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.

National Honor Society 2024
  • Upper School

Today, we inducted 49 Upper School students into the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 to recognize and encourage academic achievement, scholarship, character, service, and leadership. Senior officers, Averie Howell, Mary-Kate Kalodimos, Sarah Moon, Anum Raza, Reeya Sharma, and Emily Smith welcomed the newest members.⁠ Congratulations to these intelligent and hard-working students!

Read More about National Honor Society 2024
A group of students
  • Lower School
 

While St. Mary’s is renowned for its academics, our signature character education program, the Bridge to Caring, is the heartbeat of our community. Over the past several years, St. Mary’s has sought ways to highlight students who exemplify the traits in our Bridge to Caring.

Read More about We Are ALL Caring Turkeys!
Student works at desk with teacher
  • All-School

Intentionality is at the core of St. Mary’s academic curriculum. Our faculty and staff communicate regularly across grades and divisions regarding coursework, learning patterns, and educational advancements to enhance the learning experience for our students. One of the ways St. Mary’s showcases its academic intentionality is through a strategy called “vertical planning.”

Read More about Bridging Between Academic Divisions
Community Concert Featuring Artist in Residence Morgan Beckford '06
  • All-School

Each year, a nationally recognized artist visits St. Mary’s to work with students through the Louise T. Archer ‘40 Artist in Residence program. This year's artist is Morgan Beckford '06, an opera singer based in Boston. Beckford will work with students across all divisions. Her curriculum will highlight works by Black composers. Beckford will also perform a concert for the community.

Read More about Community Concert Featuring Artist in Residence Morgan Beckford '06
St. Mary’s Launches $10 Million Capital Campaign
  • All-School

Today, St. Mary’s Episcopal School announced the launch of a transformative capital campaign to elevate learning areas and provide space for a growing student body. The $10 million campaign preserves the iconic Moss Hall and adds 9,000 square feet to the building. The new Moss Hall addition will house Liza’s Library, new science classrooms, an expanded MakerSpace, and a nursery for children of faculty and staff.  

Read More about St. Mary’s Launches $10 Million Capital Campaign
Study Skills Teach the Girls to Work Smarter, Not Harder
  • Middle School

When St. Mary’s seventh-graders first enter their requisite Life Science class, most of them think they will walk away learning the basic tenets of biology; however, what they don’t know is that science teacher Kate Fairless is going to equip them with essential lessons in organization and executive functioning, preparing them for Upper School – and for life.

Read More about Study Skills Teach the Girls to Work Smarter, Not Harder

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.

afterstmarys

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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