Meet Our Principal

Welcome to The Basilica School of Saint Mary and thank you for taking the time to visit our website to learn more about us.

As a parish school with over 148 years of history in Alexandria, we are proud of our Catholic traditions and practices. I believe that one of the most important decisions we make as parents is about the education of our children. At The Basilica School, we value that decision and the trust our parents put in us. It is an honor and blessing for me to serve as the school principal. I serve with our teachers who are faith-filled men and women, devoted to the physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of our students. Each day, we renew the commitment to work hard to educate our pre-K through eighth grade students and help them become self-confident, compassionate and committed citizens who will reach their full potential.

Christ is the center of all that we do, and we call upon our patroness, Mary Seat of Wisdom, to draw us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. To Jesus, Through Mary, we strive to lead our students into a joyful relationship with God.While our traditions and structure are part of the fabric of our school community, so are twenty-first century educational innovations. Our goal is to educate our students in the ways of our Catholic Faith with a strong foundation that prepares them for the challenges they will face in high school and beyond. We support our students on their path to becoming their best selves in this world and saints in the next!

The Basilica School of Saint Mary has so much to offer our students and families: We hope to share our many wonderful gifts with your family as well. I encourage you to take time to get to know us by touring our website, talking to friends and parents of our students, and by visiting our school.

Yours in Christ,

Janet M. Cantwell
Principal

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God"
(ROMANS 8:14)