Founded 1951

Ground was broken on August 15, 1951, for the first unit of our campus school.  This was to house the kindergarten and first three grades.  It was made possible through a very substantial donation by Mr. and Mrs. Garland Funk, in memory of their son G. V. Funk who was killed during World War II.  Gratitude was expressed to the donors for their generous help in making a donation toward the cost of the unit by naming it the G. V. Funk Jr. Memorial St. Mary . School (now known as the Funk Building ).  Bishop Bennett dedicated this building and the newly renovated convent on August 15, 1952.  During the spring of 1952, the Sisters of the Dominican Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary from Sinsinawa , WI were engaged to teach in the new St. Mary’s School.  The school opened in September 1952 with Sister Monan as Superior , Sister Bernadette, Sister M. Donna, and Sister Philothea as teachers.

As a forerunner to the parish elementary school, 26 four year olds enjoyed their first school life during 1951 at the Chateau.  Maryellen Voisard Klee and Alice Laux Crane, upperclassmen at Ball State Teachers’ College taught them.  Miss Catherine Holden, a teacher in the Muncie Community School System, assisted them.

In 1954, St. Mary’s parishioner John Hartmeyer donated a substantial sum toward the construction of a second campus unit in memory of this parents John and Margaret Hartmeyer.  This one room, one story building was planned to be used exclusively for first grade children.

In 1955 a third campus unit to house the upper grades was constructed by a donation by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Broderick and their daughter Sheila in memory of their son and brother Joseph H. Broderick, Jr.  It was opened in September of 1956 and dedicated on September 12, 1956 by the Most Rev. John J. Carberry in his first official act as coadjutor Bishop of the Lafayette Diocese.

The Dominican Sisters concluded their tenure at St. Mary’s School in 1970.  They were followed by the Sisters of Notre Dame from Toledo , Ohio , who arrived in July of 1970 and served until 1990.  Currently the school is staffed entirely by lay personnel.

In the fall of 1976 a junior high program was added to our school.  The first year it was for 7^th grade only.  The following year eighth grade was added and has continued since.

St. Mary’s continued to expand rapidly, not just in the number of grades, but in an ever growing number of students.  The need for additional classroom space was realized and planning began for what is now known as the Cyr Center , named in honor of our founding pastor.  Fund raising for the Cyr Center began upon the completion of a feasibility study.  Building began in the summer of 1983.  The Cyr Center was dedicated on September 2, 1984 by the Most Rev. Raymond J. Gallagher.

An early childhood program for pre kindergarten children ages 3 and 4 were started in 1985 and utilizes the Benedict house for its classroom space.  This self-supporting program continues to be a viable link for students entering St. Mary’s School.

St. Mary’s School has never consolidated but, rather, has continued its expansion.  In 1988, the need for additional classroom space was again realized and a feasibility study projecting future enrollment was begun.  Because the Hartmeyer Building was the only building on campus that stood alone, it was decided that the two classrooms would be added to it.  A bequest from St. Mary’s parishioner Kathleen Meehan enabled the parish to construct the facility.  The building was completed February 2, 199 and dedicated as a memorial to Miss Meehan by the Most Rev. Raymond J. Gallagher.  It was opened to students on February 4, 1991.  Subsequently the building was renamed the Hartmeyer-Meehan Building .

Since 1961, St. Mary’s instructional program has grown from a single pre kindergarten class to an expansive campus facility offering classes from early childhood (3-4 year olds) through grade 8.  In that time span, St. Mary Catholic School has provided quality education and spiritual growth to more than 2000 students.