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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

St. Mary’s School Expands CONNECTed Curriculum to Ignite Real-World Skills in Young Learners

By: Prodigy
09/26/2025, Edwards, IL // PRODIGY: Feature Story //

St. Mary’s School is transforming traditional education this school year with its CONNECTed curriculum, designed to equip students with skills the world is hungry for. By fusing STEM, progressive physical education, and hands-on projects, the private grade school reimagines what a classroom can be. Young learners leave each day with knowledge they can apply far beyond school walls.

“Our CONNECTed curriculum reflects the growing shift in private education toward immersive learning that sparks curiosity and critical thinking from an early age,” said a school representative. “Students engage in agriculture and cooking projects, STEM activities, and digital literacy lessons that blend creativity and collaboration.” The program is designed to help them become problem solvers, innovators, and leaders in their communities.

At St. Mary’s School, education is driven by innovation and a bold vision for the future.
St. Mary’s School

By weaving typing, computers, and coding into traditional subjects, St. Mary’s School empowers students with the digital fluency and sharp problem-solving skills demanded by today’s fast-moving world. These classes introduce keyboarding, word processing, basic programming, and creative coding projects, giving young learners the chance to design interactive stories, build simple games, and solve real-life challenges with technology. Teachers actively personalize instruction through ongoing assessments, helping every child advance confidently at a personal pace. This bold approach mirrors a growing transformation in private school education toward personalized learning and innovation.

The program also ignites growth through progressive physical education and Spanish, proving that future-ready learning thrives on physical wellness and cultural literacy. In PE, students tackle dynamic activities that build strength, coordination, and teamwork while forming lifelong healthy habits. Spanish lessons immerse them in conversation, culture, and vocabulary, sharpening communication skills and opening global perspectives. These experiences showcase the well-rounded approach families expect from a leading private grade school in Peoria. Young learners also thrive in an outdoor classroom where hands-on exploration turns real-world moments into unforgettable lessons.

Beyond academics and enrichment, character development is embedded into every part of the CONNECTed curriculum, giving students a strong moral foundation to guide academic growth. St. Mary’s School promotes values like honesty, respect, and compassion while offering leadership opportunities through student council and service learning. This values-driven approach reflects the mission of this local school to nurture not only scholars but also principled community leaders.

To reinforce this character-focused approach, small class sizes, averaging a 12:1 student-teacher ratio give educators the space to understand each learner and provide the focused guidance needed to excel. This structure fuels curiosity, encourages questions, and supports personalized growth. The result is a classroom environment where students feel recognized, encouraged, and inspired to achieve excellence at this innovative private grade school.

Families across Brimfield, Dunlap, Peoria, and Princeville continue choosing St. Mary’s School for its powerful blend of innovation and tradition. The CONNECTed curriculum unites rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and vibrant extracurriculars to prepare students with real-world skills and strong values. This private grade school stands as a trusted place where children grow into capable, confident, and compassionate leaders.

To learn more about St. Mary’s School and its CONNECTed curriculum, visit https://stmaryskickapoo.org/school/.

About St. Mary’s School

At St. Mary’s School, education is driven by innovation and a bold vision for the future. The school empowers students to adapt, lead, and excel in a world that never stands still. This forward-thinking spirit inspires every classroom and positions the school as a trailblazer in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

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Media Contact

St. Mary’s School
Address: 9910 W Knox St, Edwards, IL 61528
Phone: (309) 691-3015
Website: https://stmaryskickapoo.org/school/

St Mary's School (Close to Peoria)




newsroom: news.38digitalmarket.com



Source: 38 Digital Market News

Release ID: 1831970

Source published by Submit Press Release >> St. Mary’s School Expands CONNECTed Curriculum to Ignite Real-World Skills in Young Learners


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