St. Martin de Porres Marianist School

Mission Statement

St. Martin de Porres Marianist School is dedicated to providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic faith for students in grades Pre-K through 8. Grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, the traditions of the Catholic Church and the Marianist tradition of education inspired by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, our mission is to nurture the intellectual, spiritual, social, and emotional development of each child.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive learning community where students are encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge, and character, as well as to become missionaries of the Gospel by encouraging lives of service and charity to school and community.  Through an academic curriculum, infused with Catholic values, we aim to empower students to excel academically, think critically, and act compassionately. In partnership with parents and the wider community, we are committed to fostering a love for learning, a deep sense of morality, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Our school embraces diversity, promotes a culture of respect, and encourages the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.

At St. Martin de Porres Marianist School, we aspire to develop leaders who are guided by a moral compass, are compassionate in their interactions, and are equipped to make positive contributions to society. We prepare students to face the challenges of the future with confidence, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to living out the values of their Catholic faith. 

The History of St. Martin de Porres Marianist School

Fr. Chaminade envisioned each school as a family where children would grow in their faith in an environment of loving concern. Just as each family is different, each school would be different, in response to the varying needs of times and places. A common Marianist philosophy of education, however, would underpin every aspect of each school. For almost two hundred years, Marianist Priests and Brothers along with their colleagues have labored to create schools where children learn to love God and to serve their brothers and sisters by developing fully 
the talents and abilities that God has given to each of them. 

On Long Island, the Marianists have operated Chaminade High School since 1930. The contribution of Chaminade’s almost 18,000 alumni to the Church and to society testifies to the fruitfulness of Fr. Chaminade’s vision. In 1987, Bishop McGann asked the Marianists to assume control of St. Agnes/Maria Regina High School. The growth of Kellenberg Memorial High School and of the Bro. Joseph Fox Latin School stems from the successful implantation of Marianist principles of education into a coeducational high school and middle school. 

St. Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother who died in Peru in 1639, seems an unlikely patron for a new Marianist school on Long Island. However, Martin’s life yields many rich images for our new school serving the children of Uniondale and Hempstead. As a young man of mixed racial parentage who could not be ordained a priest, Martin experienced the sting of prejudice. As a Brother who spent much of his life ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the Africans brought to South America as slaves, Martin knew the pain and loneliness of those living far from home. As a holy man who strove to build community among his Brothers, among the many peoples of the city of Lima, and even among the many animals that flocked to his garden, Martin spent his life in the service of the Church.The school is owned and directed by the Society of Mary (Marianists), a religious order of priests and Brothers. The Marianists were founded in 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade to educate youth as a means to Christianize society.

Core Values

  • We believe in fostering a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the center of our faith. Our school community is committed to nurturing spiritual growth and guiding students to live out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives.
  • We embrace the charism of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and the spirituality of the Marianist Family he founded. We seek to make saints by helping our students to become the best version of who God created them to be.
  • We seek to model the Blessed Virgin Mary’s virtues of humility, simplicity, and openness to God’s will, creating a culture of warmth, hospitality, and service.
  • We believe in the strength of our school community and the importance of forming a supportive family environment. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where all members—students, parents, faculty, and staff—feel a sense of belonging and actively contribute to the common good. Our school becomes a home away from home in which we have created an atmosphere that educates.
  • We are dedicated to the development of each individual—mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in Marianist Philosophy, our educational approach aims to cultivate intellectual curiosity, physical well-being, and spiritual depth, preparing students for a life of purpose and service.
  • We are committed to instilling a sense of social responsibility in our students. Inspired by the Gospel call to love and serve others, our community actively engages in service projects, promoting empathy, compassion, and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
  • We hold a strong commitment to academic excellence, challenging students to reach their full potential. Our educators, guided by the Marianist Tradition, inspire a love of learning, critical thinking, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
  • We believe in the importance of character development and moral integrity. Our school strives to instill virtues such as honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility, shaping students into compassionate leaders who positively impact their communities.
  • We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our school community. Grounded in the teachings of Christ, we actively promote an inclusive environment that respects and values the unique contributions of each individual, fostering unity in our shared faith.
  • We believe in the power of collaborative leadership, where administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students work together in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility to fulfill the mission of our Marianist Catholic school.

Profile of a Graduate

  • St. Martin de Porres Marianist School prepares each student for a successful transition into a Catholic High School with a solid academic education and a solid formation in the Catholic faith.
  • Our graduates demonstrate the quality of their education through their disciplined work habits and study skills. Graduates have the ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
  • Our graduates are community-minded and service-oriented, reflecting the call of the Gospel and the example of St. Martin de Porres to serve others.
  • Our graduates embrace the influence of God in every aspect of their lives, nurturing and strengthening friendships that develop through their time at St. Martin’s.

Accreditation
& Professional Affiliations

St. Martin de Porres Marianist School is registered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

St. Martin Marianist School is a member of CSAANYS, and NCEA.

A Prayer to St. Martin de Porres

Dear God,
We ask you to give us the strength and grace to follow the example of St. Martin de Porres.
As he saw Jesus in our moms and dads, brothers and sisters, teachers and classmates, our friends and all those we meet today.
As St. Martin loved all of your creation, may we too be bearers of Jesus’ love for all.
As he chose to serve al, may we use our time and talents to help all those in need around us.
May the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary. 
Amen.

St. Martin de Porres and The Marianist Tradition on Long Island