Where is St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School located?
St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School is located in Oceanside, California, and is part of the local Catholic parish community serving families throughout North County San Diego. Specifically, on Wisconsin Ave, three blocks from the beach!

What grades does St. Mary’s serve?
We serve students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing a strong academic and faith based foundation during the most formative years of development.

Is there a daycare or preschool?
We have a Preschool! Connect with our preschool site now.

Is St. Mary’s part of the Catholic Church?
Yes. St. Mary’s is a Catholic school rooted in the teachings of the Church and works under the governance of St. Mary, Star of the Sea parish to support the spiritual formation of our students.

Do students have to be Catholic to attend?
While we are proudly Catholic, we welcome families of all backgrounds who respect and support our mission and values.

What is the teaching philosophy at St. Mary’s?
Our approach blends academic rigor, faith formation, and whole child development. We focus on strong foundational skills, critical thinking, character formation, and service to others. See our Academics.

What does a typical school day include?
Students engage in core academics, religion instruction, prayer, physical education, enrichment opportunities, and community building activities throughout the day.

Do students attend Mass?
Yes. Students regularly attend Mass and participate in prayer and faith based activities as part of our Catholic identity. Mass is either held on campus or at our parish church, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

How does the school prepare students for high school?
Our graduates leave prepared for rigorous high school programs with strong study habits, leadership skills, academic confidence, and a solid moral foundation. Depending on demand, there are accelerated pathways for students who require an academic challenge. We can also provide high school transfer resources to 8th graders.

Is there a STEM program?
Yes. STEM is integrated across grade levels through science, technology, engineering challenges, and mathematics instruction that promotes problem solving and innovation. Visit our STEM page.

What extracurricular activities are offered?
Students may participate in athletics, service projects, school events, and seasonal activities that build teamwork, confidence, and school spirit. Please contact office manager about specific offerings.

How large are class sizes?
St. Mary’s maintains a close knit environment with manageable class sizes that allow teachers to provide individualized attention and support. This means a class may be anywhere between 13 - 23 students.

What makes St. Mary’s different from other schools?
Our strong sense of community, personal attention, faith centered environment, and commitment to forming the whole child set us apart. We are an historic part of the city of Oceanside and maintain an identity that is true to the close knit community we serve.

What is tuition and how does it compare to other Catholic schools?
Tuition at St. Mary’s remains competitive within the San Diego Diocese, offering strong value for a Catholic education rooted in faith and academic excellence. See our tuition page.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial assistance options may be available to qualifying families. We encourage families to contact the school office for more information about tuition support programs.

Is there an after school program?
Yes. We offer Star Care for busy families who may need to pick their child up after school hours. Please find Star Care details here.

How can families get involved?
Families are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents through school events, fundraising efforts, parish involvement, and community outreach initiatives.

Is there a uniform policy?
Yes. Students wear school uniforms, which promote unity, school pride, and a focused academic environment.

How does the school support student growth beyond academics?
We emphasize leadership, service, athletics, the arts, and character development so students grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually. See School Wide Expectations.

How do I schedule a tour?
Families may contact the school office to schedule a campus tour and learn more about our programs, community, and admissions process.

How do I apply for enrollment?
Interested families can begin the admissions process by contacting the school office for application details, requirements, and enrollment timelines. If you’re ready to begin, jump over to Preschool enrollment or K- 8th Grade enrollment.

What kind of community can families expect?
Families can expect a welcoming, supportive, faith filled community where students are known by name and encouraged to grow into confident, compassionate leaders. We are as diverse as the community we serve and are Christ-filled in all of our communications. With that, God bless you and we hope to see you soon!