The school was established in the year 1984 by opening the LKG in the premises of Mother of Sorrows church, Udupi by Catholic Board of Education(CBE), Diocese of Mangalore. The dream mission was actualized under the visionary leadership of Late V. Rev. Fr J P Tauro.

The UKG and the higher classes were added successively each year. In the year 1990-91 St Mary’s grew to be a full fledged Higher Primary school. In the year 1991, the English Medium High School was started, and in 1993, with the addition of 10th Std, it became a full-fledged High School, recognized by the Government of Karnataka (Order No. ED 674 SED 91 dated. 22-7-1992).

Under the guidance of the successive Correspondents, Late V. Rev. Fr Peter Theodore D’Souza, Late V. Rev. Fr Peter S Noronha and V. Rev. Fr Antony Shera, the school grew into an icon for excellence and competence in the field of education. In the year 2009 the school celebrated its Silver Jubilee and relocated to a spacious campus in Kannarpady in 2010-11, envisioned by Late V. Rev. Fr Mathew Vas. Later V. Rev. Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca and V. Rev. Fr Charles Menezes embellished the campus with the best possible infrastructure with an aesthetic touch.

In August 2013 the school secured affiliation from the CBSE Board with Affiliation No: 830490. In the academic year 2016, the school was upgraded into a Senior Secondary School with the Science and Commerce streams. To strengthen foundational education, St Mary’s Play School was inaugurated in 2023, aligning with the institutional changes recommended by NEP 2020. The management transitioned from CBE, Mangalore, to CESU on January 1, 2023. The school celebrated Ruby Jubilee Celebration of its inception in 2024 with much more vigour and enthusiasm showcasing the rich educational journey of the school.

At present, St Mary’s English Medium School is a full fledged school with CBSE curriculum having students from Play School up to Grade 12 with a sound student-strength of 1880. Miss Myrtle L F Lewis, in her 30 years of dedicated and fruitful service as principal laid a solid foundation for the educational standard and the social reputation of the school. Rev. Fr Johnson L Sequeira in his five years of tenure from 2019 to 2024 emphasised on the wholesome growth of students as well as staff by introducing innovation in academic and co curricular activities.

At present V. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, a visionary educationist and a renowned administrator is the correspondent & forerunner of this premier institution. School is consistently achieving outstanding results in academics, sports, art & music with great calibre under the leadership of present Principal Rev. Fr Vijay Joyson Dsouza. Principal is competently assisted by Vice Principal Madam Rita Quadros with her vast experience.

'Samskruthi Sampada’ St.Marys Flok Museum comprises more than 1400 artifacts depicting the rich cultural heritage of the coastal land.

The philosophy of the school ensures that its students realize the highest academic and personal potential by incorporating the best human values and essential life skills in all stages of schooling.

One can surely feel the most peaceful, creative, inspiring and intellectually-motivating atmosphere in St Mary’s campus, thus transforming the learning into a joyful experience in St Mary’s.