Saint Mary's School Boarding School

Where young women

grow into leaders

Make Your Commitment to the Forever Campaign

All Girls Boarding School & Day School

100%

College acceptance rate

...to be leaders at the college of their choice

85 members of the class of 2024 were accepted into 151 colleges and universities in the US and abroad.

21

AP courses offered

...to take higher level courses

Saint Mary's offers 2 course levels with 3 distinctions: honors, advanced placement, and distinguished scholars.

30+

Student-led organizations

...to be leaders on campus

Saint Mary’s offers a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities through its clubs and organizations. If students are unable to find a club that meets their interests, they have the option to establish and lead a new organization of their own.

No matter which direction you look, there's something to do here.

Center of downtown Raleigh

Boarding School in a City

The City
The Campus

The City

Local Universities

Saint Mary's School is near top universities like Duke, NC State, UNC, and Wake Forest, giving students access to educational resources, campus events, and networking opportunities. This proximity enhances academic pathways and enriches the student experience.

Shop & Dine Nearby

Saint Mary's School is conveniently located near shopping and dining, including the Village District's boutique stores and trendy restaurants, as well as Target for everyday essentials. Students enjoy easy access to everything they need.

Walkability

Saint Mary's School boasts exceptional walkability, with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within a mile. Students can easily explore nearby boutiques, restaurants, and museums, enhancing their campus experience with Raleigh's vibrant urban offerings.

Museums & Culture

Saint Mary's students can explore Raleigh's vibrant cultural scene, including the North Carolina museums of History, Natural Sciences, and Art, as well as festivals, symphony performances, and downtown events, offering rich educational and cultural experiences minutes from campus.

Sporting Events

Saint Mary's students can enjoy local sports, including Carolina Hurricanes NHL games and NC State football and basketball. With these exciting venues nearby, students have plenty of opportunities to experience the thrill of live sports.

Entertainment

Saint Mary's students enjoy nearby entertainment like concerts at Red Hat Amphitheater, Broadway shows at DPAC, and major performances at Coastal Credit Union Music Park, offering exciting cultural experiences and live events just minutes from campus.

In the State’s Capital

Saint Mary's location in North Carolina's capital gives students easy access to the Capitol, legislature, and political hubs, offering unique opportunities for educational experiences, civic engagement, and firsthand insight into state government.

Take a Tour

The Campus

Leadership Immersion Lab

Saint Mary's exclusive Leadership Immersion Lab, launching in 2024-2025 for 11th and 12th-grade boarding students, offers young women the chance to develop leadership skills through experiential learning.

Safety & Security

Saint Mary's is a gated community with 24/7 security, ensuring safety. Its proximity to top hospitals provides convenient access to medical care, offering peace of mind for students and families.

Comforts of Home

Saint Mary’s offers comfortable living with cozy bedrooms, inviting living areas, and community spaces, creating a home-like environment where students can relax and connect.

Aldert's Corner Market

Aldert’s Corner offers quick, made-to-order meals, snacks, smoothies, and more. With its warm atmosphere and diverse menu, it's a favorite spot for students to enjoy fresh food and relax between classes.

Performing Arts Center

As part of the Saint Mary’s Forever campaign, the new Blanche Robertson Bacon Performing Arts Center will expand artistic opportunities on campus with state-of-the-art facilities.

Historic Chapel

Saint Mary’s Chapel serves as a spiritual hub, offering a peaceful space for worship, reflection, and community. Its rich tradition and beautiful setting inspire and create a sense of connection for all who visit.

Athletic Facilities

Saint Mary’s provides excellent athletic facilities, including Bacon Gym, Nimocks Athletic Field, an indoor pool, and newly resurfaced tennis courts. These amenities support a dynamic athletic experience, offering both recreational and competitive opportunities for students.

All Girls

An all-girl, independent, college-preparatory, Episcopal, boarding and day school serving girls in grades 9-12.

At Saint Mary’s, we are dedicated to empowering young women to become leaders in their chosen fields. Our unique approach blends rigorous academics, leadership training, and a commitment to personal growth.

Boarding School

Why choose boarding?

Boarding at Saint Mary’s School offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive, close-knit community while fostering independence. With access to enriching extracurricular activities, academic resources, and strong friendships, boarding students experience personal growth, enhanced leadership skills, and a deep sense of belonging. Living on campus allows students to fully embrace the Saint Mary’s experience.

Home Away From Home

Saint Mary’s School provides a warm, welcoming environment where students feel at home. With supportive peers, dedicated faculty, and a close-knit community, students find a sense of belonging and comfort. The campus offers all the amenities and care needed, making it a true home away from home.

Learn More about Home Away From Home

Boarding School in a City

Saint Mary’s School offers a unique blend of a traditional boarding experience with the vibrant opportunities of a city setting. Located in the heart of Raleigh, students benefit from both the close-knit, supportive environment of a boarding school and the dynamic cultural, educational, and social experiences available in the state capital.

Learn More about Boarding School in a City

Dedicated Residential Faculty

At Saint Mary’s School, dedicated residential faculty members play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment. These faculty members live alongside students, fostering an inclusive and respectful community where intellectual, social, and spiritual growth are prioritized.

Global Perspectives

With so many students in our community coming from different parts of the world, each student gains a unique global perspective at Saint Mary’s. Students are immersed in different cultural celebrations throughout the year and naturally gain new perspectives by collaborating with peers from around the country and world.

Day School

All-Girls Experience

An all-girls education at Saint Mary’s fosters an empowering environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Our students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, excel in traditionally male-dominated subjects like STEM, and express themselves confidently. This supportive atmosphere nurtures self-assurance and independence, preparing students for future success.

Learn More about All-Girls Experience

Day Program

Choosing to be a day student at Saint Mary’s allows local students to live at home while accessing a top-tier education. Day students have full access to the same amenities, weekend activities, and vibrant campus life as boarding students, providing them with a well-rounded experience.

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes at Saint Mary’s ensure that each student receives personalized attention and support from their teachers. With fewer students in each class, teachers can tailor their instruction to individual learning styles, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and encouraging active participation in discussions and projects.

Episcopal Tradition

Faith Identity

Saint Mary’s School is deeply rooted in its rich Episcopal heritage, a cornerstone of its legacy since 1842. The Saint Mary’s Chapel, a National Historic Site, serves as the spiritual heart of the school. While we honor this tradition, we warmly welcome students of all faiths, fostering a community where diverse beliefs are respected and celebrated. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every student can explore their spirituality in an environment grounded in love and belonging for everyone.

Episcopal Values

Saint Mary’s School's Episcopal heritage shapes the school's core values and inspires a commitment to respecting the dignity of every person and pursuing justice and peace for all. Our chaplain leads a student vestry to lead worship and spiritual formation programs. She is also available to the entire community for pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual guidance.

Learn More about Episcopal Values

International Sisterhood

Global Leadership

At Saint Mary’s, we cultivate the next generation of global leaders by providing students with a diverse and inclusive environment where they can develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Our curriculum emphasizes global awareness, encouraging students to engage with complex international issues and preparing them to lead with empathy and integrity.

Learn More about Global Leadership

Saints Around the World

At Saint Mary’s, our international sisterhood includes current students from 12 countries, enriching campus life with diverse perspectives and cultural experiences. This vibrant exchange fosters global understanding and friendships that last a lifetime. With nearly 200 alumnae living abroad, the bonds formed at Saint Mary’s extend beyond graduation, creating a supportive global network for our students.

Location

School in the City

Saint Mary’s School is ideally located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina’s vibrant capital city. This prime location offers students easy access to cultural landmarks, top universities, and diverse dining and shopping options. With museums, theaters, and historical sites just minutes away, students enjoy a rich blend of academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The safe, walkable environment allows students to explore and engage with the dynamic community around them.

Cultural Center

Saint Mary’s School is strategically located near Raleigh’s top cultural institutions, such as the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Museum of History. These nearby resources are regularly integrated into our curriculum and weekend activities, allowing students to explore and engage with art, science, and history beyond the classroom.

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City Life

Situated in the heart of Raleigh, Saint Mary’s School offers students the benefits of vibrant city life, just steps away from campus. The nearby Village District and various local shopping centers provide a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, perfect for weekend excursions and after-school outings.

Learn More about City Life

Historical & Political Hub

Saint Mary’s School’s location near Raleigh’s historical and political landmarks enriches students’ educational experiences. The proximity to the Capitol building and state legislature offers unique opportunities for students to engage with North Carolina’s rich history and witness the political process firsthand, making learning both relevant and impactful.

Walkable Community

Saint Mary’s School is nestled in a walkable neighborhood, providing students with the freedom to explore their surroundings confidently. The school’s location in a welcoming part of Raleigh allows students to visit nearby parks, cafes, and shops easily, enhancing their independence and sense of community.

Where young women

Grow into leaders

Athletics

Our students lead in athletics by inspiring teamwork, demonstrating dedication, and achieving excellence, both on the field and in personal fitness.

Arts

In the arts, our students lead through creative expression, innovation, and collaboration, showcasing their talents in visual arts, music, theater, and dance.

Academics

Young women at Saint Mary’s lead by pursuing intellectual curiosity, excelling in rigorous coursework, and engaging in critical thinking.

Campus Life

Saint Mary’s students lead by fostering a supportive community, and organizing events and initiatives that enhance the school’s inclusive atmosphere.

308

Saint Mary's began the 2024-2025 school year with 308 students from 12 countries and 13 states.

9,500+

Saint Mary's boasts a strong network of over 9,500 alumnae, offering students valuable connections and support across various industries and professions.

18

Saint Mary's offers 18 teams across 12 sports, providing a wide range of athletic opportunities for students.

34

Saint Mary's has 34 faculty and staff members living on campus, fostering a supportive and close-knit residential community.

6

Saint Mary's offers 6 global immersion programs, providing students with enriching international learning experiences.

9:1

Saint Mary's maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.