HISTORY OF ST. MARY EARLY LEARNING CENTER
 
          St. Mary Early Learning Center was the vision of Fr. Albert Boumans and parishioner Catherine Andrews.  The building in which the Early Learning Center is now housed was built by parishioners to be used as the first Catholic preschool in Lafayette.  The building named Boumans Hall after its founder was also built to accommodate St. Mary Parish’s rapidly growing CCD Program.  Catherine Andrews, being an elementary teacher, was instrumental in the design of the classrooms.  She also served on St. Mary Early Learning Center’s first school board.
            St. Mary Early Learning Center opened its’ doors in September of 1991 with Renee’ McAlister as its first director.  The school consisted of one 4 year old class and one 3 year old class.  The St. Mary Early Learning Center School Board, consisting of Monsignor Angelle, Renee’ McAlister, Yvonne Jumonville, Julian Judice, Catherine Andrews and Catherine Maloney spearheaded the idea of opening up a two year old class.  This idea proved to be a huge success in getting the Early Learning Center off to a good start.
            The total number of students in St. Mary’s first year of existence was 32.  St. Mary’s reputation as a premier Catholic preschool continued to blossom.  Each year since 1991, more classes and teachers were added.  The two year old classes were a hit!  No other Catholic school offered such a complete curriculum for two year olds.
            St. Mary continued to grow with a solid reputation for an excellent curriculum and an outstanding faculty.  Upon Monsignor Angelle’s retirement, Fr. Robie Robichaux became Pastor in 1998.  In 1999, Amy Robideaux became St. Mary Early Learning Center’s new Director.  Father Harold Trahan is now the pastor.  Michelle Guidry is currently the school’s Director.
            To date, St. Mary Early Learning Center has 15 teachers and 15 teacher’s aides.  There are 3 classes of four year olds, 5 classes of three year olds and 6 classes of two year olds.  The school also has included the Mother’s Day Out Program in their school community.  With 34 more students and 6 caregivers for the MDO Program.  In 2016 St. Mary’s will be celebrating 25 years of outstanding Catholic Education serving preschoolers throughout Lafayette Parish and beyond.  The school’s present 2016-2017 enrollment, including MDO is 225 students. St. Mary’s Early Learning Center continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment focusing on Catholic values.