Episcopal Tradition and Identity

St. Mary’s Episcopal School is part of the Episcopal/Anglican tradition that emphasizes inclusiveness, incarnational relationships and concern for wholeness of mind, body and spirit. At St. Mary’s Episcopal School, teachers, staff and students are part of a learning community which strives to embody the inclusive love of God and values God’s light within all persons.

Chapel is the most visible expression of St. Mary’s Episcopal identity. Chapel services at St. Mary’s are sensitive to and appreciative of the diverse religious identities of students and faculty, yet are faithful to the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the Middle and Upper Schools, a short service of Morning Prayer is held each morning and required for faculty and students. Chapel talks, hymns, preparation of the worship space and prayers are frequently planned and led by students. Students, faculty, outside speakers, the Chaplain and the Rector of the Church of the Holy Communion are regular guests for chapel talks. The Lower School and Kindergarten each have weekly Chapels with child-centered Episcopal liturgy, songs and stories.

St. Mary’s curriculum includes age-appropriate religious studies beginning in the Lower School with Old and New Testament Bible stories and continuing through the Middle and Upper Schools' courses in Faith and Testament, Comparative Religions, and 21st Century Ethics. Students study Christian foundations, learn about and study sacred texts of other faith traditions, engage in ethical decision-making, and explore the role of religion in their own lives and in society.

St. Mary’s Episcopal identity guides administrative and Board of Directors decisions. The policy of need - blind admissions, provisions of financial aid to students in need, and a commitment to diversity exist in all aspects of the school.

Daily Chapel

One of the oldest and most beloved of all St. Mary's traditions is daily chapel held in the Church of the Holy Communion for students in grades 5 through 12. Instigated by the Sisters of St. Mary in the 1870's, this is a time for community, prayer and quiet reflection. It is also a time for the celebration of special events and honors in the life of the school. The religious diversity of the student body is celebrated through guest speakers and Religious Emphasis Week. Students in Kindergarten and the Lower School have chapel on the Moss Hall Campus once a week.

Community Service

As part of the Episcopal tradition of community service, most students participate in one or more service activities. Although not a curricular requirement, Middle and Upper School Student Councils sponsor annual service weeks benefiting different local agencies including Metropolitan Interfaith Association, Memphis Food Bank, the Memphis Humane Society, the Neighborhood Christian Center , etc. Upper School students tutor underprivileged students from Young Women Striving for Excellence. Lower School students participate in such projects as Jump Rope for Heart, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Math-a-thon and other projects. Last year, Middle School students participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation's program to assist terminally ill children. They raised money to grant the wish of a local teenage boy. Students in all grades of the school are quick to respond to the needs of others as they arise, particularly the needs of children. All of St. Mary's participates in the Komen Memphis-Midsouth Race for the Cure®, and the school has won the Largest School Team award for 12 consecutive years and the Largest Overal Team award for two years in a row.