Why Choose SMS
Benefits of a Catholic Education – Why St. Martin’s Catholic School?
An explanation about the value of Catholic school – and St. Martin’s in particular
We are a co-educational Catholic school-serving children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Our school has been a faith-centered pillar of the Gaithersburg community since 1925. We are an inclusive learning community that strives to achieve each student’s full potential and develop a positive attitude toward learning. St. Martin’s students receive personal attention in a warm, caring, and safe environment. Our students learn to contribute to one another, to their families and to the global community. Scholarship, faith, and service are our guiding principles. These values guide our students, faculty and parent community in all we do. There is no question that investing in a Catholic education can be both a sacrifice and a challenge. We welcome you to take a moment to put the value of Catholic school – and St. Martin’s in particular – in perspective.
Please view these videotaped presentations from our classroom and middle school subject teachers along with parent testimonials.
Teacher Video Presentations & Parent Testimonials
Pre-Kindergarten – Mrs. Mohrbacher
Kindergarten – Mrs. Bell
First Grade – Mrs. Vollrath
Second Grade – Mrs. Feudale
Third Grade – Mrs. Maldonado
Fourth Grade – Mrs. Meadows
Fifth Grade – Mr. Stokes
Middle School Math – Mrs. Dillow
Middle School Science – Mrs. Ballard
Middle School Social Studies – Mrs. Morelli
Middle School Language Arts – Mrs. Frelk
Sixth and Seventh Grade Religion – Ms. Stinger
Eighth Grade Religion – Ms. Jones
Parent Testimonial – Mrs. Woodland
Parent Testimonial – Mrs. Abudayeh
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OUR VISIONSt. Martin’s Catholic School is a student-centered learning community committed to academic excellence and the development of strong characters embedded in the Gospel values and Catholic tradition. A pillar in the Gaithersburg community, St. Martin’s is committed to educating the whole child and to providing a place where students not only thrive academically but also are challenged to be leaders in their school and society. By diversifying the curriculum to encompass authentic learning experiences, it continues to strive to meet the needs and learning styles of children from varied backgrounds and cultural experiences. Technology literacy, 21st century teaching/learning skills, and core academic content at advanced levels empowers the students to become responsible persons in their own educational experiences now and in the future.
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SCHOOL HISTORYSt. Martin of Tours School is a Catholic elementary school (Grades Pre-K - 8) affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington and St. Martin of Tours Parish. St. Martin’s holds the distinction for being the first Catholic School in the Archdiocese to be established in Montgomery County. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur welcomed the first classes on September 14, 1925, and continued in ministry at St. Martin’s until 1970. Following the Sisters’ withdrawal, the Pastor, Monsignor Paul Meyer and the Parish Council continued the Sisters’ commitment to Catholic education by establishing a School Board as well as a Home and School Association (HSA). Subsequently, the transition to an all–lay faculty was made. In 1988, a new school and parish center building was opened, through the dedication and efforts of Rev. Americo DiNorcia. The school expanded to include a licensed After-Care Program. Today, the school offers a strong academic program under the direction of the Principal, Anthony Sahadi, and an outstanding faculty and staff. Together with the current Pastor, Monsignor Mark E. Brennan, and the assistant pastors, St. Martin’s provides an excellent faith-centered education program. The Faculty and the Administration, working together, empower the students to develop their unique gifts, as well as their full potential, in an atmosphere embedded in the Gospel Values, mutual respect, and Catholic traditions. St. Martin's School recently commemorated its 90 anniversary in 2015. Our community looks forward to many more years of faith, service, and scholarship.
Our graduates are well-balanced young people that are prepared to be responsible, independent leaders in their schools and communities. They are well prepared academically and spiritually for the challenges, they will face in high school, in college and in life.
Yes, choosing Catholic school for your family can be a challenge. If you need help, financial aid and scholarships are available to help ease the burden. We also offer a variety of payment options in an attempt to work within your budget.
The bottom line is not how can you afford to choose a Catholic education. The bottom line is how can you afford not to?