St. Mary’s Earns Global Education Standards Endorsement

St. Mary’s Episcopal School is one of only 11 schools globally, the only all-girls school in the U.S., and the only school in Memphis to be awarded the Global Education Standards Endorsement by the Institute for Global Learning.

This places the school among a select group of institutions worldwide recognized for excellence in preparing students to understand and engage with the world beyond the classroom.

The recognition affirms St. Mary’s longstanding commitment to global learning and its mission to prepare girls to lead with curiosity, empathy, and purpose in an interconnected world.

“At St. Mary’s, global learning is not an add-on to our curriculum – it is woven into the fabric of how our girls learn, think, and serve,” said Albert Throckmorton, head of school. “This endorsement recognizes the intentional way our faculty and students engage with cultures, perspectives and challenges beyond our campus, while remaining deeply connected to our Memphis community.”

What is the Global Education Standards Endorsement?

The Global Education Standards Endorsement is awarded through a comprehensive review process conducted by the Institute for Global Learning, which evaluates schools across six key areas, including mission alignment, governance and leadership, teaching and learning, stakeholder engagement, program management, and risk management for global programs.

What are some of the ways St. Mary’s incorporates global learning?

While accreditation confirms a school meets educational standards, the global endorsement highlights how intentionally a school prepares students to understand and engage with the broader world.

At St. Mary’s, that preparation begins early. From age two through 12th grade, students encounter global perspectives through classroom learning, service partnerships, language study, and international travel experiences designed to deepen cultural understanding and empathy.

The school’s Global Scholars program encourages high school students to explore international issues, cultures, and service opportunities while developing the skills needed to collaborate across differences and address real-world challenges.

This year, Global Scholars have pursued a wide range of projects and experiences. Students have researched the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, participated in youth advocacy programs, engaged in intercultural leadership initiatives, and connected with peers from different cultural backgrounds through exchange programs and service projects.

How does St. Mary’s help the girls explore the world outside the classroom?

St. Mary’s global learning initiatives also extend beyond the classroom through international travel programs that provide firsthand cultural and environmental experiences.

A group of St. Mary’s Upper School students spent their spring break exploring the Galápagos Islands, studying biodiversity and sustainability, visiting the Darwin Research Station, and observing the unique ecosystems that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Recent and upcoming global learning trips have taken St. Mary’s students to France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Québec, the Netherlands, and South Africa, offering opportunities to experience history, language, science, and culture in meaningful ways.

“Our students learn to explore the world with curiosity, honor different perspectives, and communicate with courage and integrity,” said Leanne Hinkle, director of global education. “They bring those experiences back to Memphis as thoughtful neighbors, innovators, and leaders who are prepared to serve both their community and the wider world.”

The Global Education Standards Endorsement reinforces St. Mary’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience for girls, grounded in academic excellence, belonging, and service.

For families, the distinction affirms that St. Mary’s offers an education designed not only to prepare students for college but also to equip them to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with confidence and compassion.

“As our students engage with different cultures, ideas, and communities, they develop the skills to lead with empathy and purpose,” associate head of school Hilary Robinson said. “That is the kind of leadership our world needs.”

For more information about global learning at St. Mary’s, visit stmarysschool.org/global.