St. Mary’s is the oldest independent school in Tennessee. For more than 175 years, we have provided girls in Memphis with the finest education possible. Our story includes some of the earliest female leaders in Memphis, the Episcopal sisters of St. Mary, who at their own peril cared for the Memphis community during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. Their legacy of service and commitment to principles continues to inspire generations of St. Mary’s girls to grow into young women of integrity, compassion, and confidence.
Girls-Centered Education
The Benefits
Learn Differently
Every teacher, every lesson, and every resource is dedicated to how girls learn best. We know that girls develop verbal skills earlier than boys do, resulting in a propensity for reading and language. We also champion
the educational needs of girls in STEM majors and careers. Research shows that girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools (Goodman Research Group).
“St. Mary’s taught me to push myself. I learned exactly what I was capable of and that I am a smart, capable woman. My St. Mary’s experience was integral to me developing the confidence to say that and to live that.”
Develop Confidence
Each girl becomes accustomed to speaking up and, more importantly, being heard. In an all-girls setting, students feel comfortable articulating their thoughts and beliefs, and faculty and administrators make it clear that what students say is heard, considered, and valued.
Take on Challenges
Girls respond to failure differently than boys. St. Mary’s provides a supportive, nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to take healthy risks and explore the boundaries of what is possible.
Belong
Each girl learns to recognize her own talents and strengths so that she may pursue her interests, discover new opportunities, and reach her individual potential. Whatever her interests, she can be herself here and take advantage of all St. Mary’s has to offer.
Lead
Here, girls are in charge in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in the community. They develop tenacity and resilience that enable them to take leadership positions in colleges and universities, and beyond.
Jasmine Bolton ’07 Senior Counsel
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
U.S.
Department of Education girls are.
unique
Episcopal schools are known for academic excellence, as well as for their inclusive approach to education.
Our commitment to respect all faiths means that each girl is valued as a child of God and is encouraged to grow and live into the richness of her personal spiritual heritage.
Early Childhood & Lower School Chapel
One of the visible markers of our Episcopal identity
For Every Girl. For Every Faith. Episcopal Tradition girls are.
is Chapel. Girls in Early Childhood and Lower School attend Chapel once a week and participate in our ongoing character education program fondly known as the Bridge to Caring.
Middle & Upper School Chapel
Girls in Middle and Upper Schools attend Chapel every day. In the midst of busy schedules, Chapel gives students, faculty, and guests an opportunity to pause and come together to sing,
pray, and reflect. In addition to listening to lessons from religious and civic leaders, alumnae, and faculty, each senior prepares a talk for her peers.
St. Mary’s seeks to express the Christian faith in the Episcopal tradition, providing an environment in which Christians and non-Christians can affirm together God, who transcends all creeds and religions. Being strong and comfortable in one’s faith,
while being knowledgeable and respectful of the faith of others, may be more important today than ever.
Such depth of personal commitment and expansiveness of spirit cannot be learned from books alone. Instead, these are things one learns from living, working, and worshiping in a community of faith and service. At its best, this is the kind of community St. Mary’s seeks to be.
Faithful
Belonging
“At St. Mary’s, I made long-lasting friendships with people of different faiths and learned that interfaith dialogue should always begin and end with respect.”
Rabbi Rachel Bearman ’04
Associate Rabbi Congregation Shaare Emeth St. Louis,
Missouri
Fostering an environment of belonging is a top priority at St. Mary’s. Everyone takes on the responsibility of creating a community where girls are valued and welcomed. All girls are loved here, and their differences are celebrated and embraced. As a pillar of our Episcopal identity, we value inclusiveness. Our course offerings and reading lists are intentionally designed with all girls in mind. Additionally, we use Chapel to showcase our inclusiveness. From celebrating Black History Month to sharing family Passover traditions to welcoming alumnae speakers from all over the world, we introduce the girls to people, places, and ideas beyond their lived experiences.
girls are.
We are a community of individuals from different neighborhoods, ethnic backgrounds, and faiths who respect one another’s differences and honor our shared values. Our students are creative, collaborative, motivated, empathetic, and inspiring. We enjoy relationships based on trust, we encourage each other through challenges, and we take joy in one another’s accomplishments.
In the Upper School, students have the opportunity to join affinity groups that connect them with their peers who share similar racial or religious identities. Some of our affinity groups include the Black Student Alliance, the Jewish Student Association, and North African/Middle Eastern Student Association.
inclusive
Strong Moral Character
The Bridge to Caring, our character education program, is woven into the fabric of a St. Mary’s experience. Our students leave here equipped to make the world a better place with these character traits as their foundation.
1. Respect
2. Responsibility
3. Thankfulness
4. Kindness
5. Self-control
6. Honesty
7. Courage
8. Cooperation
Our seventh grade Community Connections Class helps our girls become engaged with the local community by learning about the challenges facing our city such as homelessness, food insecurity and health inequity. We partner with community-based organizations, like MIFA, actively working to combat these challenges and participate in service opportunities. At a time of rapid change in an adolescent girl’s life, our seventh graders begin to see beyond themselves to learn to serve others and to understand their place in the world.
St. Mary’s girls give back through the St. Mary’s Community Fund, a student-run organization that raises money, makes grants, supplies volunteers, and teaches social responsibility. St. Mary’s students have learned firsthand the art of philanthropy and fundraising, granting a total of more than $500,000 to 40 local agencies since 1998. Our students participate in volunteer efforts, not because it is required, but because they believe it is their responsibility.
girls are. compassionate
Bridge to Caring
compassionate
Signature Programs
At St. Mary’s, girls get to explore so many different things and discover their passions. There is something for everyone.
In Robotics, girls are challenged to work together to score points in teamwork matches and show off their skills individually in drivercontrolled and programming robot skills challenges. Our Lower School VEX IQ Robotics placed 5th at the World Championship in 2022.
Our Honors Independent Research Study offers students an opportunity to conduct a high-level research project with a community partner to give girls real-world experience.
Past HIRS participants have worked with mentors from organizations including Campbell Clinic, Epicenter, Memphis Zoo, Rhodes College, University of Memphis, and World Relief Memphis.
Through the Global Scholars Programs, Upper School students can engage in globally-aligned coursework and co-curricular activities. The Global Scholars Certificate, presented at graduation, recognizes girls who extend their global learning process both within and outside the classroom.
Explorers
Dedicated Faculty Inspire Dedicated Students
74% of faculty have graduate degrees 16 years average teaching experience
8:1 student-tofaculty ratio
They come and they stay St. Mary’s attracts the very best teachers who are committed to inspiring girls to be lifelong learners who think critically, creatively, and independently. Once they are here, our teachers tend to stay. On average, our teachers have 16 years of teaching experience.
They are leaders and innovators
St. Mary’s teachers and administrators have been selected to serve in leadership roles for a variety of national organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Advisory Council, and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.
They know girls
St. Mary’s teachers are experienced at teaching in an all-girls environment. They use the latest strategies and research to engage girls and prepare them for the world that they will lead.
St. Mary’s is committed to the growth of our teachers, and provides generous funds for professional development. New faculty members complete professional development training focused on the best methods for teaching girls. In addition, our teachers attend numerous local and national conferences and workshops in which they share their expertise with others and learn best practices in the field of girls’ education.
They practice their craft Our teachers are published authors, artists, musicians, actors, and historians. They have enthusiasm for the subjects they teach and continue to hone their skills and develop professionally. Regardless of the subject area, they bring a tradition of excellence and dedication to their work every day.
curious girls are.
Early Childhood St. Mary’s Place –Senior Kindergarten
In the Marlene R. Shaw Early Childhood Center, each day is an adventure of wonder and discovery. Our youngest St. Mary’s girls begin their journeys in an environment that is steeped in language and filled with a spirit of independence and inquiry. A rocking chair is tucked into every kindergarten classroom at St. Mary’s and is a symbol of the love and security each young girl will experience as she begins her transition from home to school.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Early drop-off and aftercare available
• Special Subjects – Spanish, Art, Library, Creative Movement, P.E., Science, Religion and Music
• St. Mary’s Place – 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options including mornings and full days
• Pre-Kindergarten – 3-day and 5-day options including mornings and full days
• JK – all students attend at least 5 mornings, with the option of adding any number of full days
• SK – all students attend 5 full days from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Noon enrichment classes available for PK and JK
“I am thankful that my parents chose St. Mary’s for me, and I’m even more thankful for the benefits I continue to reap from my experiences there.”
Meg Kinnard Hardee ‘98 National political reporter The Associated Press
problem solvers girls are.
Lower School Grades 1-5
In Lower School, specialist teachers collaborate with our talented, loving classroom teachers to create a dynamic environment designed to engage and ignite young girls’ minds.
The hands-on curriculum teaches students invaluable lessons about problemsolving, tenacity, creativity, and cooperation. Our goal is to help each girl become a capable, confident, and caring child, and a lifelong learner.
CORE CURRICULUM
SUBJECTS
Math
Reading and Language Arts
Science
Social Studies/Geography
SPECIAL SUBJECTS
Art
Ballet and Creative
Movement
Library
Religion
Spanish
Music
Physical Education
Robotics
Cardboard Project
In a collaboration between counseling and science teachers, our students are inspired to think about how they can impact the world around them. Students learn about an inventor who created foldable cardboard houses for people experiencing homelessness. The students put their ideas to the test as they create a cardboard solution to help a person, animal, or the environment.
Kite Day
Kite Day is a magical second-grade event where students and their parents fly kites at Shelby Farms. The collaborative project begins in science class where the girls learn about birds, feathers, wings, and the principles of flight. With the librarians, girls each pick a bird to research. In the Makerspace, students measure and cut their sails and spars. In art, the girls decorate their kite sails with their bird of choice.
Shark Tank Inventor Project
Fourth-grade girls study inventors and simple machines in science and language arts classes to solve problems around them. Our teachers guide students through the engineering design process, a field trip to Lowe’s, and building time in the Makerspace. The project culminates with a Shark Tank-type experience in which students pitch their product to judges.
“St. Mary’s instilled in me the unshakable belief that I am intelligent, skilled, and worthy. Our school celebrates women in a way that encourages us to pursue our passions.”
Sarah Spiers ’13 Development Director, Electronic Arts
Forbes 30 Under 30 for Games
girls are.
empowered
Middle School Grades 6-8
Middle School is a time of transformation. Our dedicated faculty know both the ins and outs of their subject matter, as well as the ups and downs of a girl’s life during these critical years. Students are challenged to develop the reading, writing, and thinking skills they need for Upper School, college, and life.
Study skills, time management, mind mapping, and growing independence are all an intentional part of the curriculum, helping St. Mary’s girls become well prepared for Upper School. Girls begin to develop self-advocacy skills by knowing how and when to speak up and ask teachers for additional guidance and assistance. Teachers strive to find just the right balance between providing adult guidance and enabling girls to seek their own independent solutions.
One of the hallmarks of a St. Mary’s education is the emphasis on written and spoken communication. English grammar and writing, and literature are two separate classes in the sixth and seventh grades. With such a rich foundation in the English language, girls hone their writing and communication skills.
Middle School is the perfect age to learn not only about civil discourse, but also how to discuss issues intellectually. Supported by research, our girls explore, develop, and even challenge their own beliefs. This results in their ability to both defend their position and understand someone else’s perspective.
Middle School Trips
Huntsville, AL - 6th
Chattanooga, TN - 7th
Washington, D.C. - 8th
World Languages
French
Latin
Spanish
Co-Curricular Activities
14 Athletic Teams
Chess Club
Climbing Club
Eighth Grade Leadership Team
Library Lunchtime Book
Clubs
Model UN
Robotics
Spanish Club
Speech Team
Youth in Government
girls are. ambitious
Upper School Grades 9-12
In Upper School, students are immersed in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that extends beyond the classroom to provide real-life experiences. From the performance stage to community outreach, from the athletic field to Chapel, St. Mary’s girls learn to collaborate, inspire others, and achieve their goals. Athletic, artistic, musical, and communityservice opportunities ensure these years are exciting and memorable.
Each girl’s program of study is as unique as she is. Every year, we meet one-on-one with each girl and her family to discuss course options that best fit her interests, goals, and extracurricular life. All students must enroll in five academic subjects that meet the requirements for each grade, but they also have the opportunity to add a wide range of non-academic and elective courses. Our goal is to create a program of study that focuses on each girl’s strengths and interests.
Our juniors and seniors choose between 10 unique electives to fulfill their English requirements. These unique offerings include “Faith and Doubt in Literature,” “Marginalized Voices in American Literature,” and “Literature of the Fantastic.”
Our Mind and Body Wellness class includes two days a week in the strength and conditioning center learning basic fitness concepts and conditional techniques to give girls a foundation for lifelong personal fitness. The other two classes are focused on building a healthy lifestyle including nutrition, sleep, and relationships to help girls meet the demands of life.
“The unique nature of SMS, with its Honor Code, welcoming and diverse atmosphere, and unending encouragement, is embedded within my heart and has helped shape my life.”
Courtney Ellis Felts ’96 Lead Counsel Regulatory Affairs FedEx Corporation
College Counseling
The College Counseling team works closely with each Upper School student, helping her discover colleges and universities which fit her academic, social, environmental, and financial expectations, and guiding her through the entire application and selection process.
Class of 2022 by the Numbers
The 67 members of the Class of 2022 earned acceptances to 129 colleges in the U.S. and abroad. They matriculated to 42 institutions in 21 states and Washington, D.C.
The Class of 2022 earned college scholarships totaling more than $15 million, including an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia, Haslam Scholar at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Foundation Fellowship Scholar at the University of Georgia.
Over the last four years, 17% of students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
29 was the average ACT score for the last four years of graduating students
15 graduates over the last four years are continuing their athletic careers in college, including athletes in soccer, swimming, tennis, trap, gymnastics, golf, and cross country.
PREpared
Athletics
Not all learning takes place in the classroom. Some of life’s biggest lessons and growth opportunities happen in sports. Whether on the field, court, track, or water, participating in athletics teaches girls the values of teamwork, mental and physical toughness, grit, determination, perseverance, integrity, and overcoming adversity. These values transcend the world of sports and bleed through into the classroom, interpersonal relationships, and life in the real world.
39 Teams
Lower School: Eight teams fielded in basketball, lacrosse, and cross country in third through fifth grades.
Middle School: 14 teams fielded in soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, track and field, and tennis.
Upper School: 17 teams fielded in soccer, trap, volleyball, golf, cross country, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, and bowling.
“I loved being part of the lacrosse team at St. Mary’s. We were friends on and off the field. I also learned how to balance my time so I could juggle sports and academics at college.”
Evelyn
Roberts ’18 Named to the Academic Honor Squad by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association
girls are.
tenacious
Fine Arts Music Theater
“My years at St. Mary’s gave me many things: a stellar academic grounding especially in writing, a space to explore the challenges of leadership roles, and most of all a sense of deep companionship and community with my fellow students.”
Creativity and expression are an essential part of the St. Mary’s experience. From writing, painting, filmmaking, and sculpture, to music, dancing, and acting, girls use the creative process to explore and master skills and concepts, and provide peer feedback to achieve excellence. We make sure all of our girls have ample opportunities to engage in the arts, especially the performing arts. Whether new to the stage or a veteran actress, all students have a role in making memorable theater productions.
Art Offerings
From Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade, art is offered as a special subject. Our eighth-grade Ensemble program includes filmmaking, studio art, theater, and dance. In Early Childhood and Lower School, creative movement and ballet are special subjects.
Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
The on-campus Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center offers creative programming that features a rich variety of internationally renowned artists, dancers, and musicians.
Artist In Residence
The Louise T. Archer Artistin-Residence program brings an artist to campus each year to work with students of all ages.
100% Music Participation
100% of Early Childhood, Lower School and Middle School students participate in our music program.
Four Theater Productions
St. Mary’s offers four productions, including one in Lower School, one in Middle School, and two in Upper School.
18 Art and Music Course
Offerings In Upper School
Studio Art (Honors I & II)
Photography I & II
Portfolio Prep I & II
Chamber Ensemble
Concert Choir
Wind Ensemble
Fundamentals of Acting Art History (Honors & AP)
Music History
Humanities I & II
Power of Black Music in America
Maysey Craddock ’89 Artist
creative
Auxiliary Programs
The mission of Auxiliary Programs at St. Mary’s is to provide exceptional programming and care for our families.
After3
& Special Care Days
The fun doesn’t stop after the last school bell rings! Our After3 program is available for St. Mary’s girls from St. Mary’s Place (2 years) through 12th grade, until 6 p.m. Students can take part in indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, reading, and more. Lower School and Middle School students have designated homework time in a supervised, structured environment. The program’s
customizable, flexible schedule allows students to attend any day or every day of each week.
St. Mary’s also offers Special Care Days for our girls while school is not regularly in-session such as parentteacher conferences, faculty in-service, and exam week.
Summer At St. Mary’s
Join St. Mary’s during the summer for camps, workshops, and clinics for kids of all ages, Pre-K through college prep. From ballet and rock climbing to reading/writing and ACT prep, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
The program runs for 10 weeks and is open to boys and girls in the greater Memphis community.
Specialty Classes
For Every Girl
Junior STEM Lab
Illustrator Inspiration
Creative Writing
Dance
Tennis
Gymnastics
Creative Art
Cross-Stitching
Junior Chefs
Guitar
are.
Inspired
Traditions and Celebrations
Everywhere you look at St. Mary’s, you see hints of our traditions, some of which started with our founding in 1847. From the warm welcome new girls receive, to the splendor of the Christmas Pageant, to the traditional Springfest when the student body elects its own queen and princess, our celebrations connect generations of St. Mary’s girls.
We welcome families to campus to help celebrate these special events like Grandparents Day, Mother Daughter Tea, and Field Day.
The mission of St. Mary’s Episcopal School is to provide a superior educational experience for girls which will encourage and enable each student to reach her individual potential.
Please call us anytime at 901-537-1405 to learn more about St. Mary’s.
Nicole Hernandez Director of Admission and Financial Aid nhernandez@stmarysschool.org
Grace Jensen Knight ’05
Assistant Director of Admission, Early Childhood and Lower School gknight@stmarysschool.org
Christy Barzizza
Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School cbarzizza@stmarysschool.org
