Coeducational Preschool-Grade 8 All-Girls High School
Guided by our Mission
St. Mary’s Academy fosters excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect provide the foundation for students to be powerful agents of change.
St. Mary’s Academy was founded in 1864 by the Sisters of Loretto in downtown Denver. SMA is a school that puts faith, beliefs, and spirituality into action, prioritizing service learning, and encouraging students to love, accept, and treat others with respect.
Faith — Experiencing the enduring love of God, we build hope, foster community, and act in charity and service.
Community — We strive to build interdependent relationships, which are affirming, inclusive, empowering, and compassionate.
Justice — We promote change in systems and relationships that are oppressive. We work to create systems in which people, are treated fairly and impartially.
Respect — We are open to differences and believe in the potential of each person. We promote the dignity of every person and protect the sacredness of all creation.
St. Mary’s Academy is a Catholic, independent school grounded in the Loretto tradition.
By mirroring the giving nature of Mary, we nurture our relationship with God and a tender love for all. We are inspired to exercise compassion at school in how we relate to each other, through prayer and in community service-learning.
We believe in the fundamental message of God as taught and lived by Jesus, to love without bounds.
“The Sisters of Loretto have long been champions of social and environmental justice, and I am humbled by their good work. My hope is that my work as an artist and art educator can help future generations find a sense of wonder in the Creation, and work to protect it.”
~ Andrew Beckham, Chair of the Visual Arts Department
1812
The Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross, originally named the Little Society of the Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross, were founded in rural Nerinx, Kentucky.
Students and Sisters of Loretto gather in front of the school in the 1880s, the second building on the original site.
SMA’s second location at 1370 Pennsylvania Street.
Groundbreaking for the High School.
Students celebrating the 150th anniversary of SMA in 2014.
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SMA issued the first High School diploma granted in the Colorado Territory to Jessie Forshee, who went on to become a Sister of Loretto.
1876
1875 Colorado was granted statehood.
1864
March
Father (later Bishop) Joseph P. Machebeuf purchased a residence at the corner of 14th Street and California Avenue in downtown Denver, and called upon the Sisters of Loretto to establish a school.
Today, the location is the site of the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, where a plaque commemorates SMA as the site’s first resident.
June
Sisters Joanna Walsh, Ignatia Mora, and Beatriz Maes Torres traveled from Santa Fe, NM to open St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Denver.
August
SMA opened, welcoming girls from elementary to high school grades. The campus eventually expanded to take up half the city block.
The first location of SMA, at the corner of 14th and California.
SMA relocated to 14th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, where Margaret “Molly” Brown was our neighbor. Molly Brown was an early benefactor and generously contributed to the school. 1910
SMA celebrated 100 years of educating Denver with the addition of the High School building.
The Middle School building and Biddle Athletics Fields were completed.
SMA celebrated its 150th anniversary and the Community Center building opened.
SMA began to welcome boys into the lower grades. 1920s
Boys and girls in a Lower School classroom.
SMA moved to Englewood, converting a large family home into the school and residence for the Sisters. The following year, a new building was constructed to accommodate all the grades. Today, it is the Lower School.
Arial view of what today is the Sanders House and the Lower School in the late 1950s.
Bishop Evans Sports Center opened.
SMA celebrated the bicentennial of the Sisters of Loretto with events that honored Loretto’s history, mission, and vibrant community.
SMA celebrates 160 years of educating Denver.
SMA campus in 2024.
According to the National Association of Independent Schools:
• Independent school graduates are more engaged in nonacademic activities than their counterparts at public schools, including participating in student clubs or groups, recreational sports, and fraternities or sororities.
• Independent school students are likelier than public school students to complete a bachelor’s or advanced degree by their mid-20s.
• Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning
• The curriculum is created with input from our faculty and staff, who are most familiar with our mission and students, following proven research and best practices.
• Small class sizes enable more one-on-one education, resulting in high academic achievements and success.
• Small schools have a greater focus on academics, report higher levels of respect among classmates, and have a greater tendency to nurture academic achievement than public schools, which tend to have larger class sizes.
• A greater focus on the whole child ensures that students develop the foundation to evolve into well-rounded adults with an education and life skills to become powerful agents of change.
• The community welcomes and respects all students and families and values multiculturalism
• Parents are a crucial community component, and involvement is highly encouraged.
According to the Council for American Private Education:
• Catholic schools tend to produce graduates who demonstrate higher levels of civic engagement are more open to diverse views, and are strongly committed to service as adults.
• Catholic schools teach that service to others is a basic tenet of the Catholic faith.
• Data shows that Catholic school students consistently score higher on advanced assessment tests than students attending public and other private and religious schools.
• Students who attend religious schools score at an academic level about 12 months ahead of their counterparts.
• A Catholic school education helps students build a strong moral framework. Students are encouraged to live with compassion, joy, and respect
• Catholic school graduates are more civically engaged, more likely to vote, and more dedicated to service as adults.
• The Catholic faith is focused on building a strong community and lifting up other community members.
As dedicated life-long learners, our faculty members bring their enthusiasm for growth into every classroom interaction.
“I fell in love with SMA from day one! There is something innately wonderful about this school. SMA values everything believe in — creating a warm, safe, loving environment where students feel supported to grow and make mistakes; having the opportunity to implement new ideas and activities; and having the feeling of family and my second home is immeasurable.” ~ Emma von Tscharner, Grade 1 Teacher
“All children deserve to be in a school where they are known and feel a part of a community. SMA students learn to care for each other first, and then go out into the world to spread justice.”
~ Sara Barton, Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher
“I am delighted that my students find joy in learning a new language, showcasing their talents, and gaining confidence. These experiences are truly memorable and rewarding.” ~ Zoe Wang, Middle and High School Mandarin Teacher
“This place is special. The combination of academic excellence and moral development produces graduates who are both capable and thoughtful — two qualities the world could use more of.” ~ Pete Sniegowski, English Department Chair and Campus Astronomer
St. Mary’s Academy offers a transformative educational experience from Preschool through Grade 12, rooted in a historic commitment to excellence dating back to 1864. The comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum is designed to challenge students and inspire a love of learning at every stage of their academic growth. This approach, coupled with small class sizes and individualized attention, ensures that each student receives the support and encouragement needed to thrive.
At the core of SMA is a whole-child approach, which recognizes that every student is unique and deserving of an education that values and supports their individual needs and aspirations. This philosophy allows students to follow their passions and pursue interests, fostering a sense of purpose and engagement in their studies. From innovative lower school methodologies to a collegiate-style high school curriculum, students are immersed in various academic and extracurricular programs that prepare them for success in an everchanging world.
Our educators, passionate and experts in their fields, work alongside counselors and learning specialists to provide a nurturing environment that balances challenge with encouragement. This proven teaching approach and comprehensive support systems ensure that high expectations are consistently met while cultivating each student’s potential. The college preparatory focus in high school further equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for higher education and beyond.
St. Mary’s Academy takes pride in our long-standing tradition of producing graduates who achieve great success in colleges and careers. Our greatest source of pride lies in nurturing students who lead lives of purpose and passion. This commitment is deeply rooted in our Loretto School Values, which inspire students to become powerful agents of change in their communities and the world.
• Students develop strong collaboration skills through project-based learning, learning to contribute their unique knowledge, skills, and talents toward a shared objective.
• Students acquire diverse problem-solving approaches, honing their ability to apply technical knowledge, creativity, and imagination to overcome challenges.
• Through collaborative experiences, students enhance their emotional intelligence and social skills. They become more expressive, socially adaptable, and develop empathy, leadership abilities, and lasting friendships.
• Students gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, art materials, digital tools, hardware, and machines, broadening their technical proficiency across various media and platforms.
• Students cultivate critical thinking skills, learning to examine new information’s factual and logical merit, form rational and informed opinions, and transcend personal biases.
• The curriculum fosters inquisitiveness and curiosity about various topics, encouraging students to ask more profound questions about how and why things work.
• Students learn to apply theoretical and academic concepts to realworld situations, bridging the gap between abstract ideas and practical applications.
The arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education, nurturing creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Research shows that students who are exposed to the arts develop special abilities to think creatively, discover, and innovate. We recognize the many benefits of the arts, including motor and neural development and the ability for students to express themselves and collaborate with each other.
Through our campus-wide programming, including the All-Academy Musical and the SMAlapalooza Music Festival, we create opportunities for students to connect across grade levels, celebrate their talents, and experience the joy of shared artistic endeavors.
In the High School, student-artists are recognized with high honors in competitions, accepted into the top art schools, and perform in state and national productions.
Lower School students experience classes in the Arts every day
High School students place at the Scholastic Art Awards every year
In the Middle School, all students take orchestra, band, or choir classes
Faculty are practicing artists and inspire students to take creative risks and develop their unique artistic voices.
Coeducational Preschool and Prekindergarten
St. Mary’s Academy Early Learning Program, serving children as young as three years old, nurtures young thinkers to become persistent, focused, thoughtful, and compassionate stewards of their learning. We recognize that the early years are crucial for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, laying the foundation for lifelong success.
Our comprehensive, five-day-a-week program is grounded in scientific research and best practices, and is designed to inspire wonder and exploration. Through play-based learning and a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, our exceptional educators create an environment where children make sense of the world around them, develop essential skills, and form meaningful connections.
Students in our Early Learning Program engage in hands-on activities, inquiry-based exploration, and age-appropriate service learning projects. They develop critical skills such as global awareness, creativity, empathy, leadership, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, cultural competence, and a growth mindset.
At SMA, we believe that fostering a love for learning from the very beginning has far-reaching benefits, promoting resilience, heightened learning capacity, curiosity, and self-confidence.
Coeducational Kindergarten – Grade 5
St. Mary’s Academy Lower School provides a supportive community where students feel prepared, capable, and successful. Our small classes, individualized attention, and meaningful interactions create an environment that fosters hands-on, project-based learning.
The Lower School curriculum builds a strong foundation in essential concepts and skills, including literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, religion, Spanish, technology, and writing.
Teachers have the flexibility to adjust programs as needed and integrate student goals, ensuring that learning is challenging, purposeful, and engaging. Students receive instruction from specialists who are experts in their respective fields, and a teaching assistant supports each grade. Through hands-on activities, community engagement, field trips, multimedia projects, and simulations, our educators bring subjects to life.
SMA optimizes students’ academic, emotional, physical, and social development by providing an environment where each child can thrive. Additional opportunities for private music lessons and after-school enrichment clubs in areas such as arts, chess, choir, drama, and maker spaces further enhance the learning experience.
The Lower School at St. Mary’s Academy is more than just a place of learning — it’s a warm and welcoming community that feels like a second home, where ideas, inspiration, and stimulation abound.
Co-educational Grades 6 – 8
St. Mary’s Academy Middle School celebrates the socialemotional growth and self-discovery that are inherently part of the adolescent experience. Our faculty understands Middle School students and creates an environment where students are engaged and purposeful, taking academic risks and developing self-confidence that extends beyond the classroom.
The Middle School provides a developmentally appropriate sequential program with an integrated curriculum that includes core classes in language arts, mathematics, music, physical education and health, religion, science, social studies, and world languages.
Our curriculum prioritizes mastery of the analytical, problemsolving, and writing skills students will need to succeed in a rigorous college-prep high school.
The Middle School at St. Mary’s Academy is more than just a place of learning — it’s a supportive community that sees, respects, and values each individual.
3 World language offerings – French, Mandarin, Spanish
Elective classes in STEAM, visual arts, performing arts, life skills, and communication
Yearly trips and international travel opportunities including Keystone Science Camp, Costa Rica, Washington D.C., and more
Daily socialemotional and community building programming emphasized in Community Action Teams
All-Girls, Grades 9 – 12
In a supportive and invigorating community, the High School experience at St. Mary’s Academy prepares students for college and for life by living out our mission of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service.
A challenging and personalized curriculum is at the core of our High School experience. Students engage in a diverse array of courses, including Advanced Placement and Honors classes across multiple disciplines, STEAM programming, comprehensive fine arts offerings in visual arts, music, and theater, extensive world language programs, and unique electives that allow students to explore their interests.
SMA students are intelligent, diverse, and committed to becoming ethical leaders and compassionate citizens. Whether students are experimenting in the collegiate-style labs, competing on the playing field, leading a club meeting, editing a publication, or performing on stage, they’re engaged in creative, collaborative, and inspired learning. Students learn to think critically and to solve problems through multiple lenses, no matter the task.
Our faculty inspire students to think deeply, explore intensively, and confidently express themselves. Each girl is known, valued, and supported in her academic and personal growth.
We encourage our students to step outside their comfort zones, take academic risks, and discover their unique potential. This approach cultivates strong, confident, and compassionate young women prepared to positively impact on the world.
While impressive college acceptances speak to our academic rigor and student successes, the true value of an SMA education lies in shaping confident, compassionate young women, joining a sisterhood that spans generations.
Graduates carry forward an excellent education and a global perspective rooted in our Loretto School Values. They step into the world prepared for college and to be powerful agents of change.
The All-Girls Advantage
The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools has researched and identified 14 benefits our students gain from attending an All-Girls High School:
• Greater cultural competency to bridge racial and cultural differences
• Stronger community involvement
• Increased civic and political engagement, creating globally-minded changemakers
• Fostering girls’ voices in an environment where they are empowered to speak freely
• Developing confident leadership skills, with the goal of embodying courage and achieving effectiveness
• Building self-confidence as every girl finds her place in the community
• Emphasis on how girls learn by harnessing their distinct learning styles
• Inspirational learning environment
• Academic achievement within a culture that values and promotes accomplishments
• Fostering increased interest and confidence in STEM fields
• Excellent mentoring through a nurturing environment upheld by a network of peers, teachers, and school leaders
• Freedom from stereotypes
• Higher aspirations and motivation to achieve greatness
• Preparation of girls for the real world increasing their likelihood of effectively managing stress, pressure, opportunities, and challenges. 10
Competing in athletics is an integral part of the St. Mary’s Academy experience, and our teams are a source of pride for the entire SMA community.
The Athletics Department offers a comprehensive and competitive program for students in Grades 3-12.
A broad range of teams and competitive levels allow for both strong varsity teams and wide participation at the JV, Middle School, and Lower School levels. We value participation and believe in the benefits afforded to students through competition.
We are extremely proud of our 2024 Swim & Dive State Championship Team, and our Golf State Championship Team from 2021, 2022, and 2023!
Recent Wildcat Alumnae Compete At:
• American University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Clarkson University
• Colorado College
• Connecticut College
• Denison University
• DePauw University
• Emory University
• Gettysburg College
• Haverford College
• Hollins University
• Lewis & Clark College
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Oregon State University
• Pepperdine University
• Providence College
• Regis University
• Rhodes College
• Saint Louis University
• University of California San Diego
• University of Denver
• University of Florida
• University of Kansas
• University of Missouri
• University of Notre Dame • University of San Diego • Westmont College
• Willamette University • Yale University
Learning to lead begins during a student’s first days at St. Mary’s Academy. The earlier students are exposed to leadership, the more likely they are to take on leadership roles later in life.
In the Lower School, students in Grades 4 and 5 have the opportunity to be recognized as Loretto Leaders, meeting with Sisters of Loretto to learn about leadership and taking on various responsibilities such as giving tours to visitors, greeting guests at community events, and creating heartfelt greeting cards for residents of nearby nursing homes.
The Middle School believes that every student has the potential to be a leader. Any student who wishes to run for student council is welcome, allowing them to represent their peers and contribute to decision-making processes. Students can also serve as ambassadors, hosting prospective students, and giving tours to families and visiting guest speakers. By the time they leave Middle School, our eighth graders have learned to be role models to younger students and gained a greater understanding of leadership’s importance.
In High School, every leader is a girl and every girl is a leader. Students take leadership responsibilities in the classroom and run dozens of clubs, honor societies, affinity groups, and organizations like the National Honor Society, The Burning Page Literary Arts Magazine, Student Council, Student Association, the Diversity Club, and so much more.
Growing up at St. Mary’s Academy has taught me to lead with dignity and kindness. I believe that no matter the challenge, leaders should stay true to themselves and the voices of the people around them to truly make an impact on the world.”
~ Heesoo Kim ‘24
One of the most memorable moments from my time teaching at SMA occurred during an advisory servicelearning trip to Angelica Village. During this trip, my Spanish class had the opportunity to interact with several native Spanish speakers. It was incredibly inspiring to see my students use their newly acquired language skills to connect with and learn from the broader community.”
~ Josh Valin, Middle School Spanish
Teacher
Service learning is at the heart of our values-based education at St. Mary’s Academy.
The Lower School works to instill a sense of social responsibility in students. Each month, students highlight a nonprofit organization, providing an opportunity for students to learn more about distinct missions and donate resources to serve others locally and abroad.
As students progress to the Middle School, they participate in dedicated service days, where they engage in hands-on activities that directly benefit local organizations and individuals in need.
In High School, service learning is a requirement for graduation. While students are required to complete 100 hours of service, most students graduate with far more and often become board members and junior leaders.
Our Portrait of a Graduate statements define our expectations and support the design of an excellent academic program and overall experience that is driven by our Loretto School Values. When students demonstrate these outcomes, they are truly living Loretto.
Join Hands.
“An example of living Loretto is welcoming people when they are somewhere new. In the first month of school, lots of people welcomed me, by saying hi, or offering for me to sit with them, or talking with me at recess.”
~ Juniper S., LS ‘24
“Living Loretto means establishing connections and community. This extends to the wonderful, diverse people around us but also to the earth and the natural world.”
~ Olivia Link ‘24
Act with Integrity.
“It’s like with soccer when learned that I can get better even when no one is watching. You can take that mindset and use it to become a better person, like giving a houseless person a water bottle or doing something to help the environment. That’s what acting with integrity looks like.”
~Victor W., LS ‘24
“I’ve learned to follow my path and stay true to who am. Believe in what you’re capable of and keep going no matter what hardships come your way.”
~ Amelia B., MS ‘24
Exercise Empathy.
“Exercising kindness means using your power to make the lives of other people better, and to make your community a more positive place.”
~ Dottie H., LS ‘24
“Act and think with intentionality, passion, and compassion, while prioritizing your positive interactions with the world around you.”
~Devon Chambers ‘24
“Standing tall is an important skill to have. And it means that no matter what happens and no matter what people tell you, you keep going.”
~ Patrick S., MS ‘24
“SMA has a wonderful ability to shape every student into a leader of the community. From my experience serving as Student Association president and STUCO president, believe that every SMA graduate now understands the importance of having confidence in not just your own but others’ voices and opinions as well.”
~ Hannah Reyes ‘24
Value Voices.
“SMA has taught me to value voices no matter whose it is. If it’s a teacher, a student, or a new person, you should always respect them and think about what they’re saying.”
~Kennedy G., LS ‘24
“I believe that everyone should value each other’s voices and opinions, because if we just listen to ourselves how will our knowledge grow? How will we learn from our mistakes? We won’t. But if we listen to others, our peers, and our teachers, we will grow as people and become more compassionate.”
~ Zoe R., MS ‘24
Speak Out.
Embrace Challenge.
“SMA has been a place where I can learn hard things, and feel accomplished afterwards. Thinking deeply can be challenging but you usually are better off because you did.”
~ Sophie C., LS ‘24
“SMA teachers always emphasize the importance of using your voice in novel ways and thinking outside the box. I have been taught to look at issues from every angle and perspective, to understand any situation at a deeper level, and to prioritize these attributes.”
~ Liv Lane ‘24
Believe in your potential and power to change the world.
“The Lower School has empowered me to change the world because the teachers are loving and kind, and teach you that you can do anything. Every student becomes your friend and believes in you.”
~Burke E., LS ‘24
“Live with Christ in mind and realize what our Loretto Sisters did for us. Believe that there is something greater than us out there. It teaches us humility.”
~ Annika L., MS ‘24
“My time at the Loretto Motherhouse was simply life-changing. learned so much about who I want to be in the world and truly saw our Loretto School Values being lived on such a grand scale.”
Reese Holland ‘24
~ Ayla U., MS ‘24
“I have never been a brave person, but I have always tried to stand up for others and be kind to others. I have also always been told to be confident and dream big, which is what I try to do. I hope others can see me as a person to rely on.”
“To be a member of the Loretto community means to care and to advocate for something beyond yourself, whether that be for the environment, a friend, or a social justice cause. ‘Living Loretto’ means finding community while working toward a bigger goal.”
~Maria Storch ‘24
St. Mary’s Academy is a vibrant community where rich traditions and special events unite students, faculty, parents and carers, and alumnae to form deep and lasting friendships.
With over 4,000 alumnae as part of the SMA legacy, we stay connected through nationwide social opportunities, a mentoring program, and our annual Reunion Weekend on campus.
Parents engage through volunteer opportunities, parent coffees, field trips, educational events, and more, forming valuable friendships and support networks.
Our community gathers at events throughout the year, including continuations and graduation ceremonies, the annual Gala, Family Game Night, and Chalk the Walk. Our annual Fall Festival, a favorite long-held tradition, brings everyone together to celebrate what makes SMA special.
What makes SMA truly unique and special is our community. When you step onto campus, you immediately feel welcomed, valued, and supported. This creates an atmosphere where students want to come and learn, not have to come and learn.”
~ Cathy Steffek, SMA Parent
Honorable Ollie MarieVictoire ‘42 served as a California Superior Court Justice.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco ‘65 was the first woman to serve as Chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Dr. Condoleezza Rice ‘71 served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and as the 20th U.S. National Security Advisor. She is currently the director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and part owner of the Denver Broncos.
Chloi Clark ‘20 competed on the University of Florida gymnastics team and was a member of the SEC Gymnastics Community Service Team.
Natalie Green ‘24 was awarded the Junior Volunteer Award from Children’s Hospital of Colorado.
JoAnna Kennedy, Grade 10, recently took home the ‘Silver Ball’ at the National Indoor Tennis Championships.
Honorable Sarah Castle ‘02 is a judge on the 16th Circuit Court of Missouri, and a Paralympics gold medalist.
J.K. Scott, MS ‘10, is a football punter for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sophia Ritchie, Grade 10, partnered with Project Helping to create a teen advisory board tackling youth mental health challenges.
Declan K., MS ‘24, invented a charging cord organizer, the Hexacaddy, with proceeds to benefit the U.S. Paralympic Ski and Snowboard Team.
