Saint Mary-Basha Catholic School

Mission statement: St. Mary-Basha Catholic School is dedicated to promoting academic achievement while preparing the student for a life that will positively impact the community through principles rooted in the Gospel and in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

School Highlights: 

• The oldest private school in Chandler, St. Mary-Basha has a long-standing tradition focused on the formation of the whole child serving East Valley students from Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek,  San Tan Valley, Maricopa and surrounding areas
• Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association with highest commendation 
• Awarded the prestigious Apple Distinguished School recognition for its innovative and exemplary use of technology in education in 2024
• Recipient, 2022-23 YASS Prize for Arizona Award for STOP (Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education) 
• Flourishing, licensed PreKindergarten for 4-5 year old children offering an outstanding start to their education in a fun, nurturing and engaging environment 
• 1:1 student to ipad in K-8th, and Chromebooks in 6th-8th
• Renovated STREAM Lab and MakerSpace enables all students an opportunity to tinker and develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun and engaging environment. (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math)
• STREAM instructor leading our program to engage students in an exciting curriculum that breaks down the walls between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The curriculum is presented through a project-based and hands-on approach that encourages students to explore, create and innovate
• All K-8 students participate in enrichment courses of Physical Education (PE), Music, Art, Spanish, and STREAM taught by dedicated subject matter expert teachers  
• Junior high students can select from a variety of over 40 electives in relevant subjects and critical life skills to prepare them for their future careers.
• Class field trip days included in tuition fees and overnight excursions at a reduced rate for students 
• After School extended care
• Education expands beyond the classroom at SMB! Athletic and extracurricular programs offered 
• Advancement Math placement in Junior High provides an edge to high school math placement
• Standardized tests including the Iowa Assessments and STAR Reading and STAR Math to assess and measure student progress throughout the year and allow for individualized student support plans
• Consistently above average Iowa Assessments results with students performing 2+ grades higher than their current grade
• Certified professionals on staff including a Reading Specialist, Math Specialist, and Speech and Language Pathologist for students needing additional support
• Full-time School Guidance Counselor to ensure a healthy school culture with a focus on social and emotional learning
• Monthly community service projects and collection drives to support many charitable organizations including St. Vincent de Paul, Chandler Police Department, Maggie’s Place and Paz De Cristo

Our Numbers at a Glance:

• 20:1 Student: Teacher Ratio
• 2 classes per grade level 
• 100% of teachers are certified and many with advanced degrees
• 100% of teachers Apple Teacher Certified 
• 70% of students received tuition awards
• 100% of students eligible for reduced/free tuition using the Universal Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
• 95% of our graduates attend Catholic High School
  

Catholic Identify and Formation:

• Adoration Chapel
• Altar Server Preparation 
• Community Service and Volunteer Projects
• Daily Morning Prayer led by students
• Weekly grade led Masses and Special liturgies through the year
• Holy Day and Feast Day celebrations 
• Mary’s Garden for prayer and reflection
• Reconciliation opportunity at least twice a year 
• Sacrament Preparation and Retreats
• Seminary Prayer program
• Student Prayer Buddies
• Weekly Mass participation

Academic and Student Life Enhancements:

• Accelerated Reader Program
• Artsonia collaboration to showcase artwork
• Reading Intervention Specialist
• Math Intervention Specialist 
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Guidance Counselor
• Media Center with full library
• Nutritional lunch program available 
• Playground structures for K-8th and Preschool
• STREAM Lab and MakerSpace
• Tuition Assistance and Scholarship Programs

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities: 

• Academic Junior High Decathlon 
• Ballet
• Beginner and Advanced Band 
• Boy and Girl CYAA Fall, Winter and Spring Sports
• Boy Scouts 
• Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Club
• Cheerleading
• Chess Club
• Dance Club
• Little Flowers Catholic Girls Program
• Monthly Fun Run for all students
• National Junior Honor Society Chapter
• Performing Arts Program and annual theater production
• Robotics 
• School Choir
• Science Matters Club
• Student Council
• Yearbook
• and more!