Saint Mary-Basha Catholic School

200 W. Galveston Street
Chandler, AZ 85225

http://www.stmarybashacatholic.org/

Phone: (480) 963-4951
Fax: (480) 963-8959

Established: 1944

Enrollment: 400 | Preschool—eighth grade

Leadership:   Katie Lyon, Principal

Mission statement: St. Mary-Basha Catholic School is dedicated to 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. 
  • Selected as Best of Chandler for Catholic Schools 2022
  • Recipient, 2022-23 YASS Prize for Arizona Award for STOP (Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education) 
  • Flourishing, licensed Preschool and PreKindergarten for 3-5 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 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. 
  • Before and 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 Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) 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 Test results with students performing 1-2 grades higher than their current grade
  • Certified professionals on staff including a Reading and Math Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist  and tutoring services available 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:

  • 19:1 Student: Teacher Ratio
  • 2 classes per grade level 
  • 100% of teachers are certified and many with advanced degrees
  • 69% of students received tuition awards
  • 100% of students eligible for reduced/free tuition using Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
  • 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
  • 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 and 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 HighnDecathlon 
  • 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
  • Girls Who Code Clubs
  • iCODE computer 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