We Did It Again! St. Mary’s Is the Best All-Girls School in Tennessee

We’re proud to announce that Niche has named St. Mary’s Episcopal School the 2026 Best All-Girls School in Tennessee for the second year running.

Additionally, St. Mary’s was ranked #49 out of 293 all-girls high schools nationwide and received top honors across Tennessee:

• #1 Best All-Girls High School
• #1 Best Christian High School
• #1 Best Christian K–12 School
• #2 Best High School for STEM 
• #3 Best Private High School

The school claimed the #1 spot in Memphis in the following categories: All-Girls, STEM, and Christian school categories, and placed second among private high schools and college-prep institutions.

“With top rankings in both academics and broader school life, St. Mary’s continues to stand out as a place where students are known, challenged, and supported as each girl reaches her individual potential,” said Head of School Albert Throckmorton. “These accolades reflect the energy, dedication, and expertise of our entire community and underscore our ongoing commitment to an education that centers on girls’ learning and leadership.”

What makes St. Mary’s stand out?

• Unparalleled academics: A challenging, student-centered curriculum and small class sizes help each girl reach her potential and build a lifelong love of learning.
• Proven results: Our students earn national recognition and awards, including National Merit distinctions and stellar Advanced Placement scores. Not only do our girls earn academic recognition, but they are also frequently recognized for their outstanding character outside of school, at places like summer camps, on sports teams, in religious groups, and more.
• Opportunities for every girl: From athletics and arts to advanced STEM programs, global experiences, and dedicated scholar pathways, St. Mary’s has as many paths as we have girls. 
• A community focused on belonging: Rooted in Episcopal values, we cultivate belonging, honor, courage, and service so girls develop character and confidence.
• Legacy of excellence: As Tennessee’s oldest independent school for girls, our nearly 180-year history is reflected in a living tradition of mentorship, scholarship, and leadership.

The Niche review platform, often compared to U.S. News & World Report for K-12 education, compiles millions of reviews from students, parents, and alumni while incorporating public data and school-reported information. The result is a comprehensive look at how schools perform in academics, STEM, athletics, college prep, and diversity. In addition, much of this recognition is fueled by the voices of our community. 

In their reviews, parents frequently highlight the close-knit environment and personalized attention their daughters receive at St. Mary’s.

“My daughters receive a lot of individual attention from their teachers, which really boosts their confidence and helps them become passionate about their school work. It truly feels like one big family, where my children are nurtured academically, spiritually, and emotionally,” wrote one St. Mary’s parent in their Niche review.

Faculty and staff voices also reiterate this sense of mission in their reviews, emphasizing the balance between high expectations and age-appropriate, well-rounded development.

“Having worked in various schools, I have never seen a school with such dedication to excellence across social and emotional development, academics, athletics, wellness, and community. St. Mary's knows and respects girlhood and wants each and every individual to be happy and her most successful self,” said a recent anonymous review from a St. Mary’s faculty member.

Niche rankings validate what our community already knows about St. Mary's – it’s a great place for girls to learn, grow, and thrive. 

“These rankings affirm what our families already know and experience,” said Mr. Throckmorton. “St. Mary’s is a place where girls can reach their potential and discover their purpose in a welcoming environment where they are challenged, supported, and inspired to lead.”