Immaculate Immaculate Heart of Mary School lies in the scenic town of Still River, part of the town of Harvard, Massachusetts. The rustic surroundings are known for its apple orchards, the Oxbow Preservation, and the Fruitlands Museum, where Louisa May Alcott lived with her family for a short time. Our school started in 1976 on a small, somewhat private tutoring basis and after a few years, enrollment increased and expanded into a more formal setting.

Today the school has grades 1 through 12 with a capacity enrollment of 125 students. Small class size allows teachers to see and monitor students’ needs and strong points quite clearly. The faculty members, Religious Sisters, Brothers, and lay teachers, work together with parents for the education and formation of the youth entrusted to them. Here, education is viewed in regard to the whole person, mind, body, and soul.

An overview of the streamline curriculum reveals that Religion class is considered the backbone of the academics. This course is pivotal in assisting students to attain their future goals, and makes students aware of their responsibilities due to God, their family and society. Today this course is especially critical in guiding students to be good citizens, accountable for their actions, and using their talents and skills to make positive changes in the world around them.

Other areas of the high school curriculum are standard, beginning with four years of English, which covers grammar, writing, speaking, and reading of classical literature. Algebra I, II, and Geometry are taken for the first three years, with the fourth year being either calculus or business math. Science is taken for three years and includes biology, chemistry and physics. Latin (beginning in the seventh grade) and French are the two foreign languages taught. History is taken for three years and covers western civilization, modern, and US history. Musical ability is very much encouraged. Approximately 80% of the student body in grades 7 through 12 join the marching band which participates and competes in at least ten parades a year, in addition to concerts. Many students compete in district competitions and some students even continue music at the college level. Keyboarding, journalism and physical education are also required.

Students are encouraged to become members of the National Honor Society which fosters academic excellence, leadership, character, and service. Student tutoring, visiting nursing homes, and school spirit contests are some of the areas of this organization’s involvement.

Stanford Achievement tests are administered every year from grades 1 through 8 and students score well above the national average. Students in high school are encouraged to take the PSAT exam in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades to prepare for the SATs. Students on the whole score above the national average. Because we do not have a large student body, it is difficult to give an absolute figure as the class average score or even to give a particular student’s class rank.

We have no concerns about high school drop outs. Graduates enter the working world and approximately more than 85% go on to college and take up various careers such as business, the medical field, music and trades. Feedback from employers and colleges demonstrate high success rates. Immaculate Heart of Mary School is grateful to its benefactors, dedicated teachers, and supportive parents who have done much to make our school what it is today, Fortes in Fide.

Want to see more about IHM?
Check out the
School Gallery