Welcome to St. Mary’s Episcopal School

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

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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. 

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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

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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

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

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See What's Happening at St. Mary's

Read the latest news.

North Campus Spanish
  • Early Childhood
  • Lower School

Girls enrolled in St. Mary’s Place through 5th grades take Spanish classes at least once per week. Vocabulary and grammar are presented kinesthetically, aurally, verbally, visually, and literally to reinforce words and phrases. 

Read More about North Campus Spanish
First Young Alumna Award Recipient Shows Extraordinary Compassion
  • Alumnae

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.

Read More about First Young Alumna Award Recipient Shows Extraordinary Compassion
Sister Hannah
  • All-School

The 2nd annual Founders’ Day celebrated the legacy, perseverance, and resiliency of St. Mary’s Episcopal School. This year, we honored Sister Hughetta Snowden, who assumed the leadership of St. Mary’s following the death of Sister Constance and the other Sisters of St. Mary during the yellow fever epidemic. Sister Hannah Winkler, CSM, a member of the Sisters of St. Mary in Sewanee, Tennessee, shared Sister Hughetta’s story with our students.

Read More about Founders' Day Honors Sister Hughetta
Constance and Her Companions, A Reflection
  • All-School

Each year on September 9, those in the Episcopal Church celebrate the legacy of Sisters Constance, Thecla, Frances, Hughetta, and Ruth on the anniversary of the death of Sister Constance. These nuns came to Memphis in 1873 to take the helm of St. Mary’s and stayed in Memphis during the yellow fever epidemic to care for the sick and the orphaned while most people fled.⁠⁠⁠ Assistant Chaplain Mary Henry Thompson shared a message with our students in preparation for this day of remembrance.

Read More about Constance and Her Companions, A Reflection
Building Blocks
  • All-School

Lilly Coggin ’26, Ivy Carls ’26, and Caroline Chandler ’26 were the first St. Mary’s team to attend the worldwide competition. Then fourth graders, the students led the way for the budding robotics program to blossom into a formidable force in the competitive robotics arena. Thanks to these girls’ enthusiasm and early success, VEX robotics has taken off at St. Mary’s. Since the first appearance, St. Mary’s has sent numerous teams to the World Championship, including three in 2023.

Read More about Building Blocks
2023 HIRS Students
  • Upper School

The Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) program offers a unique opportunity for students to conduct an original, engaging research project of their choosing. This summer, 13 members of the Class of 2024 began their research project by completing hands-on work in partnership with a community mentor who is an expert in the field. Director of Honors Independent Research Dr. Anna Bess Sorin organizes the program and helps guide the girls through their projects. 

Read More about 2023 HIRS Students
Middle School World Language Exams
  • Middle School

Each year, our students are recognized for achievement in their study of Latin, Spanish, or French. This past semester, Middle School participated in the National French Contest, National Latin Exam, or National Spanish Exam. Students are tested on vocabulary, grammar, as well as interpretive reading, and listening. These exams measure a student’s interpretive communication and achievement. They allow teachers to gain feedback about instruction and curriculum while promoting language learning in general. Thank you to Ms. Carstens, Ms. Weirich, and Ms. Hinkle for allowing these girls to gain a love of learning a different language and about other cultures.

Read More about Middle School World Language Exams
Mother Miranda's End of the Year Chapel Talk
  • All-School

Faculty and staff gather at the end of each year for one final chapel to close the school year. This year, Head Chaplain Rev. Miranda Cully shared an uplifting message with our community to kick off the summer. As we reach the middle of summer vacation, please take a moment to read Mother Miranda’s thoughts about ascension, perspective, and reflection. We are eager to start another year of learning, friendship, and growth

Read More about Mother Miranda's End of the Year Chapel Talk
Girls on the Run Partnership
  • Upper School

Earlier this year, the St. Mary's Community Fund (SMCF) awarded $40,000 in grants to fund projects at six Mid-South nonprofits that serve children. The SMCF allocated part of the funds to Girls on the Run Memphis. This nonprofit organization works to enhance girls’ social, emotional, and physical skills to help them navigate life experiences. Through an experience-based curriculum incorporating running, GOTR allows participants to be joyful, healthy, and confident.

Read More about Girls on the Run Partnership

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

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Our alumnae are changing the world.

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Outstanding Alumna Kat Gordon ’00 recaptures her vision in uncertain times

Her knees were still knocking as she and her husband got in their beach-bound car after Alumnae Weekend. Kat Gordon ’00 was in disbelief to have received the 2021 Outstanding Alumna Award and to have her name listed on the same plaque as retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Nora Wingfield Tyson ’75. As a sophomore, Kat sat witness in Chapel the day Tyson accepted the award in 1998. Since then, she’s been a self-proclaimed fangirl.

Now, with what are sure to be dozens of fangirls of her own, Kat is the owner of Muddy’s Bake Shop, which she opened in 2008. Twenty years prior, she was a St. Mary’s kindergartner struggling to make it through the school day without a nap. With a 14-year tenure, she certainly qualifies as an SMS “lifer.” Kat happily renewed her connection with St. Mary’s after college as a volunteer in the advancement office. Since then, she has served as the Alumnae Board president and gained three sisters-in-law who are fellow Turkeys. Needless to say, her ties to SMS are deep.

Kat Gordon ’00

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