St Marys School
School Details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated in Tallaght, Dublin 24. It serves roughly 350 boys and girls aged four to twelve and is staffed by a team of about 40 professionals. The school prides itself on providing a happy, safe and nurturing environment where learning extends beyond the traditional classroom. A broad and balanced curriculum is delivered, with particular emphasis on developing creativity, imagination and critical thinking through a rich music and art programme that includes tin whistle, traditional band and choir, as well as after‑school art sessions. Physical education is equally valued, offering a variety of sports and a comprehensive PE curriculum that encourages children to reach their full potential in fitness and teamwork. The educational philosophy is rooted in the school’s mission to foster a caring community that recognises each child’s uniqueness. Pupils are encouraged to achieve academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally, with realistic goal‑setting and confidence‑building at its core. Teaching methods blend textbook learning with interactive activities, ensuring that maths, SESE and other subjects are taught in an engaging manner that supports each child’s individual progress.
History
St. Mary’s National School is the oldest school in Tallaght, originally founded in 1833. The first building, located beside St. Basil’s Training Centre on Greenhills Road, was a single‑storey structure measuring approximately 60 ft by 16 ft and housed separate classrooms for boys and girls. The present school building was constructed in 1960, with an additional wing added in 1976, reflecting the school’s growth and continued service to the community over many decades.