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.
Academic Excellence
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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.
Beyond the Classroom
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St. Mary's offers 40 athletic teams and over 20 clubs and organizations.
See What's Happening at St. Mary's
Read the latest news.
- 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.
- Middle School
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.
- Athletics
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- All-School
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.
- Lower School
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.
- 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.
- Alumnae
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.
- Alumnae
Ginny Waller Zanca ’76 expresses her gratitude by giving back
- All-School
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.
- All-School
We are happy to welcome these new and returning faces to our staff!
- All-School
We are so excited to introduce our new faculty! We also have some teachers switching positions.
- All-School
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Upper School
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.
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.
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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
Featured Alumnae