Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Saint Mary’s School unique?
Saint Mary’s School blends rigorous academics with leadership development and personal growth in an all-girls environment. Its Episcopal heritage, global student community, and urban boarding campus in downtown Raleigh create a distinctive and empowering educational experience.
What grades does Saint Mary’s School serve?
Saint Mary’s School is a college-preparatory boarding and day school for young women in grades 9–12.
Is Saint Mary’s School a boarding school, a day school, or both?
Saint Mary’s offers both boarding and day programs, allowing students to live on campus or commute while participating fully in academics, athletics, and extracurricular life.
What is the academic philosophy at Saint Mary’s School?
Saint Mary’s emphasizes a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum focused on critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and leadership development. Students benefit from small classes and close faculty mentorship.
How many Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered?
Saint Mary’s offers 23 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, providing students with opportunities to pursue college-level work across a wide range of subjects.
What is the average class size at Saint Mary’s School?
The average class size at Saint Mary’s is 13 students, allowing for individualized instruction, discussion-based learning, and strong student-teacher relationships.
What is the student-to-adult ratio at Saint Mary’s?
Saint Mary’s maintains a 4:1 student-to-adult ratio, ensuring personalized academic support, mentorship, and supervision both in and outside the classroom.
How does Saint Mary’s School support student leadership?
Leadership development is embedded throughout the Saint Mary’s experience through academic programs, student organizations, athletics, and community engagement opportunities that help students build confidence and responsibility.
What extracurricular activities are available at Saint Mary’s School?
Students can choose from 30+ clubs and student organizations, including academic, artistic, service-oriented, cultural, and leadership-focused groups that encourage exploration and connection.
What athletic programs does Saint Mary’s School offer?
Saint Mary’s fields 20 varsity and junior varsity athletic teams, giving students the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and develop teamwork and leadership skills.
What is student life like on campus?
Student life at Saint Mary’s is vibrant and close-knit. The 23-acre campus in downtown Raleigh offers residential life, athletics, chapel services, arts, and frequent weekend activities, with more than eight options each weekend.
How diverse is the Saint Mary’s School community?
Saint Mary’s is home to a globally diverse student body, welcoming students from multiple states and countries and fostering a culture of inclusion and global perspective.
What traditions and values does Saint Mary’s School emphasize?
Saint Mary’s upholds an Honor Code and Episcopal values, emphasizing integrity, respect, ethical leadership, and service while welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Why choose an all-girls education at Saint Mary’s School?
An all-girls environment empowers students to find their voices, pursue leadership roles, and excel academically without gender-based limitations, fostering confidence and ambition.
What does it cost to attend Saint Mary’s School?
Tuition varies based on boarding or day enrollment. Saint Mary’s is committed to accessibility and offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to qualified students. Families are encouraged to work closely with the admissions and financial aid offices to explore options.
Where is Saint Mary’s School located?
Saint Mary’s School is located on a 23-acre campus in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. As an urban boarding school, students can walk to museums, dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks just steps from campus.
Is Saint Mary’s School close to an airport?
Yes. Saint Mary’s School is approximately 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), making travel convenient for boarding students and visiting families.
What is Saint Mary’s School’s college acceptance rate?
Saint Mary’s School has a 100% college and university acceptance rate, reflecting its strong academic preparation and individualized college counseling.
Can day students participate in weekend and campus activities?
Yes. Day students have full access to campus life, including weekend activities, clubs, athletics, and events alongside boarding students.
How do I apply to Saint Mary’s School?
The admissions process typically includes submitting an inquiry, scheduling a visit, completing the online application, and fulfilling checklist requirements such as recommendations and transcripts.