FAQ

Saint Mary School is rooted in the teachings and rich heritage of the Catholic Church, but welcomes students of all faiths.  

As a Diocesan school, SMS operates under the guidance of the Diocese of Bridgeport and follows the curriculum maps set forth by the diocese.  Saint Mary Parish is very supportive of our school, and the pastor, Monsignor Kevin Royal, sits on the School Advisory Board.  But you don't have to be a parishioner or Catholic to be a part of the SMS family.

SMS follows the Ridgefield Public Schools calendar, with few exceptions (holy days, professional development days, etc.).

Busing is available for all Ridgefield residents.  Residents of NY state who live within 15 miles of SMS may also be eligible for busing provided by their local bus company.  Residents of other Connecticut towns must be driven to school.

Our students come from 20 CT and NY towns.  The majority of students are from Ridgefield, but many also come from Danbury, Redding, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Wilton, Sandy Hook, Southbury, Tolland and Torrington in Connecticut; and Brewster, South Salem, North Salem, Katonah, Carmel, Cross River, Goldens Bridge, Patterson, and Purdy's in New York.

For the 2022-2023 school year, there are 265 students in PK-Grade 8.

In the Preschool, there are two 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.  There is one Transitional Kindergarten class.  In Kindergarten-Grade 8 there is one class per grade.

We have 26 full-time and 14 part-time teachers and staff.  Of these, 24 hold advanced degrees. Each classroom/homeroom has a state-certified teacher.

Students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 wear uniforms.  Lands' End is our provider. You can learn more about our uniform guidelines here.  Preschool students do not wear a uniform.  You can purchase SMS uniforms here.

We work with local restaurants to offer lunch five days a week.  Parents order for the month ahead.  For the 2022-23 school year our vendors are:

Mondays - Steve's Bagels

Tuesdays - Bobo's Cafe

Wednesdays - Planet Pizza

Thursdays - Steve's Bagels

Fridays - Planet Pizza

For Kindergarten – Grade 8, the regular school hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.  On early dismissal days, school is dismissed at 10:30 a.m.

We offer a wide variety of preschool programs.  Half-day classes run from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Full-day classes run from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  On early dismissal days, all preschool programs dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

Our PK3s can choose between 3, 4 or 5 days.  PK4s is offered either 4 or 5 days.  Transitional Kindergarten is a 5-day program.

For the 2024-2025 school year, students must be 5 by January 1, 2025 in order to begin Kindergarten.

Yes, we do.  She is on site every day and cares for all students, Preschool - Grade 8.

Yes.   Beforecare is offered for Preschool students from 7:10 a.m.  Aftercare is available Monday-Friday until 5:30 p.m. for students in Preschool - Grade 8, with the exception of early dismissal days.

The safety and well-being of our students is paramount.  Visitors and volunteers sign in at the main office, our only and secured entrance during school hours, and must wear visitor badges.  SMS has a security guard during school hours, afterschool programs and evening events and security cameras throughout the building and grounds.  SMS adheres to and exceeds the Ridgefield Public School Security Procedures.