St. Mary’s School, a fully accredited Catholic elementary school (PreK–8) in the Diocese of Knoxville, is guided by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia from Nashville. Recognized by Cognia, the Diocese of Knoxville, and the State of Tennessee, we provide an exceptional education rooted in faith and academic excellence, welcoming students of all backgrounds.
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Whole Child Perspective | Social Studies | Science | Mathematical Understanding | Literacy Development
Primary Grades (Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd)
Well-Rounded Education | Social Studies | Science | Mathematics | English/Language Arts
Please click here to learn more about our Primary Grade Program.
Intermediate Grades (3rd through 5th)
Well-Rounded Education | Social Studies | Science | Mathematics | English/Language Arts
Please click here to learn more about our Intermediate Grade Program.
Middle School (6th through 8th Grades)
Well-Rounded Education | Social Studies | Science | Mathematics | English/Language Arts
Please click here to learn more about our Middle School Program.
Learning Environment
For over 75 years, St. Mary’s School has fostered academic excellence, Catholic education, and a Christ-centered environment. Our vibrant community—parents, students, alumni, faculty, and parish—upholds a tradition of high standards and individualized learning. We integrate cutting-edge instructional practices, including one-to-one technology for grades 1–8 and hands-on, project-based learning at all levels. Visitors immediately sense our warm, welcoming atmosphere, where every child is known by name and mentorship flourishes across all grades. Discover why families entrust their children’s education to St. Mary’s School.
Academic Excellence
All elementary Catholic schools in the Diocese of Knoxville administer the Iowa Assessments (IA), Form G, for grades 3–8 and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), Form 8, for grades K, 2, 4, and 6. These rigorously normed evaluations ensure validity, reliability, and fairness in measuring student performance.
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Each spring, during the Tennessee Department of Education’s designated testing window, St. Mary’s School administers the End of Course (EOC) Algebra 1 exam to enrolled 8th-grade Algebra 1 students. This assessment aligns with state standards and serves as a graduation requirement for public school students.
Hands-On Instruction
St. Mary’s faculty integrate writing, research, and interdisciplinary learning, connecting science to math, art, language arts, and history through collaboration and hands-on exploration.
Located in Oak Ridge, home to the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the school offers unparalleled access to scientific expertise. Middle school students also engage in immersive outdoor education programs in the nearby Smoky Mountains at Wesley Woods in Townsend, TN.
St. Mary’s location in the heart of Oak Ridge, home to the Department of Education’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, brings science alive for our students. In addition to the wealth of scientific research expertise in town, the nearby Smoky Mountains also provide the ideal outdoor classroom, where middle school students participate in outdoor education research programs at Wesley Woods in Townsend, TN.
Fostering the Love of Learning
St. Mary’s School equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success beyond the classroom. In addition to academic excellence, we cultivate 21st-century competencies—collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. Each student from kindergarten through 8th grade has a personal Chromebook for integrated learning, while all Pre-K through 8th-grade students attend weekly technology classes to strengthen digital proficiency.
Close Family Atmosphere
St. Mary’s fosters a close-knit community where every child is known and valued. Early learners are paired with middle school “buddies,” joining them for weekly Mass, activities, and field trips—relationships cherished by all ages. Parents have diverse opportunities to engage, with options suited for both working and stay-at-home families.
Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten): Art, Christian Doctrine, Language Arts, Library, Math, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and Technology. Please click here to learn more about our Pre-K and Kindergarten Program.
Primary Grades (Kindergarten-2nd): Art, Christian Doctrine, Reading, Language Arts, Library Skills, Math, Sacred Music/Music Appreciation, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and Technology. Please click here to learn more about our Primary Grade Program.
Intermediate Grades (3rd-5th): Art, Christian Doctrine, Reading, English/Language Arts, Library Skills, Math, Sacred Music/Music Appreciation, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies/History, Spanish, and Technology. Please click here to learn more about our Intermediate Grade Program.
Middle School (6th-8th): Art, Christian Doctrine, English, Literature, Math, Algebra I (8th grade), Sacred Music/Music Appreciation, Physical Education, Science, World History (6th grade), World Geography (7th grade), American History (8th grade), Technology (6th grade), and Spanish. Please click here to learn more about our Middle School Program.