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Girls are

Creative

Unleashing Creativity Through the Arts

Creativity and expression are at the heart of the St. Mary’s experience. From day one, students are encouraged to explore their interests, unlock their creative potential, and develop their unique voices.

Through art, music, dance, theater, and more, girls engage in the creative process to express themselves, solve problems, and collaborate toward excellence.

We provide ample opportunities for artistic growth. Art is offered as a special subject through eighth grade. As students advance to Middle and Upper School, they deepen their skills in specialized classes, refining their talents in visual arts, theater, and music. These experiences culminate in collaborative performances and projects that showcase their growth and dedication.

Morgan Beckford

 

Unmatched Opportunities

The Louise T. Archer Artist in Residence program offers St. Mary’s students an opportunity to engage with nationally renowned artists. Made possible by the generosity of alumna Louise T. Archer ‘40, this program allows students to work directly with artists from diverse fields through hands-on workshops, classes, demonstrations, and master classes. For the 2023-2024 school year, we were honored to host Morgan Beckford '06 (above), an opera singer and Director of Silkroad Connect at Silkroad, a nonprofit founded by Yo-Yo Ma. For the 2024-2025 school year, we hosted Poet and educator Maria Zoccola ’11. 

girl on stage at St. Mary's

 

Unlocking Potential

The Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center provides St. Mary’s students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in the arts. This state-of-the-art venue hosts performances and creative programming, allowing girls to work directly with internationally renowned artists, dancers, and musicians. Through these immersive experiences, students develop their skills in both collaborative and educational settings, expanding their artistic horizons and fostering a deeper connection to the arts.

Learn More

Drama and Theater

Theater is a vibrant part of the St. Mary’s experience. Our drama department stages four major productions each year, including one in Lower School, one in Middle School, and both a musical and a play in Upper School. Recent productions include Legally Blonde, Finding Nemo, and The SpongeBob Musical. Whether a student is new to the stage or an experienced performer, there is a place for everyone. Students also contribute to set design, lighting, sound, assistant directing, and stage management, ensuring that every aspect of the production provides an opportunity for creative collaboration.

Music

Music is woven into the fabric of our students' education. In Lower School, students explore movement and music, while in Middle School, they choose between instrumental or vocal performance. Upper School students further expand their music skills through electives such as Concert Choir, Chamber Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble. Our program is designed to give girls a thorough foundation in music theory and performance, encouraging individual growth as well as teamwork.

Dance

Dance plays an integral role in the development of our students, benefiting them as athletes, artists, and teammates. Our Lower School Creative Movement program introduces students to the world of dance, while our Middle School Ensemble provides eighth graders with the opportunity to explore dance as part of a multi-disciplinary fine arts program. Students develop a deeper understanding of the creative process through solo and group work in dance, drama, art, and filmmaking.

Visual Arts

The visual arts program at St. Mary’s encourages students to engage in the creative process and refine their observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our teaching emphasizes hands-on participation and experiential learning, creating an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Whether in painting, sculpture, or photography, our students gain confidence in their ability to express themselves and develop a deeper understanding of art's impact on the world.

 

My years at St. Mary’s gave me many things: a stellar academic grounding, especially in writing, a space to explore the challenges of leadership roles, and most of all a sense of deep companionship and community with my fellow students.Maysey craddock '89, Artist

 

Ready to see your daughter shine?

Schedule a tour or begin your application today, and discover how St. Mary's nurtures creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts.

Schedule a tour today