St. Mary’s Institute was founded in 1880 by Pastor of St. Mary's Parish Father John McIncrow and administered by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
SMI began with Grades K-12 and grew rapidly. In 1909, St. Mary’s Institute moved to
Forbes St. to accommodate the increasing enrollment.
In 1966, St. Mary’s Institute High School became a Diocesan Regional High School and was named Bishop Scully High School.
After the closing of Bishop Scully High School in 1990, St. Mary’s Institute moved to its present location off Upper Church St. on January 2, 1991.
We believe that Catholic Schools, with the involvement and support of parents and guardians, teach each student to live the values of Jesus Christ and to respect the teachings and tradition of the Catholic Church.
We believe that Catholic Schools are places where students from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds receive a quality education in an atmosphere conducive to learning and moral development.
We believe that Catholic Schools provide an environment in which our students develop character and deepen their sense of respect and responsibility.
We believe that Catholic Schools provide a nurturing and caring environment in which each student is encouraged to develop and share his or her talents and abilities.
We believe that Catholic School teachers and staff are caring and committed women and men enthusiastic about young people and eager to help them achieve their potential.
We believe that Catholic Schools, by reaching out to and collaborating with local and parish communities, are visible signs of the love of God and the mission of the Church.
Our graduates meet or exceeded the NYS basic and proficiency standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Many SMI graduates go on to receive a multitude of honors which include many being their high school valedictorians and salutatorians.