St. Mary’s Ryken welcomes 700 students
Our Mission:
St. Mary’s Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school community operated under the Xaverian Brothers’ sponsorship dedicated to academic excellence and individualized student growth.
As a Xaverian Brothers sponsored school, we embrace the spiritual values of our founders: simplicity, humility, compassion, zeal and trust. These values define our community and call us to lives of faith and service.
As a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School,
We Value:
being a Catholic community educating the whole child preparing our students for success in higher education and beyond offering and promoting academic excellence fostering mutual respect to ensure a safe environment for the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional development of our students protecting the rights and embracing the contributions of all individuals within our community acknowledging the transitional period between adolescence and young adulthood and supporting the growth of our students addressing the learning differences of our students within the college preparatory curriculum motivating our students to show integrity and leadership in actions through responsible citizenship
Why Choose St. Mary’s Ryken
We realize you have many choices for your child’s high school experience. Let us prove that St. Mary’s Ryken is the right choice for your family!
Each day at St. Mary’s Ryken, students are welcomed by faculty and staff who share a strong moral foundation rooted in Xaverian values of compassion, humility, simplicity, trust and zeal.
Graduates from Catholic schools generally experience higher earning potential than public school graduates.
Catholic schools outpace public schools in national assessments year after year, according to The Nation’s Report Card,* the country’s leading measure of academic achievement in public and private schools.
* Source: www.nationsreportcard.gov
At St. Mary’s Ryken, your child’s future success is at the forefront of everything we do, and our alumni are proof of that.
Over $23 million in college scholarships were awarded to the 149 graduates in the SMR Class of 2024! On average, the Class of 2023 earned $154,000 per graduate in scholarships.
4 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
A dynamic sense of family and community has become our hallmark. The St. Mary’s Ryken community reaches beyond the high school years with students, alumni, athletic teams and faculty maintaining connections for years. This includes a solid alumni network that leads students to professional opportunities and strong friendships beyond high school.
As a member of the highly competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, we offer a well-rounded athletic program with 23 varsity sports.
Annually, we celebrate championship-winning teams and student-athletes who commit to four-year universities to continue playing their sport.
St. Mary’s Ryken Campus Ministry is the backbone of our school community, and over 200 students a year benefit from the faith formation and spiritual direction program. We offer daily Mass, monthly schoolwide liturgies and an on-site chapel for daily prayer and reflection.
On-campus technology includes a 1:1 iPad program, and Project Lead the Way Biomedical, Computer Science (focus on cybersecurity) and Engineering (focus on aerospace) courses that lead to internships and networking opportunities with local industry experts.
Students are offered numerous leadership and extracurricular opportunities through clubs, mentoring, volunteering and positions within their athletic teams and fine arts groups.
The importance of service to others and servant leadership is instilled in the St. Mary’s Ryken curriculum and practiced daily. Service to others is modeled by our faculty and staff.
Our teaching environment and college-like campus promote self-discipline, and we instill high expectations for proper behavior on and off campus.
Academic Curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond!
More than 150 college preparatory, honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered, including Project Lead the Way and dual enrollment opportunities with the College of Southern Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Our faculty is committed to being accessible to students and parents, and has a genuine interest in the students’ success. Tutors and mentors are available in all subjects.
St. Mary’s Ryken was the only Southern Maryland high school to earn AP Gold Recognition!
6 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
St. Mary’s Ryken Scholars Program
The Scholars Program offers accelerated curriculum concentrations to our students who want a more rigorous and advanced course of study.
The SMR Scholars Program offers STEM pathways in:
Biomedical Science
Computer Science (focus on cybersecurity)
Engineering (focus on aerospace)
And the following Humanities pathways:
Global and International Studies
Humanities
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
The STEM curriculum uses Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of STEM programs. PLTW’s success in preparing students for higher education has been recognized by colleges and universities.
Flight Academy Program at SMR
NEW! Students can obtain their Private Pilot’s or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator’s knowledge certification!
Scan the QR code to learn more.
To view benefits of the program, selection criteria and courses for each pathway, scan the QR code:
Living a life of Faith and Fun!
The Campus Ministry Department encourages and supports students’ spiritual growth and development. Students are able to seek spiritual formation through Mass, theology class, daily prayer, service opportunities, mission trips, retreats and spiritual direction.
On campus, the Caritas Resource Center serves as a location for students to earn service hours, but more importantly understand the importance of serving others. At the center, students can assist with helping those less fortunate prepare to move from homelessness to housing, participate in a mobile food pantry, and help to prepare and pack items that are needed for the moves.
Going beyond the classroom with Clubs and Activities
St. Mary’s Ryken supports a well-rounded education that includes a competitive athletics program, fine arts curriculum and numerous extracurricular activities.
Scan the QR code to view a list of club options:
The Arts are alive at
SMR!
An appreciation of the arts is a priority at St. Mary’s Ryken. The Fine Arts Department offers a host of visual and performing arts classes taught by faculty who are accomplished, practicing professionals in their field.
An abundance of performance opportunities and extracurricular clubs are available to students who wish to hone their talents.
29 fine arts courses
Multiple theatre productions per year
(All students are invited to audition!)
St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Local and regional competitions and performances throughout the year
3 honor societies: A variety of chorus, dance and instrumental showcases on campus
Waterfront art suite, including a ceramics studio, darkroom and gallery space
Leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship through Athletics
St. Mary’s Ryken is a proud member of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC)
12 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
25 Class of 2024 graduates will continue to use their athletic talents as collegiate athletes 3.79
Average GPA for student-athletes in 2023-24
70% of students participate in the athletics program
Teams by season:
Fall
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Dance
Field Hockey
Football
Sailing
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Girls Tennis
Volleyball
Winter
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Cheerleading
Dance
Boys Ice Hockey
Girls Ice Hockey
Swimming
Wrestling
Spring
Baseball
Golf
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Sailing
Softball
Boys Tennis
Track & Field
Supporting students with Learning Differences
As part of our mission to focus on individualized student growth, St. Mary’s Ryken offers support services to students with learning differences. Students apply through the regular admissions application.
To learn more about the levels of support and documentation needed to receive services, scan the QR code:
Our fully qualified staff provides assistance in reading, writing and math for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and medical conditions that can affect their performance in the classroom. Services include classroom and testing accommodations, and meetings with a resource specialist during a student’s study hall.
St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Supporting Each Student every day, every year
The SMR Counseling team supports students socially, emotionally and academically throughout their four years. Students are assigned a counselor based on the student’s last name and stay with that counselor throughout their time at SMR. This fosters a strong counselor-student relationship. An on-site school therapist is available to meet with students needing additional support.
College Advising Starts Day 1
The SMR Counseling Department is an invaluable team player in your child’s college choice journey. With age-appropriate events and workshops for both students and parents starting freshman year, the team shows it’s never too early to prep for the college application process. The Counseling team provides:
A robust college preparation and application process curriculum integrated into academic classes
Student workshops on how to write college essays, apply for scholarships, apply to college and choose the right school
College night events with appropriate content for each grade level and parents
SMR-sponsored college tours during the school year
Annual on-campus college fair with over 40 colleges represented
Coffee With Counselors
Coffee With Counselors events are held quarterly. These morning events are open to all SMR parents and are an opportunity to talk to the Counseling team about various topics, including:
Course selection
College preparation for all grade levels
Mental health
Technology and social media
Easing the Transition for New Students
Freshman Experience
Freshman Experience is a four-day summer program designed to acclimate incoming freshmen to the SMR campus, learn the curriculum, and meet faculty and fellow classmates. It also gives students a chance to make new friends before the school year begins.
Knights Apprentice Program
New students are paired with upperclassmen who help to guide and mentor their freshmen and transfer mentees into becoming successful new Knights. Mentors are selected based on their ability to be positive, responsible role models.
Orientation
During orientation, new students will prepare for the school year through several activities, including: connecting with their mentors, meeting their teachers, learning about student activities, attending technology check-in
College-like Facilities
St. Mary’s Ryken is a special place. Our 87-acre, waterfront campus offers a high school experience like no other in the Southern Maryland area. Our college-like campus prepares students for life after high school.
Chapel of Charity, Rupert Hall
Daily Mass is held in the chapel during X-Hour.
MIL STEM Innovation Lab, Paschal Hall
The spaces include a virtual reality system, 3-D printers, robotics arena, robotics build rooms and two large classrooms for labs.
Joy
The auditorium is used for fine arts events, theatre productions, assemblies and school events.
Classrooms
Classroom spaces are equipped with modern furniture, Apple TVs and Wi-Fi.
Mary
Hurlburt Theatre, Romuald Hall
16 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Donnie Williams Center
Centrally located on campus, this all-inclusive health and wellness facility bridges the upper and lower campus. It’s the main hub for most school events, all-school Masses and indoor athletic competitions.
MIL Family Stadium
SMR athletic facilities include a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat outdoor sports stadium and a six-lane track.
New turf coming soon!
Freedom to Walk Between Classes
Each day, our students attend classes in six different buildings, allowing for plenty of time outdoors and socializing between classes.
Strength and Conditioning Room, Donnie Williams Center
Students utilize the college-level training facilities to maintain the level of competitiveness required as members of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. All SMR community members have access to this space.
Sailing on the St. Mary’s Ryken Waterfront
Located on Breton Bay, St. Mary’s Ryken offers opportunities for students to try many new and different activities, such as sailing — which is offered during the fall and spring.
The SMR Schedule
The school day starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m.
Freshmen carry a full roster of seven classes plus a study hall. Each day has four class periods (1-4, then 5-8), on a rotational schedule. Each student will have a study hall every other day so that they can complete assignments and meet with teachers as necessary. The rotating schedule varies the routine for students, which sets them up for success in the classroom. It also lessens the impact of early dismissal on students who participate in extracurricular activities.
There are 10 minutes between classes and 30 minutes for lunch.
Course Map
The Course Map is a visual tool to assist with understanding course requirements for each grade.
Below is a typical freshman schedule:
Theology
Literature and Composition
Conceptual Physics
Ancient World History
Algebra I or Geometry
World language of their choice
2 electives (1 each semester)
Study Hall
To view the rotational schedule, scan the QR code:
THEOLOGY (4 credits) ENGLISH (4 credits)
AP English Literature
AP Research Honors Humanities
12TH GRADE
11 TH GRADE
Sacraments/ Theology Seminar Honors Senior Theology
10TH GRADE 9 TH GRADE
Moral Theology/ Social Ethics
Medieval Honors Humanities Modern Nonfiction
African American Literature
British Literature
AP English Language AP Research Honors Humanities Medieval Honors Humanities Modern Nonfiction
African American Literature
British Literature
The Old Testament/ The New Testament AP Seminar Pre-AP Literature & Language
American Literature and Composition
Introduction to Religion/ Introduction to Catholicism
Literature & Composition*
SCIENCE (3 credits)
credits required for graduation
SOCIAL STUDIES (4 credits)
ELECTIVES
PHYSICAL EDUCATION FINE ARTS
TECHNOLOGY
(1 credit required for each)
WORLD LANGUAGES (3 credits in sequence)
AP Physics
Mechanics
AP Physics
Electricity and Magnetism
AP Environmental Science
Science Elective
AP Government & Politics
American Government
AP World Language
MATH (4 credits)
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Precalculus
Honors Calculus
Precalculus*
College Algebra
Accounting (.5 Credit)
Business Math (.5 Credit)
Personal Finance (.5 Credit)
AP Physics
Mechanics
AP Environmental Science
AP Biology
Honors Anatomy
Physics* Biology*
AP Chemistry Chemistry* Biology*
Conceptual Physics
Honors Chemistry
AP U.S. History
U.S. History
Third Year*, Fourth Year* or AP World Language
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Precalculus
Honors Calculus
Precalculus* Algebra II*
AP World History
Pre-AP Modern History
Modern World History
AP Human Geography
Pre-AP Ancient History
Ancient History
Second Year* or Third Year* World Language
Precalculus* Algebra II* Geometry*
First Year or Second Year* World Language
Algebra II* Geometry* Algebra I*
* Honors option
The St. Mary’s Ryken
Portrait of a Graduate
As a school community, we are committed to proving to you that St. Mary’s Ryken is the right choice for your family and your child’s future.
In the Xaverian tradition, a challenging Catholic, college preparatory, educational program is a hallmark of St. Mary’s Ryken. As a center of growth and learning, SMR expects that all students and faculty are committed to academic integrity and excellence as well as spiritual growth. Such an atmosphere instills the desire to learn for the sake of learning and increases our students’ personal confidence as they experience success in the classroom, on the stage, in the community, among their peers and on the athletic field. Understanding the importance of developing the whole, unique individual, it is our hope that an SMR graduate will:
Be a person of moral character, be able to nurture a relationship with God through prayer, be a steward for social justice, and possess an understanding of Catholic theology and tradition
Possess a deep intellectual curiosity with a passion for lifelong learning, have the ability in personal and professional pursuits to effectively utilize evolving technology and understand how it impacts our society, have the competency for critical thinking and analysis in the humanities and the sciences, and be well prepared for post-secondary academic pursuits
Be a confident, self-assured young adult capable of developing enduring personal relationships and nurturing a spirit of harmony; be open to diversity and possess a global perspective; and be committed to making a difference in their community by their leadership.
20 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
149 graduates
>12,500 service hours were completed (20% more than the requirement!)
25 graduates will continue to use their talents as collegiate athletes
22 AP Scholars
40 received the SMR Scholars Program Diploma of Distinction
40 acceptances into honors colleges or universities
Graduates earned scholarship offers totaling over >$23 million
253 colleges and universities offered admission in 17 states and Washington, D.C.
52% received scholarships totaling over $100,000
11 will attend a Catholic college
73% received at least one scholarship
2024 graduates will be attending these institutions of higher education:
Alvernia University
Auburn University
Bloomsburg University
The Catholic University of America
Coastal Carolina University
College of Southern Maryland
Duke University
East Carolina University
Elizabethtown College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Florida Institute of Technology
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Frostburg State University
George Mason University
The George Washington University
High Point University
Howard University
Ithaca College
Juniata College
Lafayette College
Lebanon Valley College
McDaniel College
Miami University
Morgan State University
Mount St. Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College
New York University
Pennsylvania State University
PennWest California
PennWest Edinboro
Providence College
Purdue University
Randolph-Macon College
Rochester Institute of Technology
22 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Saint Francis University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Salisbury University
Santa Monica College
School of Visual Arts
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Stevenson University Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
Towson University
University of Alabama
University of Dallas
University of Dayton
University of Lynchburg
University of Mary Washington
University of Maryland
University of MarylandBaltimore County
University of Miami
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of NevadaLas Vegas
University of Pittsburgh
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Tennessee-Martin
University of South Carolina
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech
Virginia Wesleyan University
West Virginia University
Widener University
Family Testimonials
“ We get asked frequently why we chose to send our kids to St. Mary’s Ryken, and a remark about tuition usually follows it. ‘Do you really think it’s worth it?’ The answer for us is a resounding ‘Yes!’ Not only do we feel like the solid academic foundation is wonderful, but we also appreciate the environment in which our current students are thriving. We love that the Catholic faith continues to shape who they are and continue to strive to become, but also encourages them to seek out and build their Catholic identity while strengthening their faith among their peers. Whether it’s an interesting conversation in a theology class that makes them see things differently or a service project opportunity to invest in their community, we really appreciate how St. Mary’s Ryken focuses on developing the student as a whole person!”
—Lindsey Rapp
Lindsey, Ian ’22, Jeremy, Bryeden ’27 and Leland ’27 Rapp
24 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
“ St. Mary’s Ryken High School was the number one school of choice for our daughter. Not only does it provide her the best opportunity to succeed in her future educational goals, but it also allows her to grow in her faith and relationship with God. We wanted a school that would not only challenge her academically but would nurture her spiritually and teach her life lessons that she will take with her beyond her high school experience. Our daughter has excelled in her classes, grown as a teammate, and has become a confident leader. We could not be more happy in our choice to send her to SMR.”
—Valerie Lobeda
“ With the challenges that today’s world presents, the spiritual foundation a Catholic education provides is more critical than ever. Strong academics will always be important, but the values and faith-based moral framework that a school like St. Mary’s Ryken provides may have a greater impact on a student’s life than anything else a student learns during their high school experience.”
—Susan Robusto
Susan, John, Grace ’27 and Michael ’25 Robusto
Sophia, Valerie, Neil, Djerry, Isaiah, and Laila ’27 Lobeda
Over 43 Years of history!
In 2021, SMR marked its 40th anniversary as St. Mary’s Ryken. Because of the fortitude and determination of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Xaverian Brothers, the all-girls St. Mary’s Academy and all-boys Ryken High School were merged to combine their vision of continuing Catholic education to serve high school students in Southern Maryland.
1999
The performing arts building, Romuald Hall, is constructed. The building houses a 320-seat theatre and media center and also becomes home to many classrooms and offices. Many other renovations are finished, including a new cafeteria, refurbishments to the exterior of Paschal Hall and its classrooms, and the lower athletic fields and tennis courts.
2007
The
1981
The newly formed St. Mary’s Ryken High School opens in September on the grounds of the former Ryken High School with 560 students. Brother Matthew Burke is the principal. The St. Mary’s Academy property becomes home to the College of Southern Maryland.
2003
SMR joins the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), the most prestigious private school athletic conference in the country. By being part of the WCAC, SMR student-athletes are more likely to have the chance to continue to play their sport in college.
2009
In June, construction begins on a stadium with a turf field and six-lane track.
Knights football team begins its first season.
26 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
2020
The Caritas Resource Center opens to assist the less fortunate in the local community move from homelessness to housing. By 2024, the CRC is assisting over 40 families per year and providing over 1,800 meals to unsheltered community members.
2024
This sacred place of worship began as the Sacred Heart Novitiate, now known as the Chapel of Charity. It operated from 1959 to 1968, preparing young men to become Xaverian brothers.
In the 1970s, the Novitiate became Rupert Hall for classrooms, while the chapel was repurposed as a library for Ryken High School. After Romuald Hall was built in 2001, the chapel was restored and rededicated in 2002 in honor of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and in memory of Sisters Sara Ann Abell, Alberta Abell, and Pauline Abell. In 2024, the chapel underwent a comprehensive renovation.
2019
The Donnie Williams Center opens and becomes the campus hub for many school, community, spiritual, sporting and alumni events. The MIL STEM Innovation Wing, which includes a computer lab, robotics arena, STEM spaces and wind tunnel, also opens.
2022
The St. Mary’s Ryken Flight Academy opens with 24 flight simulators. In 2024-25, the Flight Academy program offers a four-year track that prepares students to obtain Private Pilot’s or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator’s knowledge certification.
2024-25
The school year opens with 700 students from over 38 middle schools in Maryland and Virginia.
Admissions Process
Applicants to St. Mary’s Ryken are evaluated based upon the following criteria:
Submission of the online SMR application with application fee
Appropriate ability as demonstrated on the Archdiocese of Washington High School Placement Test (HSPT)
High level of academic achievement in the seventh and eighth grades
A demonstrated desire to attend SMR
Recommendations of principals and/or teachers
Satisfactory disciplinary and attendance history
In-person or virtual interview with a member of the SMR community may be required
SMR reserves the right to revoke acceptance at any time for academic and/or disciplinary reasons.
Tuition for the 2024-25 School Year
$20,125
Flexible payment plans are available.
In 2024, SMR awarded over $2 million in tuition assistance, benefiting 80% of our students through financial aid, scholarships, or both.
Scan the QR code to view important application process dates:
Financial Aid
Financial aid at St. Mary’s Ryken is based on a family’s ability to pay. The primary responsibility for funding a child’s education lies with the parents. As such, we expect that each parent will fund the child’s education to the extent that they are able. Our financial aid program is designed to assist families after they have considered all of their own resources. Financial aid is available for qualifying families from both the Archdiocese of Washington and SMR. Applications for tuition assistance must be completed by using TADS, the tuition assistance program.
Scan the QR code to learn about financial aid:
28 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Transportation
St. Mary’s Ryken students come from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and King George counties. Transportation is available for all students.
A late bus (activity bus) is available for students who reside outside of St. Mary’s County. It departs from the St. Mary’s Ryken campus at 5:30 p.m. every school day when athletic practices or other activities are occurring.
Transportation is available for an additional fee, except for residents of St. Mary’s County.
Merit-based Scholarships
St. Mary’s Ryken awards merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen in the areas of academics, leadership, service and fine arts. The scholarship competition takes place in January of the 8th grade year. Merit-based scholarships are four-year scholarships, and therefore, high school transfer students are not eligible.
Scan the QR code to learn about transportation options:
Scan the QR code to learn about scholarships:
Open House
You are invited to our Fall Open House on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Campus Tours
Please contact the Admissions Department at admissions@smrhs.org if you would like to schedule a family tour. Tours are offered year round.
Knight for a Day
Students in grades 8-10 are invited to join our community for the day to learn more about SMR. This is the best way to get the true St. Mary’s Ryken experience. Visiting students are paired with a current SMR student, attend classes, enjoy lunch on us, explore our beautiful campus, and experience a day in the life of an SMR student.
