Our History

Saint Monica Parish, located in historic Methuen, Massachusetts, is rooted in perseverance and faith.

On Easter Sunday in 1897, the Augustinian Fathers from Saint Mary Church in Lawrence celebrated a Holy Mass of dedication for the newly built church on the corner of Broadway and Park Street. Named Saint Monica, in honor of the mother of Saint Augustine, this first Mass marked the culmination of a nearly fifty-year effort by the local Irish Catholic community to establish a permanent place of worship. The founding of the parish also ushered in an era of religious and cultural tolerance that continues to enrich our community. What began as a mission of Saint Mary’s quickly grew into the thriving Saint Monica Parish, later moving to its present location on Lawrence Street.

Saint Monica School was established in 1958, opened and staffed by the dedicated religious sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The sisters, who first began coming on Sundays to teach religious education, soon became a constant presence. Their commitment to building up the Catholic identity of the community laid the essential groundwork for our foundational mission: to partner with families to form disciples of Jesus Christ.Excellence in Virtue: Saint Monica School Today

More than fifty years later, Saint Monica School carries forward the inspired vision of its Augustinian founders and the pioneering Sisters of Notre Dame. Now staffed by dedicated religious and lay people, we offer an excellent academic education through a traditional Catholic Christian curriculum for students from Pre-K through Grade 8, welcoming students and families from across the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.

Our school is committed to establishing a foundation of excellence in intellectual, social, and spiritual virtues. We cultivate a rich Catholic common life where students of diverse abilities and backgrounds flourish through rigorous academics, fine arts, and liturgy.

Embracing eternal Gospel Truth and holding fast to the Teaching of the Magisterium, our administration and teachers work diligently to secure individuals an active place in both the Church and society by promoting religious and moral formation that fosters leadership skills and rejects moral relativism.

Welcome and God bless! Come and make history with us!

Our Mission

Saint Monica School partners with families to form disciples of Jesus Christ and establish a foundation of excellence in intellectual, social, and spiritual virtues. Students of diverse abilities and backgrounds flourish within a rich Catholic common life through academics, fine arts, and liturgy.

Why choose Saint Monica School

Our small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure each student receives the attention they need to thrive.

125+ years

faith tradition
(since 1897)

19

average students
per class

Exciting Enrichment Opportunities

to learn, lead, and grow

Faith-Based Education

mind, body
and spirit

what students and families are saying

"For our family, the value of a Catholic education has never been greater than right now. In enrolling in St. Monica School, our son has been provided the opportunity to receive an exceptional education, but more importantly the foundation for a morally-centered life. My family and I will forever be thankful to the faculty and staff of St. Monica for their exceptional efforts, bold leadership, and unwavering commitment to igniting a passion for education/learning within each of their students. God Bless St. Monica School!"

Jonathan Fitzgerald, Parent

"Catholic education has helped me get closer to God through daily learning about Him and Jesus for the past several years. Going to a Catholic school has also helped me gain friends who share the same beliefs as I do. I really enjoy the community at St. Monica School, and I enjoy knowing that God is with all of us, guiding us through any struggles that we may have. It is really a great, safe, holy environment here at SMS."

Colin Bowler, Student

"My Catholic education has helped me grow as a person. It has pushed me to always be a better person. St. Monica has a safe and supportive environment. The people that surround you at St. Monica care for you. It is always a good reminder to constantly be a good person, and St. Monica has done that. "

Kylie Paris, Student

"I believe students who attend Catholic school receive the best education, especially those students at the elementary level. St. Monica School has a warm and caring atmosphere, and the teachers are hard-working and dedicated. Our students are well-prepared for high school and beyond. Our faculty and staff take pride in the complete education of our students, so our students leave here as kind, hard-working students prepared for any challenges they may face."

Karen Sylvia, Teacher