A Message from Albert Throckmorton

Dear Friends,

Independent schools once were more commonly known as “prep schools.” Their declared purpose was preparation for and acceptance into elite colleges and universities. In some areas, the “good” universities comprised a short list, and matriculating was the end goal. Being college-bound at a school like St. Mary’s is an implicit goal. The outcomes remain impressive, but the process is not your grandmother’s or even your mother’s experience.

Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to a panel of our 2025 alumnae. They returned to campus to share their transition to college with our current Upper School students. As I listened to these young women, I was struck by their poise. The college students reported that they were very well prepared to manage academics, time, and stress. They didn’t just talk about their grades (much); they shared stories of advocating for themselves, finding smaller communities within large universities, and navigating those moments where one might feel like an impostor. And although they missed their relationship with their teachers, the honor code, and knowing every face, they had found their place and were thriving beyond St. Mary’s.

Our mission has not changed, but success in the college process has become multi-faceted. College acceptance rates, selectivity, and application options continue to change dramatically. One size does not fit all; families begin the college search process much earlier; and cost and scholarships are not insignificant considerations.

As you will read in our cover story, “Navigating a New Era in College Admissions,” our girls are looking at the future through a wider lens. They are thinking about “fit” in the truest sense — searching for environments that will nurture their specific souls. They are looking ahead to career paths and graduate school, making strategic decisions about scholarships and honors programs that offer both prestige and practical wisdom.

In this new era, our role is to help each girl leverage her unique talents. Whether she is a scholar, an athlete, an artist, or a servant-leader, we are here to ensure she has the guidance to find her own way. We aren’t just preparing them for the first day of freshman year; we are preparing them for the rest of their lives.

Light and Life,

Albert L. Throckmorton

Head of School

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