Saint Mary’s School (NC)
Overview
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What sets Saint Mary's School apart from other schools? Our parents say it’s our small class sizes and extraordinary college admission services from two full-time college counselors. Our students say it’s the sense of community, the Honor Code, “space to be yourself,” and exciting, real-world experiences. However, two identity markers also make Saint Mary’s School a distinct option for high school: we are all-girls and we are a boarding school, as well as a day school. “Growing up girl” is harder than ever, and Saint Mary’s is intentional in its efforts in helping girls grow up healthy. In an all-girl environment, Saint Mary’s students enjoy not just equal opportunity, but every opportunity, and learning takes center stage without social distractions. Here girls are supported by a culture, climate, and community that together generate high levels of personal and academic self-confidence and a can-do attitude. It’s a place where it’s cool to work hard and be a good student. As a boarding school, Saint Mary’s provides a 24-hour learning environment focused on education supported by heightened interaction between students and their teachers who see their work as a calling, not a job. Day students at Saint Mary’s have unique advantages not found at other day schools with extraordinary access to the school’s facilities, programs and people—days and nights, weekdays and weekends. Of course, Saint Mary’s is more than college preparatory, independent, all-girls, day and boarding school. It is an honor code school; an Episcopal school; a tablet computer school; and a historic school with fun traditions. As one alumna aptly describes it: “Saint Mary’s is a fabulously modern take on a very traditional concept.”
Academics
Summary: Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life. To accomplish our mission, Saint Mary’s School challenges each young woman to embrace the habits of an intellectual life, engages her with the past and the emerging future, and empowers her to serve and shape her world; fosters in each young woman a spirit of connection to others, guides her in developing her spiritual and ethical integrity, and prepares her to take responsibility for herself and her future.
Department Director Patricia Sasser, Ph.D.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Class Size: 13
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 36
Number of AP Courses Offered: 20
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 80%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Evening Study Assistance
- Study Skills Assistance
- Subject Tutoring
- Technology Center
- Writing Center
- ADD/ADHD Support
English
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Honors
- Literature
- Poetry
- AP English Language
- AP English Literature
History
- Asian History
- Classical History
- European History
- Honors
- Medieval History
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
Religion / Philosophy
- Ethics
- World Religions
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology
Sciences
- Anatomy
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Computer Science
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Music
- Choral Music
- Individual Instructions
- Music Appreciation
- Voice
Performing / Visual Arts
Special Programs
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
- Exchange Programs
- Personal Finance
- Independent Study
- Internships
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
- Robotics
- Digital Design
Distinctive or New Programs
- A
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 3
Average Students Per Dorm: 40
Number of Girls Dorms: 3
Number of Boys Dorms: 0
Dorm Amenities
- Game Room
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Student Life
Saint Mary’s knows you want more than just a classroom experience. That's why our Academic and Student Life teams work together to make sure your Saint Mary’s experience doesn’t end with your last class of the day. You will find the possibilities are endless for you to explore your interests and discover who you are and who you want to become. Leadership education is integrated into all activities across campus. You will be challenged to ask questions and examine the “why” of things as you are empowered to speak up and speak out. You will enjoy the freedom to be you – the REAL you, as you develop a personal sense of accountability and respect for yourself and others. And you will utilize the resources found in our urban Raleigh location, to contemplate how your actions impact our school, our wider community, and even our world. Whether joining a club, running for student government, dancing the night away at Winter Formal, traveling to a mixer off campus, or working in the school’s community garden, you will be an important part of our vibrant living and learning community. And no matter what you choose to do, you can be sure your classmates and the network of dedicated adults will be there to encourage and celebrate you every step of the way.
Facilities
- Fitness Center
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Indoor Pool
- Technology Center
- Volleyball Court
- Soccer Field
- Tennis Courts
- Dance Studio
- Weight Room
- Athletic Fields
- Lacrosse Field
Other Facilities
- Tennis Courts
- Athletic Playing Fields (2)
Clubs & Organizations
- Amnesty International
- Chess Club
- Classics Club
- Community Service
- Debate Club
- Diversity Club
- Dorm Proctors
- Drama Club
- Environmental Club
- Food Council
- Foreign Language Clubs
- Future Business Leaders of America
- Gardening Club
- Honor Council
- International Club
- Literary Magazine
- Math Club
- Model UN
- National Honor Society
- Newspaper
- Peer Counseling
- Photography Club
- Quiz Bowl
- SADD
- Science Bowl
- Sexualities Club
- Student Activities
- Student Government
- Student Publications
- Yearbook
- Young Democrats
- Young Republicans
- Robotics
- Anime Club
- Poetry Club
Arts & Athletics
Summary: The Saint Mary’s School community enjoys a vibrant 24/7 campus, alive with after-school activities, athletics, community service projects, visual arts, weekend outings, and performance opportunities.
Arts Department Director: Jennifer Moran
Athletics Department Director: Robert Weltz
Arts
Interscholastic Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Dance
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Recreational Sports
- Yoga
- Fitness
- Robotics
Graduates
Summary: Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life. To accomplish our mission, Saint Mary’s School challenges each young woman to embrace the habits of an intellectual life, engages her with the past and the emerging future, and empowers her to serve and shape her world; fosters in each young woman a spirit of connection to others, guides her in developing her spiritual and ethical integrity, and prepares her to take responsibility for herself and her future.
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
---|---|---|---|
25th percentile | |||
75th percentile |
College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:
Notable Alumni
Betty Ray McCain ’50C
Class of 1950
Former North Carolina secretary of cultural resources and first female chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party
Marie Watters Colton ’41C
Class of 1941
First female speaker pro-tempore of the North Carolina General Assembly and international diplomat
Margaret Highsmith Dickson ’67HS
Class of 1967
A North Carolina state senator.
Margaret Rowell Good ’94HS
Class of 1994
Florida State House of Representatives.
Mary Dana Hinton ’88HS
Class of 1988
President of Hollins University and former president of the College of Saint Benedict, both women's colleges.
Eleanor Wilson McAdoo
Class of 1908
Daughter of President Woodrow Wilson, author, and head of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C.
Caro Bayley Bosca ’41C
Class of 1941
World War II WASP aviator and world record-holding champion pilot.
Margaret Jones Cruikshank
Class of 1896
First female president of Saint Mary's.
Nell Battle Lewis
Class of 1918
Author, journalist, attorney, suffragist, first female columnist for The News & Observer; and woman’s rights advocate.
Quotes From Alumni
Summer Programs
Summary: With everything from drama to tennis; from biology explorers to ballet and more; there's something for everyone this summer at Saint Mary's. Our goal is to make the summer a fun and enriching experience for children of all ages. Campers will grow in self-confidence and knowledge in an environment specifically designed for their age group. They'll meet other campers with similar interests and building lifelong friendships. Enjoy our historic, 23-acre, gated campus conveniently located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Choose from over 30 half-day, full-day, and residential programs for children in rising-kindergarten to 12th grade.
Department Director: Allison Leggett
2022 Day Camps, Week 1-5
Description: June 20-24 | June 27-July 1 | July 11-15 | July 18-22 | July 25-29 * American Doll & Etiquette Camp | Weeks 4 (July 18-22) and 5 (July 25-29): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grades 1-4 | $325 * Art Camp (Art) | Week 2 (June 27-July 1): 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Grades 1-4 | $325 * Art Camp (Art) | Week 4 (July 18-22): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grades 4-9 | $325 * Basketball (Sports) | Weeks 1 & 2 (June 20-24), (June 27-July 1): 9am-3pm | Grades 3-5 * CSI Saint Mary’s (STEM) | Week 1 (June 20-24) and Week 2 (June 27-July 1): 9 a.m-3 p.m.| Grades 5-8 | $325 * Lil’ Fashionistas (Arts) | Week 1 (June 20-24) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grades 4-7 | $325 * Saints Sports Camp (Sports) | Weeks 3-5 (July 11-15), (July 18-22), (July 25-29): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $295 * Tennis Academy for Beginners (Sports) | Weeks 1, 2 & 4 (June 20- 24), (June 27-July 1), (July 18-22): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.| Grades 2-6 | $325 * Volleyball (Sports) | Weeks 3 & 4 (July 11-15), (July 18-22): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grades 5-8 | $325 * Yoga and Wellness (Fitness) | Weeks 1 & 3 (June 20-24) (July 11-15) | 9am-3pm | Grades 3-8 | $325
Director: Allison Leggett
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2022-06-20
End Date: 2022-07-29
Tuition From:
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.sms.edu/our-programs/summer-saint-marys
Boarding:
Financial Aid Available: No
2022 Residential Camps
Description: * Miss Nancy’s Manners Camp (Enrichment) | Week 2 (June 26-30) Sun - Thurs | RESIDENTIAL | Grades 4-8 | $1,095 Miss Nancy always said, “True etiquette stems from a caring heart for all people. To include all, to welcome all, to love all is more important than how to fold napkins.” Honoring the lessons that were taught by Mrs. Nancy Rascoe for more than 25 years, Saint Mary's is hosting Miss Nancy's Manners Camps for young ladies at Saint Mary's School. Each day the girls will participate in tennis, swimming, canoeing and outdoor play, sprinkled with etiquette lessons, note writing skills, public speaking, flower arranging and a few new lessons on managing social media. Daily competition is a must, with sportsmanship as the goal. Miss Nancy said, “manners have to come from the heart, and the inward manners must match the outward manners.” The girls will learn Bible verses and quotes that relate to kindness and unselfishness as well as the basics of manners. They learn how to set and clear a table, serve one another, and dine formally. They will complete the week with a Graduation Tea for parents and grandparents, hosted and prepared by the girls. Girls will live in the dorms and have meals prepared for them each day in the Theo Coonrod, Head of School home on the beautiful 23-acre gated campus of Saint Mary’s School in downtown Raleigh. Items needed for camp will be sent upon registration. All meals and some snacks will be provided throughout the week.
Director: Allison Leggett
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2022-06-26
End Date: 2022-06-30
Tuition From:
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.sms.edu/our-programs/summer-saint-marys
Boarding:
Financial Aid Available: No
Merit
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 12%
Average Merit Scholarship: 12,019
Current Endowment Amount: $34,145
Vital Information
Student Body Type: All Girls
Total Boarding: 125
Total Day: 170
Total Enrollment: 295
Boys: 0
Girls: 295
Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12
Day Grades Offered: 9-12
School Type: High School
Dress Code: Casual
Applications Accepted: SAO
Application Deadline: Rolling
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $62,850
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $31,600
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 34%
Average Awarded: $33,810
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 12%
Average Merit Scholarship: $12,019
Current Endowment Amount: $34,145
Contact
Director of Admissions: Rebecca Harris
Admissions Phone: 919 424 4100
Fax: 919 424 4122
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sms.edu
Nearby Schools
- Chatham Hall - 83mi / 134 km
- Salem Academy - 91mi / 147 km
- Fork Union Military Academy - 139mi / 223 km
- Miller School Of Albemarle - 154mi / 248 km
- St. Anne’s-Belfield School - 156mi / 252 km
- Fishburne Military School - 159mi / 255 km








