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Aerial view of St. Mary School System
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Mary School System

  • LocationPaducah, KY
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades PK–12 · 345 students
Official website
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St. Mary High School in Paducah, Kentucky, is part of the St. Mary School System, a Catholic school system for grades preschool through 12. The high school's middle and high school handbook and 2026-27 liturgical calendar show a school Mass each Wednesday, two dated reconciliation services, and class retreats for every grade. Students take religion all four years and must complete 75 hours of Christian service to graduate.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Mary School System, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Thomas More Catholic Church: 2.0 mi1St. Mary School System (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Thomas More Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 5645 Blandville Road, Paducah

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

74 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (The handbook says middle and high school students attend Mass on Wednesdays. The 2026-27 liturgical calendar lists an HS Mass on Wednesdays at 9:45 (the calendar's own times, which are listed as 8:45 / 9:45 for middle and high school together).)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Middle and High School students attend Mass on Wednesdays.”
      Middle and high school students attend Mass on Wednesdays.
    2. SMSS Liturgical Calendar for 2026-2027smss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/Copy-of-Copy-of-Liturgical-Calendar-2026_2027-for-Faculty_Staff-Sheet1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Wed. 9/2/26 8:45 / 9:45 MS Mass / HS Mass MS/HS”
      The 2026-27 liturgical calendar lists a middle and high school Mass on Wednesdays.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (The 2026-27 liturgical calendar lists two middle and high school reconciliation services in the school year: October 23, 2026 (fall) and February 26, 2027 (Lent). Recorded as seasonal, the nearest level to a few times a year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. SMSS Liturgical Calendar for 2026-2027smss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/Copy-of-Copy-of-Liturgical-Calendar-2026_2027-for-Faculty_Staff-Sheet1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fri. 10/23/26 8:45 / 9:45 MS / HS Reconciliation”
      A middle and high school reconciliation service is scheduled October 23, 2026.
      “Fri. 2/26/27 8:45 / 9:45 MS / HS Reconciliation”
      A middle and high school reconciliation service is scheduled February 26, 2027, during Lent.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses are confirmed. The handbook names Fr. Mike Clark as the system's Episcopal Vicar.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Episcopal Vicar: Fr. Mike Clark (St. Thomas More parish)”
      Fr. Mike Clark is the system's Episcopal Vicar; no page names him as school chaplain.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Students take religion courses in all four years of high school as part of the core curriculum. Computed as one full-year course per grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School (9-12) | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/academics/high-school · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in religion courses all four years as part of their core curriculum.”
      High school students take religion courses in all four years.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The handbook says all aspects of the education program are designed to promote and reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All aspects of the education program of the St. Mary School System are designed to promote and reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
      The school's education program is designed to reflect Catholic teaching.
BCampus culture: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The retreats page says students in every grade take part in class retreats.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary offers students in every grade the opportunity to participate in class retreats.”
      Students in every grade take part in class retreats.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One religion and religious activities coordinator is listed on the staff page: Julia Colgan.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Team | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/about/our-team · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Julia Colgan Religion / Religious Activities Coordinator”
      Julia Colgan is listed as the religion and religious activities coordinator.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Catholic Youth Leaders is the only faith-based student group found.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School (9-12) | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/academics/high-school · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Catholic Youth Leaders”
      Catholic Youth Leaders is a club listed for the high school.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The handbook says daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith are provided for all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith will be provided for all students.”
      Daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith are provided for all students.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Students must complete 75 hours of Christian service to graduate.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All high school students must complete a total 75 hours of service work as a graduation requirement.”
      Every high school student must complete 75 hours of service to graduate.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The handbook lists social justice among the subjects emphasized in the religion course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study, Social Justice and Christian Service are emphasized daily.”
      The religion course emphasizes social justice.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students take religion in all four years, and the handbook says daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith are provided for all students.
    Sources (2)
    1. High School (9-12) | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/academics/high-school · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in religion courses all four years as part of their core curriculum.”
      High school students take religion courses in all four years.
    2. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith will be provided for all students.”
      Daily prayer and instruction in the Catholic faith are provided for all students.
  • The high school requires 75 hours of Christian service to graduate.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Middle School and High School Student and Parent Handbooksmss.org/media/website_pages/viking-links/2026-2027-SMMS_SMHS-Student_Parent-Handbook-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All high school students must complete a total 75 hours of service work as a graduation requirement.”
      Every high school student must complete 75 hours of service to graduate.
  • Class retreats are offered to students in every grade.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary offers students in every grade the opportunity to participate in class retreats.”
      Students in every grade take part in class retreats.

Concerns

  • Only one faith-based student club, Catholic Youth Leaders, is listed among the high school clubs.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School (9-12) | St. Mary School Systemsmss.org/academics/high-school · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Catholic Youth Leaders”
      Catholic Youth Leaders is a club listed for the high school.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • Living Rosary
    Friday, October 16, 2026 (middle and high school, per the 2026-27 liturgical calendar)
    Prayer event for middle and high school students on the 2026-27 liturgical calendar.
    smss.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Catholic Youth Leaders
    Student club listed among the high school clubs and organizations.
    smss.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Wednesday school Mass
    Wednesdays
    Mass for middle and high school students, listed on the 2026-27 liturgical calendar.
    smss.org, smss.org

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats
    Annual, one for each grade level
    All-day class retreats for students in every grade, with prayer, reflection and community building.
    smss.org, smss.org

Service 1

  • Christian Service Program
    Completed across the four years; 75 hours required
    Required service hours for high school graduation, with emphasis on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
    smss.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Reach out

Contact details for Holly Miller (Middle and High School Principal (ext. 226)) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
40 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.70%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.7 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseDiocese of Owensboro, KY
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)345
Students in grades 9–1287
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio9.7 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges70%
SettingCity

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Owensboro

The Most Reverend William F. Medley, Bishop of Owensboro

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: owensborodiocese.org, owensborodiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Mary School System a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Mary School System is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Owensboro.
What is St. Mary School System’s Compass Score?
77 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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