who attended religion classes at St. Mary's. Sometime between 1971 and 1977, an enclosed hallway was built to connect the two school buildings.
In the 1980s, the Kindergarten was moved from the church basement to the Sunshine Room in the school, and school classrooms were increased to meet the needs of the growing school. In 1992 Farrell Hall was added onto the school and dedicated in honor of Father John Farrell. Father Farrell purchased the land where our present church and school are located.
In the 1980s, the Kindergarten was moved from the church basement to the Sunshine Room in the school, and school classrooms were increased to meet the needs of the growing school. In 1992 Farrell Hall was added onto the school and dedicated in honor of Father John Farrell. Father Farrell purchased the land where our present church and school are located.
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In 2000, plans were announced to refurbish the school by adding classrooms once again and using the old gymnasium to house the current library and science center. The Weaver Activity Center was built to replace the original gymnasium built in 1956.
Our school is currently home to over forty-five staff members along with over 350 students. In addition, there are more than 280 students enrolled in the Parish School of Religion including confirmation. St. Mary of the Assumption School continues to be a model of excellence and virtue to the children of Northeast Ohio. |
In 2000, the school added a new wing to house the pre-K, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms.
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turning back the clock...
kindergarten, 1969Mentor's population was over 39,000 in 1969 and enrollment at St. Mary's was on the rise. Today, the city's population exceeds 46,000 and St. Mary's remains a top choice for Mentor families.
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washington, d.c. trip, 1977The Washington, D.C. trip was a right of passage for
St. Mary's students in the 1970s. Field trips and authentic learning experiences remain an integral part of the school curriculum today. |
knights football, 1976The Knights were a perennial powerhouse among Lake County Catholic schools in the 1970s. The tradition continues today with the team capturing multiple city championships over the last decade.
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