MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School (SMCS) is to provide an outstanding Catholic education where were strive to embrace our calling as Christian disciples and reach our full potential in a rigorous spiritual and academic environment.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

Community

• We believe the whole parish shares in the responsibility for the growth and enrichment of our faith community.
• We believe that parents must be actively involved with the school and parish in order for their child to receive the full benefits of a faith-filled school.
• We believe that our community extends beyond the boundaries of our parish; therefore, we strive to minister to all of God’s family through service projects.
• We believe community growth develops through mutual respect and understanding of different people and cultures.
• We believe students should be contributing members of society, exercise self-discipline, be tolerant of others, and become mature positive leaders of the future.

Academic/Intellectual

• We believe in upholding high standards and expectations, challenging each student and teacher to reach his or her potential.
• We believe optimal learning is enhanced when students’ developmental stages guide and direct teaching techniques and methodology.
• We believe instructional practices should reflect the learning styles and needs of our students.

Social

• We believe students, parents, faculty, and staff will treat each other with dignity and mutual respect.
• We believe teaching students age-appropriate decision making strategies enables them to achieve their highest potential.
• We believe that each classroom should have a welcoming environment so that all students freely contribute to the learning process.
• We believe newcomers are welcomed and invited to become active members of our school community.
• We believe uniforms positively affect student learning.
• We believe bullying is an inappropriate behavior in a safe learning environment.

Physical

• We believe that sound physical growth develops in a safe Christian environment.
• We believe developing healthy habits in nutrition, hygiene, and exercise will help students grow into healthy adults.
• We believe that students should display fair play and good sportsmanship in all activities.

Spiritual

• We believe that our greatest mission is to communicate and live the gospel message of Jesus.
• We believe our Catholic faith unites diverse groups to worship and strengthen our Christian values through the use of our time, talents, and treasures.
• We believe students will develop a love and knowledge of God through the sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• We believe our mission is to teach God’s children to live, speak, and behave as Christians.
• We believe Mass attendance and daily prayer enrich every aspect of our lives.

OUR HISTORY

SMCS is a Catholic elementary school (grades K-8) located in the beautiful and historic Summerville area of Augusta, Georgia. St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church is a stewardship parish and supports SMCS. The school, originally named Mount St. Joseph, was founded in 1913 by the Georgia province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. SMCS, as it stands today, first opened its doors at its current location in 1960. Historically, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet administered the school. Today, lay personnel staff the school. In 1995, St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church implemented a plan of Sacrificial Giving, making the Church a Stewardship parish. Catholic education is the largest ministry of this growing and vibrant parish.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Our students primarily reside in Richmond and Columbia Counties in Georgia, and Aiken County in South Carolina.

Student Body: 491
Catholic Students: 86%
Non-Caucasian Students: 18%
Faculty and Staff: 59
Catholic Faculty: 91% 
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1

ACCREDITATION

SMCS has grades K-8 and is accredited by Cognia.