See What's Happening at St. Mary's

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. 

Every 7th grade student at St. Mary's takes Community Connections, a quarter-long service class designed to help students understand the needs of their community, grow compassion and empathy, and develop as leaders.

St. Mary's coaches and trainers focus on a holistic approach to strength, conditioning, wellness, and injury prevention. In fact, each athlete works closely with Athletic Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach Claire Betti on a plan to ensure they get the maximum benefit from their workouts while minimizing the risk of injuries.

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.

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.

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.

Recently, St. Mary’s new Director of Belonging, Nikki Davis, spoke at Chapel on the South Campus about the importance of “belonging,” rather than simply “fitting in.” Fostering a sense of belonging helps individuals feel seen, emphasizing that they are with us for a purpose and that each of us adds value to the community.

Every May, 5th grade students take a field trip to a pool to test underwater robots they built over the course of 10 weeks. The project is the culminating assignment in the comprehensive Lower School STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum.

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.

Years after her own graduation in 1983, 2023 Outstanding Alumna Brandon Garrott Morrison is clear-eyed about what makes her long-standing relationship with St. Mary’s so special. It’s not just one thing, of course.

Ginny Waller Zanca ’76 expresses her gratitude by giving back

Since 1998, Upper School English Teacher and Department Chair Shari Ray has had the pleasure of experiencing the first day of school at St. Mary’s. In her essay, “in appreciation for school,” Mrs. Ray reflects on this special day that happens each year.

We are happy to welcome these new and returning faces to our staff! 

We are so excited to introduce our new faculty! We also have some teachers switching positions.

We are fortunate to welcome a new Security Team to our school. These new positions are part of St. Mary’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our campus. Welcome Mark, James, and Don! 

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. 

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.

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

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.

Lily Karnes ’24 recently participated in Girls State. This week-long camp, organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, occurred at Lipscomb University. While there, she helped construct a government from scratch and gained valuable insights into the significance of being an engaged citizen.