OUR STORY

St. Mary of the Assumption School opened in 1923 with an enrollment of one hundred seven (107) students in grades one through six. It was staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Texas. In 1925, a seventh grade classroom was added to the school, and by 1926 the school offered an academic program to students in grades 1 – 8.

In July of 1929 a 4.7 magnitude earthquake centering principally in East Whittier caused damages to the school.  While the school continued to grow in enrollment, many businesses in the nearby area closed their doors and left the city.  By the 1940’s the school facilities were upgraded with better lighting and state-of-the-art equipment.

In October 1987, the city of Whittier experienced an earthquake that caused major damage to the building on Pickering Avenue. This building contained many classrooms, including the library, health room, music room, and science room. This building was condemned and demolished. The convent was also demolished. Construction began on this site to replace the demolished building.

In 2010, the Learning Center opened to support the needs of pre-kindergarten students.  An arts program was also established to give students the opportunity to explore the arts. Murals were painted throughout the school and plants were purchased to bring green to the school. Fence screen was also added to the fence to give students more privacy.

During the summer of 2018, significant improvements were made tot he junior high building. The classroom windows were replaced, a new air conditioning system was installed, and the restrooms were fully renovated. New carpeting was added to the classrooms, and the science lab was relocated to create additional space for the expansion of the art program.

Today, the school offers a comprehensive Spanish program and an enhanced technology program that provides each student with their own device. Students also benefit from enriching opportunities such as STEM, Aztec dance, folklorico,  mariachi programs, along with a variety of lunchtime clubs. SMA proudly continues its strong tradition of fostering a spiritual, nurturing, and academically challenging environment where students grow in all aspects of their lives. This tradition thrives through the dedicated efforts of its talented faculty, staff, clergy, parents, and the broader school community.