St Mary's School

What St Mary's School does

St. Mary's Catholic School is a PreK-12 Catholic school founded in 1883 and located in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota (Brown County). Operated under the Diocese of New Ulm as a 501c3 nonprofit, the school serves families in Sleepy Eye and surrounding rural communities, offering preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, an elementary school (K-5) aligned with Common Core and Minnesota State Standards, a middle school (6-8), and a high school (9-12) with AP courses and PSEO dual enrollment. It has maintained MNSAA accreditation since 1991 and reports a 100% graduation rate, with the majority of graduates continuing to four-year colleges or vocational programs.

The academic program is enriched by faith integration (weekly Mass, theology instruction, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd), a fine arts program (band, choir, speech, theater), seasonal athletics with cooperative programs (football, hockey, golf, etc.) in the Tomahawk Conference, and service learning. The school employs roughly 40+ faculty and staff across academic, administrative, food service, and maintenance roles, with no proprietary technology platform — instead relying on standard educational SaaS tools (NWEA, DIBELS, FACTS/RENWEB, Accelerated Reader, Hudl, RaiseRight, Bloomerang).

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition (Kindergarten $2,903 to Grades 10-12 $5,116, capped at $10,000 per family) supplemented by tuition assistance (FAIR program, Adopt-a-Student), an Annual Appeal Fund ($175,000 goal for FY ending June 30, 2026), the Marathon for Non-Public Education (which raised over $90,000 in 2025 against a $60,000 goal), the Caribbean Knight Party gala, SCRIP fundraising, endowment funds, and parish contributions. The school maintains a database of approximately 3,300 alumni and friends, supported by a Development Director, and engages prospective families through admissions tours, Kindergarten Round-Up, preschool information nights, Catholic Schools Week, and community events.

Name

St Mary's School

Legal name

St. Mary's Catholic School

Website

https://sesmschool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1883

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

St. Mary's Catholic School is a PreK-12 Catholic school in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, founded in 1883 under the Diocese of New Ulm, serving local families with faith-integrated academics, athletics, arts, and service programs funded by tuition, fundraising, and endowment income.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Catholic K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Preschools (EDACABAF), Faith-Based Early Learning Academies (EDACADAH)

Keywords

• Catholic K-12 education
• Faith-based schooling
• Private school education
• College preparatory education
• Preschool education

Headquarters

HQ city

Sleepy Eye

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Primary revenue source. Families pay annual tuition per student with a $10,000 family cap for larger families. Tuition rates for 2026-2027 range from $2,903 (Kindergarten) to $5,116 (Grades 10-12). Parish tuition differentials for out-of-parish students were eliminated to encourage enrollment.
2. FAIR Tuition Assistance Program: Financial assistance calculated by Financial Aid Independent Review, Inc. (FAIR), an Eagan, MN-based company. Determines each family's 'Disposable Income' to calculate ability to pay. Assistance awarded based on need. If school funding is insufficient, assistance is allocated pro-rata. Approximately 40-50 families apply annually.
3. Adopt-a-Student Program: Donor-funded program supplementing FAIR for families with demonstrated financial need. Specifically assists large families, those unable to pay full tuition, families experiencing hardship, and single-parent families. Students must be in good standing and make monthly payments toward tuition. Students are encouraged to participate in work study.
4. Annual Appeal Fund: Annual fundraising campaign with a goal of $175,000 by June 30, 2026. Gifts historically used for building improvements, playground equipment, and salary increases. Current cycle funds budgeted personnel salary increases.
5. SCRIP Fundraising: Families purchase SCRIP gift certificates at full face value; school buys at a discounted rate and the discount profit is split between the family (applied to tuition) and the school. Available for groceries, gas, clothing, and other retail purchases. Also purchasable online via RaiseRight platform with St. Mary's code 356L843C92L.
6. Marathon for Non-Public Education: Annual fall event where students collect pledges prior to the marathon walk around Sleepy Eye Lake. Goal of $60,000; 2025 exceeded goal raising over $90,000. Individual student goals: $125 in elementary, $230 in high school.
7. Caribbean Knight Party: Annual fundraising gala (11th held February 7, 2026). Generates funds for maintaining affordable tuition and increasing enrollment. Features live and silent auctions, raffle tickets, and community sponsorship. 2026 raffle prizes totaled $4,000, $1,000, $500, and $100 winners.
8. Scholarship Trust Fund: Endowment fund where principal is invested and interest distributed to students based on financial need. Receives donations from parish bulletin notices and funeral memorials throughout the year.
9. Parish Endowment Fund: Established in 2013 with the purpose of serving St. Mary's Parish financial needs. Proceeds may be used to repair, maintain, or upgrade parish buildings and support ministries and staff salaries including school. Principal remains intact; 80% of annual interest/dividends used for parish needs, 20% reinvested.
10. Cookie Sale Fundraiser: Annual cookie sale specifically for tuition purposes. Families receive a percentage credited to their tuition statements; larger sales earn a bonus.
11. Preschool Fees: Preschool tuition with optional bus service. 3-year-old program: $875 (2 days, no bus) to $1,985 (3 days, with bus). 4-year-old half-day: $1,375-$2,680 depending on days and bus. Full-day: $2,150-$3,880.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

St. Mary's Catholic School is a PreK-12 Catholic school that delivers continuous faith-integrated education across Preschool (ages 3-4), Elementary (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12), serving families in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and surrounding communities. Core offerings include a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with Common Core and Minnesota State Standards, religion instruction woven through all grades, weekly Mass, and college-preparatory coursework including AP classes and PSEO dual enrollment. The school complements academics with Fine Arts (band, choir, speech, theater), Athletics (seasonal sports, including cooperative programs), and Service Learning programs.

Product overview

St. Mary's Catholic School is a K-12 Catholic school founded in 1883 serving Sleepy Eye and surrounding communities. The institution offers a unified educational program structured across four academic divisions: Preschool (3 and 4-year-old programs with flexible part-time and full-day options), Elementary School (Grades K-5 aligned with Common Core and Minnesota State Standards), Middle School (Grades 6-8 emphasizing independence and deeper learning), and High School (Grades 9-12 with AP courses, PSEO college credit, and 100% graduation rate). The core academic program is enriched by mandatory religion instruction woven throughout all grades, weekly Mass, and Sacramental preparation. Beyond academics, the school offers complementary programs including a Fine Arts Program (band, choir, speech, theater productions), Athletics (seasonal sports across fall/winter/spring), and Service Learning (community outreach and mission support). Financial support mechanisms include the Adopt-A-Student Program, SCRIP fundraising, Annual Appeal Fund, and the Marathon for Non-Public Education, all designed to make Catholic education accessible through a $10,000 family tuition cap. The school maintains MNSAA accreditation and serves approximately 3,300 alumni in its database.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Preschool Program (3-Year-Old) Part-time preschool program for 3-year-olds offering 2 or 3 days per week (Monday/Wednesday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday) with extended morning hours from 8:00-11:00 a.m. Focuses on developmental needs through hands-on activities, guided play, and faith formation. Tuition ranges from $875 (2 days, no bus) to $1,985 (3 days, with bus).
• Preschool Program (4-Year-Old) Preschool program for 4-year-olds offering half-day (morning or afternoon) or full-day options. Full-day includes enrichment activities such as lunch, rest time, free play, music, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Available 4 or 5 days per week. Tuition ranges from $1,375 (half-day, 4 days, no bus) to $3,880 (full-day, 5 days, with bus).
• Elementary School (Grades K-5) Elementary education for grades K-5 providing core subjects (language arts, math, social studies, science, religion) plus daily PE/health and music, computer, art, and library classes. Curriculum aligned with Common Core and Minnesota State Standards. Includes optional band program. Annual tuition ranges from $2,903 (Kindergarten) to $4,203 (Grade 5).
• Middle School (Grades 6-8) Middle school for grades 6-8 building academic foundation while developing independence. Curriculum includes language arts, math, history, geography, science, theology, PE/health, and band or choir. Course placements (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I) based on teacher approval. Annual tuition is $4,285 (Grade 6) to $4,812 (Grades 7-8).
• High School (Grades 9-12) High school program for grades 9-12 offering rigorous coursework including AP courses, PSEO for college credit, theology (4 credits), English (4 credits), math (3 credits), science (3 credits), social studies (4.5 credits), fine arts (2 credits), business (0.5 credit), and PE/health (1 credit). Maintains 100% graduation rate with most graduates attending four-year colleges. Annual tuition is $5,067 (Grade 9) to $5,116 (Grades 10-12).
• Fine Arts Program Fine arts program featuring vocal and instrumental music (band, choir, Schola Cantorum), speech, one-act plays, annual musical productions, FFA cooperative program, Minnesota Honor Society, House System student government, and YES! Team leadership opportunities. Available to students across all grade levels.
• Athletics Program Athletics program with seasonal sports including fall (cheerleading, cross-country, football, tennis), winter (hockey, gymnastics, wrestling), and spring (baseball, golf, softball, track & field). Some sports operate as cooperative programs with neighboring schools. Teams compete in Tomahawk Conference. Recent achievements include 2026 Class A Girls Basketball State Championship and Section 2A Boys Golf Championship.
• Service Learning Program Service program integrating faith into action through student-led worship at weekly Mass, local community support (Sleepy Eye Food Shelf), global mission support (Box of Joy), intergenerational programs with Divine Providence elders, and blood drives for American Red Cross. Available to students across all grade levels.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Holy Family Catholic High School: Catholic K-12 school in Victoria, Minnesota, with similar PreK-12 structure, faith-based curriculum, and college-prep focus. Comparable in tuition range and family-cap pricing structure for benchmarking accessibility strategy.
• Bethlehem Academy: Catholic high school in Faribault, Minnesota, serving a similar rural southern Minnesota market with comparable tuition levels and diocesan support model. Useful benchmark for small-school operational economics.
• Providence Academy: Catholic PreK-12 school in Plymouth, Minnesota, offering comparable college-prep curriculum with AP and PSEO options. Strong benchmark for MNSAA-accredited Catholic schools with full extracurricular programs in Minnesota.
• Loyola Catholic School: PreK-12 Catholic school in Mankato, Minnesota, serving a similar southern Minnesota market with comparable tuition structure, faith integration model, and extracurricular programs. Closely matches St. Mary's in mission and operational profile.
• New Ulm Area Catholic Schools (NUACS): PreK-12 Catholic school system also operating under the Diocese of New Ulm, with comparable size, tuition model, and rural southern Minnesota service area. Most directly comparable peer for benchmarking enrollment, fundraising, and diocesan policy exposure.

Broad incumbents

• De La Salle High School: Catholic college-prep high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. Comparable on Catholic identity, college-prep mission, and Minnesota market, but serves a much larger and more urban student body.
• Shattuck-St. Mary's School: Historic Episcopal-affiliated boarding and day school in Faribault, Minnesota, with much larger scale and broader geographic draw. Comparable on rural Minnesota location and MNSAA-style accreditation profile, though significantly larger and broader in scope.
• Hill-Murray School: Established Catholic 6-12 school in Maplewood, Minnesota, with substantially larger enrollment and broader programmatic offerings. Comparable on faith-based mission and Twin Cities regional Catholic education market.
• Cretin-Derham Hall: Large Catholic college-prep high school in St. Paul, Minnesota, operated jointly by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Comparable faith-based college-prep model but at substantially larger scale and broader program scope.

Emerging players

• Chesterton Academy of the Twin Cities: Newer Catholic classical-model high school with a growing network of campuses including a Minnesota location. Useful emerging comparator on alternative Catholic curricular models that may compete for faith-seeking families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@st.marysschool4863
• Facebookfacebook.com/sesmschool
• Instagraminstagram.com/sesmschool
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/st-mary's-school-78

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St Mary's School