Our History
Catholic education in Dover began in 1883 when the Sisters of Mercy opened the Sacred Heart School of girls and Saint Joseph School for boys. Through the ensuing century, the school's name has changed; other schools have begun, then merged. In 1989, the school was rededicated to Mary, the Mother of God, and renamed Saint Mary Academy. In 1999, the Kindergarten and Pre-K programs were moved to a newly renovated building on the corner of Locust Street and Church Street.

Saint Mary Academy serves some 340 students of all denominations. While many live here in Dover, we have students from Barrington, Rochester, Rollinsford, Somersworth, and Southern Maine. Most importantly, the goals set forth in 1883 remain the goals that guide the school today as a Catholic faith community. Saint Mary Academy strives to provide an educational and social environment in which our students can flourish and prepare themselves for whatever the future holds. A partnership between students, parents, faculty, and staff ensures the success of this endeavor.