There are a great number of factors that differentiate Mary Help from other schools. The daily schedule and a family spirit are among them.

Mary Helpers begin their day at the locker section where, under the watchful gaze of the Sisters, they gather their books for the morning classes and have the opportunity for a breakfast with friends. Depending on the day of the week, when the bell rings the students either head to the gym for a school assembly or trudge "the hill" to assigned homerooms. In both scenarios prayer, the student pledge and pledge of allegiance usher in the official start of the day, along with a spiritual thought from the principal. This is part of the Salesian atmosphere where academia and spirituality coexist in a balanced and down-to-earth manner.

From there the students make their way to their morning classes.Mondays consist of forty-minute sessions so that, by the end of the day, the students have had all eight courses. On the other weekdays the mornings consist of two eighty-minute block periods. This means that students are given more time to delve deeply into each subject once a week, and at the same time they get a taste of a college schedule.

After a morning of hard work, lunch is well-earned and greatly appreciated, evidenced by the amount of camaraderie that goes on. Round tables, birthday celebrations (cake included), the presence of faculty... all make for an atmoshpere of spontaneity and family. Then, gears are put back into an academic mode as the lunch period comes to an end. Another trip to the locker section is needed before the next four afternoon classes.

The last twenty-five minutes of the day are devoted to clubs or study hall. When the final bell rings, the hallways echo with excitement as the students head to the locker section one last time to get the books needed for homework and study. Some then head for their buses, others to teachers for extra help and still others to practice for a sport or to participate in after school activities.