St. Marys College — Local services in Willard

It's been almost a decade since I've been to this college, so I don't know how relevant this review is anymore. But here's my two cents worth:

My two years here were simply wonderful. Classes based on traditional Catholic culture: philosophy, theology, literature, history, etc. In addition, there were weekly spiritual conferences and confessions specifically for the college students, plus all of the regular parish activities from Assumption Chapel (nightly Compline, Sunday Vespers, Daily Mass and Rosary, etc.)

However, there were a few odd points (at least when I was present). For example, the male students were required to wear a dress shirt, tie, and jacket (unless the temperature reached 80 degrees or above). Personally, while generally supportive of minimum dress standards, I never understood what effect wearing a tie every darn day (especially during a Kansas summer) was supposed to have on my education.

Also, the work load was rather heavy. Apparently, students are expected to take a minimum of twenty credits per semester, without any option of being a part-time student or anything. (Personally, I would recommend transferring a couple basic courses like math and science from a community college.) The basis they used for grades seemed to be set incredibly high (seemed like what might pass for A-level work elsewhere might get a B+ here).

Finally, they seemed to treat the college students more like elementary school children than adults. For example, students were actually required to live either on the campus (in the limited number of dorm rooms) or with the parents; any other arrangements had to be specifically approved by the college (which sounded like such approval would be rare). If the priests caught college students (all over 18) watching a movie in a dorm room, then the priest could confiscate both the movie and the computer/laptop, apparently no matter the nature of the movie being watched.

Also, grades were actually sent to the parents as well. Plus, the students were forbidden from having off-campus jobs unless specifically approved by the college.

Manalive, if the students really need these many (and kind of) restrictions placed on them, should they really be attending college in the...

Wonderful school. Very close environment and amazing community, students have a lot of fun and make lifelong friends. Classes are focused, in-depth, and a lot harder than most colleges. You can't get this Catholic experience in many other places. Rules might seem to be a little strict with early curfews but nothing restricts students' freedom very much.

The campus is beautiful, but the buildings are old and could use new heating systems as the radiators tend to scream like a frog with arthritis blowing a train whistle at...

The St. Mary's Academy and College is a great place to have your children study. They have very convenient Full-Day Kg and 1st to 12th Grade for boys and girls. Also, there have a College that you can send your adult children to study and be prepared for life and if they want to persue a career as teachers. The school is growing and in need of the best teachers the College can...