St. Mary’s Catholic School Earns Archdiocese’s First Cardinal Newman Society Recognition
Hagerstown, MD — On March 3, St. Mary’s Catholic School announced its recognition by the Cardinal Newman Society as a recommended Catholic school. St. Mary’s joins an exclusive group of only 38 high schools and elementary schools in the U.S. that have met the rigorous standards required for inclusion in the Newman Guide, a national list of schools distinguished for providing an education rooted in faithful Catholic identity and academic excellence. St. Mary’s is the first school within the Archdiocese of Baltimore to receive this accolade.
Founded in 1993, The Cardinal Newman Society is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting and strengthening Catholic education. The organization bestows the honor of inclusion in the Newman Guide to Catholic schools that exhibit a steadfast dedication to academic excellence, operational integrity, and adherence to Catholic identity.
“This recognition affirms St. Mary’s School’s unwavering commitment to delivering an education deeply rooted in Catholic faith while also striving for academic excellence,” remarked Gregory Farno, Chancellor of Education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Cardinal Newman Society recognition process involves a comprehensive review of a school’s mission, curriculum, policies, leadership, and culture to ensure that Catholic identity is not only present but fully integrated into every facet of school life. The goal is to ensure that the entire school community is dedicated to nurturing students holistically—body, mind, and soul.
Dr. Amy Summers, Principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School, emphasized the community effort behind the recognition. “This distinction reflects the dedication of our educators, who thoughtfully integrate faith and reason in their classrooms; the unwavering support of our parish; and the trust our families place in us each day,” she said. “Most importantly, it reflects the joyful faith of our students, who strive daily to grow in knowledge, virtue, and love of Christ.”
Schools recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society are distinguished by several key characteristics, including the intentional integration of the Catholic faith across all subjects and the faithful teaching of theology in full alignment with the Magisterium of the Church. These schools demonstrate a strong commitment to Catholic teachings in every aspect of school life, including hiring practices, curriculum development, and campus culture. Daily life in a Newman Guide school is enriched by prayer, participation in the sacraments, and the nurturing of virtues. Students are expected to consistently achieve strong academic results, as evidenced by above-average standardized test scores. Additionally, faculty and leadership must actively embody and exemplify the faith in their actions.
“While we celebrate this milestone, we understand that it represents more than just an honor—it is also a responsibility,” said Fr. James Boric, Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish. “This recognition calls us to ongoing fidelity, continuous growth, and a renewed commitment to forming young men and women who seek truth, pursue holiness, and serve others with courage and conviction.”
For more information about the significance of being recognized in the Cardinal Newman Guide, please contact Bill Geibler, Director of Marketing & Communications, Archdiocese of Baltimore.
About St. Mary’s Catholic School – Hagerstown: St. Mary’s Catholic School is a PreK-3 through Grade 8 Catholic School located in Hagerstown, Maryland. We welcome students of all faiths, socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. At St. Mary’s Catholic School our mission is to provide a positive learning environment in which every child is challenged to develop their full potential: academically, spiritually, and morally.