Box 860  400 West Chatham Metamora, Illinois 61548 Phone number: Office - (309) 367 - 2528 Cafeteria - (309) 367-2292 Fax - (309) 367-2169 Office hours 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

St. Mary's Grade School has been involved in the education of children for over one hundred thirty years. Originally, a school had been started in 1870 and was taught by the Franciscan Sisters from Joliet, Illinois. The school was located in a small private residence rented on Partridge St. and lasted only a year. A school was begun again in 1874 by Reverend George Mager and housed in a building where the present convent stands. The next school was located where the north end of the present building stands and only lasted from 1890 until 1922 due to structural problems. The present building was built in 1923 with additions completed in 1940 and again in the 1952.

In 1878, Father Francis Xavier Strunk asked the German community of Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Kentucky to take charge of the school. The Ursuline sisters taught at St. Mary’s from 1878 until 1894. German and English were both used in the school at that time. The Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception from Heading Avenue in Peoria, Illinois, began teaching in 1894 and have taught at St. Mary’s School ever since through spring of 2005.

The parish of St. Mary’s began as a mission in 1864 and was served by the Capuchin priests from 1877 until 1894 and by the Friars Minor from 1894 until 2001. In June of 2001, the Franciscans left and Diocesan Priests now staff the parish.

Many students are from families who have attended the school for generations. St. Mary’s School welcomes new families and invites all to come see the school and hear about the curriculum and programs offered. Presently, the school houses grades preschool through eighth grade. Three and four-year old preschool classes were added beginning with the 2003-2004 school year.