Welcome to St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Students from St. Mary's Episopal School, our private grade school in memphis tn, running outside
Students standing together inside of St. Mary's Episcopal School, our private middle school in memphis
Two students sitting together at St. Mary's Episcopal School, our private elementary school in memphis tn
Students standing inside of St. Mary's Episcopal School, our private high school in memphis tn
forgirlsforlife

You Belong

Founded in 1847, St. Mary’s educates girls age 2 through 12th grade.

For nearly 175 years, our all-girls school has provided has provided girls in Memphis with the finest education possible. We are one of only nine Episcopal girls’ schools in the country and are a community of individuals from different neighborhoods, ethnic backgrounds, and faiths who respect one another's differences and honor our shared values. We invite you to see for yourself why you belong at St. Mary's. 

17%

Recognized as National Merit Scholars

36

Zip Codes Represented in Student Body

825

Total Student Enrollment

19

Years Average Teaching Experience

7:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

30.1

Average ACT Score

75%

of Students Play Sports

5

Student Publications

72%

of Faculty Have Graduate Degrees

Academic Excellence

Photo Container

academic-excellence

St. Mary’s is a tight-knit community with a focus on academic excellence.

St. Mary's has long been known for its academic excellence. Here, every teacher, every lesson, every resource is dedicated to girls and how they learn best. We know that girls develop verbal skills early on resulting in a propensity for reading and language. An all-girls education provides a supportive, nurturing environment where girls can explore the boundaries of what is possible. 

Slider Container

In Early Childhood, girls are immersed in experiences that nurture learning and growth. Our youngest students engage in meaningful learning moments that build their confidence and cultivate a love of learning.     
Christina Block
Head of Early Childhood

The Lower School is where our girls begin to develop their independence and drive. During this time, they begin to chart their course for success in learning and in life through exploration, inquiry, and curiosity.
Marcisha Brazley-Keith
Head of Lower School

katherine house

During the Middle School years, our students are beginning to develop into confident, intellectual young women. At the same time, they do so with the vibrancy and enthusiasm of young girls.

Katherine House
Head of Middle School

St. Mary's students are supported in furthering their skills and talents while also encouraged to explore new interests and ideas. Our Upper Schoolers dwell in the realm of possibility while developing a tool kit for the real world.
Lauren Rogers
Head of Upper School

Beyond the Classroom

Photo Container

St. Mary's offers 40 athletic teams and over 20 clubs and organizations.

Students on the swim team standing inside of St. Mary's Episcopal School, our independent high school in memphis tn
beyondclassroom

See What's Happening at St. Mary's

Read the latest news.

Finding Home and Faith at St. Mary’s
  • Lower School

St. Mary’s is more than just a school—it’s where students can discover their faith tradition. Anna Wheeler ’08, St. Mary’s North Campus Chaplain, reflects on her St. Mary’s journey from being a St. Mary’s student to becoming a central part of its spiritual community. Ms. Wheeler opened up about her experiences, role, and what makes life at an Episcopal school – especially at St. Mary’s – so special. 
 

Read More about Finding Home and Faith at St. Mary’s
St. Mary's Students Dive into Cutting-Edge Research
  • Upper School

The Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) at St. Mary's, led by Anna Bess Sorin, Ph.D., equips students with essential research skills before college. Through literature reviews, formulating strong research questions, and networking with Memphis community mentors, students develop and execute meaningful research projects. Starting the spring semester of their junior year, students apply to HIRS and identify a mentor in an area of interest. Then, after participants conduct their research over the summer,  they write up their projects and present their findings at the HIRS Symposium in the fall. The program began in 2010 and focuses on developing presentation and writing skills, preparing students to communicate their research confidently and concisely in professional settings.

Read More about St. Mary's Students Dive into Cutting-Edge Research
Woman standing in front of mountains
  • Alumnae

Ayushi Gaur ’22 is following in the footsteps of her role model, Jane Goodall, as a quiet yet impactful leader. Inspired by a passion for environmental advocacy that began in middle school at St. Mary’s, Ayushi continues to take action through her passion projects and career pursuits. This summer, she took a major step forward as the 2024 Storytelling Programs Intern for the National Geographic Society. 

Read More about A Quiet Leader Makes Big Change
St. Mary's Parents Link Arms Discussing “The Anxious Generation”
  • All-School

St. Mary’s recently held two parent book clubs centered on Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book, “The Anxious Generation.” Nearly 100 families participated in these discussions, led by Associate Head of School Hilary Davis Robinson ’90 and the Counseling team. The sessions focused on understanding the rise of anxiety among children, particularly in the context of social media, academic pressures, and evolving parenting styles.

Read More about St. Mary's Parents Link Arms Discussing “The Anxious Generation”
Assistant Security Director in front of a building
  • All-School

Assistant Director of Security James Fyke started his career as a patrol officer for the Collierville Police Department before working for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI). He spent eight years with the TBI before joining the University of Memphis Police Services as a detective. Due to his investigative background, James constantly encourages healthy curiosity among students on the South Campus.

Read More about St. Mary’s Honorary Dad
graphic with Choose 901 and eight smaller photos
  • Alumnae

On 901 Day, we celebrate our alumnae who have chosen to make Memphis their home and invest their lives in this incredible city. Their love for the 901 shines through in everything they do, helping to shape a brighter future for all of us. We checked in with just a few of the many Turkeys proud to call the 901 home. 

Read More about Alumnae Choose 901

Learn more about our vibrant school community.

There is so much more to a St. Mary's education than what happens in the classroom. Three quarters of St. Mary's girls are athletes, and half of those are multi-sport athletes. More than half of the Upper School participates in music. We produce two plays a year in Upper School and one each in Lower and Middle School. Our Mock Trial team wins awards every year. Our girls don't have to choose between being students or athletes. They are both. And musicians. And thespians. And community volunteers.

After St. Mary's

Photo Container

Our alumnae are changing the world.

Three graduating students standing outside of St. Mary's Episcopal School, our independent high school in memphis
afterstmarys

Top 2 Column Container

First Young Alumna Award Recipient Shows Extraordinary Compassion

For the last seven years, Chandler Roberts Cummins ’12 has dedicated her career to being a comforting presence to patients while providing the highest level of care. As a nurse, Cummins knows that patients are often in their most vulnerable state during a hospital stay or doctor’s visit and are in need of extraordinary empathy and compassion.

Chandler Roberts Cummins ’12

Featured Alumnae

Cornell University
Duke University
Emory University