This dedication to excellence has earned St. Mark national recognition, as the school was recently awarded its third Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence—a prestigious distinction given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance. St. Mark was one of only 16 schools in Texas to receive the honor this year, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.
Receiving this award is no small feat. Schools must rank in the top 15% nationwide in standardized testing scores for math and language arts in third through eighth grade. In addition, Principal Pam Steinkirchner said the award is also about creating a well-rounded educational experience. St. Mark has won this prestigious award three times throughout its history, in 1992, 2007 and 2024.
The school’s Smart Lab and Little Lion Learning Lab allow students to explore subjects, helping them develop a deeper understanding of different fields as they advance through their education.
“One of the things that we're really known for is having students find their God-given talents,”
Steinkirchner said. “Students have lots of opportunities here at St. Mark to experience a variety of activities, whether that be fine arts, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, sports, band, robotics or coding.”
Beyond academics, one of the school’s defining characteristics is its tight-knit community. Many families have been part of St. Mark for generations, with alumni returning to enroll their own children.
“I graduated from here in 2012, so I've been a student and now I’m on staff,” Director of Marketing and Communications Abbie Vela said. “I think one of the biggest differentiators is the community aspect of the school. There's a lot of ways for families to get involved and a lot of ways for students to connect. We also have prayer partners, which allows middle school students to mentor and connect with younger students.”
St. Mark integrates faith into every aspect of student life, not just through classroom teachings but also through acts of service. Each month, the entire school participates in a community service project, such as:
- Collecting food donations for St. Vincent de Paul Pantry
- Making blankets for veterans
- Organizing diaper drives for families in need
- Raising funds for Make-A-Wish projects
As St. Mark celebrates its 43rd year, it continues to grow and evolve. With over 500 students, the school has expanded its facilities to include a second gym, advanced tech labs and a vibrant extracurricular program.
For families seeking an education that blends faith, academics and community, St. Mark Catholic School remains a pillar of excellence in Plano—one that will continue shaping future generations for years to come.
St. Mark Catholic School is located at 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, and offers programs for children age 3 through eighth grade. Visit https://stmcs.net/ to enroll today.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
