Global Studies
Enhancement Hero
Girls are
Trailblazers
Explore Your World
At St. Mary’s, we believe every girl is an explorer at heart. Through Global Studies, students will embark on an exciting journey, where they will delve into international and domestic issues through dynamic coursework, co-curricular activities, and unforgettable experiences. Our school-wide Global Education program is designed to help girls become globally-minded individuals, ready to thrive in our interconnected world.
A Leader in Global Education
St. Mary’s has earned the Global Education Standards Endorsement from the Institute for Global Learning — one of just 11 schools worldwide, the only all-girls school in the U.S., and the only school in Memphis to receive this honor.
Global education at St. Mary’s is woven into how our girls learn, lead, and serve at every age. Girls have the opportunity through classroom projects and language study to service partnerships and immersive travel experiences to explore the world. We provide girls with developmentally appropriate opportunities to investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas, and take action to better herself, her community, and her world.
Global Education Opportunities
- Global Scholars program
- Travel opportunities
- Semester courses
- Co-curricular activities, including guest speakers and book clubs
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Our students learn to explore the world with curiosity, honor different perspectives, and communicate with courage and integrity. 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.Leanne Hinkle, Director of Global Education
Global Scholars Program
The Upper School Global Scholars program ignites students' passions for international issues with a tailored course of study. Through offerings such as Holocaust and Human Behavior and Memphis and the Movement, students engage deeply with local, national, and global conversations. Beyond the classroom, the program encourages participation in globally aligned activities, impactful community service, and a capstone project. Students earn a Global Scholars certificate at graduation to commemorate their achievements.
Previous capstone projects have covered topics including:
Green Energy Production Methods Globally and Potential Barriers to their Worldwide Implementation
Comparing Mental Health Systems Across Different Countries
Comparing World Health Systems and Their Effectiveness
What Blue Zones Tell Us About the Impact of Dietary Factors on Our Lifespan
"St. Mary's helps to prepare us to be global citizens through so many different opportunities.The freedom in the curriculum helps to expand our knowledge of the cultures, people, and environments around us. hat I enjoyed most about The Global Scholars program was how dedicated the members are to the service and research they do. This excitement is shown through the capstone presentations where everyone shines while presenting a global topic that truly interests them the most."
- Isabella Tamburrino ’25
Immersive Travel Opportunities
Each year, Middle and Upper School students embark on incredible travel experiences, exploring international and domestic destinations. These curated journeys offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the rich history and vibrant cultures of each location.
Recent Trips include:
Germany, France & Switzerland
Upper School Religious Studies
Ireland
Upper School English
Italy
7th and 8th grades
Quebec City
7th and 8th grades
Netherlands
7th and 8th grades
Galápagos
Upper School Science
Ireland 26-27
Lower School Family Trip
South Africa 26-27
Upper School History
Young children start to think about community by noticing the similarities and differences. When we embrace the beautiful diversity of our world, we help children develop empathy and ignite curiosity.Molly LoganJK Teacher
Global Education Team
The Global Education Program features division-specific experts who bring their unique skills and passions to shape vertically aligned global programming for students. Our teachers, beginning in Early Childhood, integrate global perspectives into the curriculum, preparing students for an interconnected world. The expansion across the divisions demonstrates St. Mary’s dedication to fostering students' global competencies from an early age and underscores the school’s core value of belonging.
Allison Safley
Senior Kindergarten Teacher & Global Education Coordinator
Jessica Osias
Fifth Grade Teacher & Global Education Coordinator
Ben Graunke
Middle School History Teacher & Global Education Coordinator
Courtney Gillespie
Upper School Biology Teacher & Global Education Coordinator
Leanne Hinkle
Director of Global Education & AP Psychology Teacher