St. Mary’s Catholic School Celebrates 125 years
Campus
Our story
The Origins
The story begins in 1901, when what was then called Saint Mary’s Academy was founded. It was operated by a group of religious sisters and opened its doors to students in Ponca City, serving the growing Catholic community in Kay County.
At the time, the parish was originally named Saint Felix Catholic Church, located closer to what is now downtown Ponca City. After a fire destroyed the first parish facility, and as the parish expanded, a new church was constructed. Eventually, the name Saint Mary came into official use for the church; the precise date isn’t fully clear in the sources, but by 1916 the second church building was consecrated to Saint Mary.
Growth and Change
Over the decades, the school expanded both in enrollment and stature:
By 1912, Saint Mary’s Academy had grown to around 200 students, offering instruction in all grades. The Sisters of Divine Providence were among those who taught there.
There was a close connection between church and school — as the parish grew, so did the resources devoted to Catholic education in Ponca City.
By the mid-20th century, the church had constructed a new larger building in the Italian Renaissance style (1954) to replace the older church, reflecting growth in the parish.
The School Through the Years
As times changed, so did the roles and structure of the school:
Grades Served: Currently, the school serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Facilities & Community: The school is very much a community institution. Events like the annual Fall Fest help raise funds for teacher professional development, classroom supplies, and other school programs. It’s also a gathering point for parishioners, alumni, and families.
Alumni Bonds: A school-wide alumni reunion was held in June 2024, bringing together former students spanning several generations. One alumnus noted that even students who went there in the 1940s and 1950s still feel very connected to the school and church.
Significance & Legacy
The importance of St. Mary Catholic School in Ponca City is more than just its long history — it has served as a stable institution of faith, education, and community through many changes: population shifts, economic booms (especially during the oil/gas/conoco eras), and societal changes.
Join us in Celebration
St. Mary’s Catholic School is turning 125 years old, and we invite you to be part of this historic milestone! Together, we will honor our rich tradition of Worship, Learn, Serve while looking ahead to the bright future of Catholic education in Ponca City. Mark your calendars for February 14, 2026, at the Marland Mansion—an evening filled with community, memories, and celebration.
