Since 1847 St. Mary’s is the oldest independent school in Tennessee, and for over 170 years we have provided girls in Memphis with the finest education possible. Our story includes some of the earliest female leaders in Memphis, the (Episcopal) Sisters of St. Mary, who at their own peril cared for the Memphis community during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. Their legacy of service and commitment to principles continues to inspire generations of St. Mary’s girls to grow into young women of integrity, compassion, and confidence. Pictured: Class of 1923
You Belong at St. Mary's We are a community of individuals from different neighborhoods, ethnic backgrounds, and faiths who respect one another’s differences and honor our shared values. Our students are creative, collaborative, motivated, empathetic, and inspiring. We enjoy relationships based on trust, encourage each other through challenges, and take joy in one another’s accomplishments. Pictured: Class of 2019
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Every teacher, every lesson, and every resource is dedicated to how girls learn best. We know that girls develop verbal skills earlier than boys do, resulting in a propensity for reading and language. We also champion the educational needs of girls in STEM majors and careers. Research shows that girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools (Goodman Research Group).
Each girl becomes accustomed to speaking up and, more importantly, to being heard. In an all-girls setting, students feel comfortable articulating their thoughts and beliefs, and faculty and administrators make it clear that what students say is heard, considered, and valued.
Girls respond to failure differently than boys. St. Mary’s provides a supportive, nurturing environment where girls can take healthy risks and explore the boundaries of what is possible.
Each girl is encouraged to recognize her own talents and strengths so that she may pursue her interests, discover new opportunities, and reach her individual potential. Whatever her interests, she can be herself here and take advantage of all St. Mary’s has to offer.
Our girls are in charge in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in the community. They develop tenacity and resilience that enable them to take leadership positions in colleges and universities and beyond.
Episcopal schools are known for academic excellence as well as for their inclusive approach to education. Our commitment to respect all faiths means that each girl is valued as a child of God and is encouraged to grow and live into the richness of her personal spiritual heritage.
EARLY CHILDHOOD & LOWER SCHOOL CHAPEL One of the visible markers of our Episcopal identity is Chapel. Girls in Early Childhood and Lower School attend Chapel once a week and participate in our ongoing character education program fondly known as “The Bridge to Caring.”
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CHARACTER TRAITS THAT MAKE UP THE BRIDGE TO CARING
Respect Responsibility Thankfulness Kindness
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Self-control Honesty Courage Cooperation
Words of Wisdom from
“We have to understand that every second of every single day, we are witnesses to the extraordinary. Taking the time to see the beauty in the ordinary will give you the power to inspire and provide hope.” – Madiha S. “I realized the power of humanity lies within our intentional connection to others. When we reach out to fellow individuals, even those we consider to be strangers, we find answers, safety, connection, and comfort.” – Lindsey F.
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL Girls in Middle and Upper Schools attend Chapel every day. In the midst of busy schedules, Chapel gives students, faculty, and guests an opportunity to pause and come together to sing, pray, and reflect. In addition to listening to lessons from religious and civic leaders, alumnae, faculty, and staff, each senior prepares a talk for her peers. “Senior Speeches” are among the favorite moments in Chapel as younger girls are inspired by older students. Almighty God, Fountain of all wisdom, be with us, we pray thee, in our work today. Endue all the teachers with a sense of their responsiblity, and with grace and strength for its fulfillment. Keep the students in health of mind and soul and body; make them diligent in study, guard their inexperience, and save them through all temptations. Bless the patrons and alumnae of this school, and enable us all, more and more each day, to advance in that knowledge which is eternal life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— The St. Mary's School Prayer
“There’s a reason the rear view mirror is so small and the windshield is so big. Where you’re headed is much more important than what you’ve left behind. It is important to look at your past and check your blind spots before you switch to the different lanes of life, learning and growing from your mistakes.” – Taylor G. “Remember when you are all doctors or CEOs, your hard work is what got you where you are, and that is worth more than anything you are born with.” – Langston M. "Making mistakes makes memories, it makes an identity, because as you feel all of these things you discover who you are in response.” – Emmaline R.
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THEY COME AND THEY STAY
St. Mary’s attracts the very best teachers who are committed to inspiring girls to be lifelong learners who think critically, creatively, and independently. Once they are here, our teachers tend to stay. On average, our teachers have 19 years of teaching experience.
THEY ARE LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
St. Mary’s teachers and administrators have been selected to serve in leadership roles for a variety of national organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Advisory Council, and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.
THEY KNOW GIRLS
St. Mary’s teachers are experienced at teaching in an all-girls environment. They use the latest strategies and research to engage girls and prepare them for the world that they will lead. St. Mary’s is committed to the growth of our teachers, and provides generous funds for professional development. New faculty members complete professional development training focused on the best methods for teaching girls. In addition, our teachers attend numerous local and national conferences and workshops in which they share their expertise with others and learn best practices in the field of girls’ education.
THEY PRACTICE THEIR CRAFT
Our teachers are published authors, artists, musicians, actors, and historians. They have enthusiasm for the subjects they teach and continue to hone their skills and develop professionally. Regardless of the subject area, they bring a tradition of excellence and dedication to their work every day.
72%
OF FACULTY HAVE GRADUATE DEGREES
19
YEARS AVERAGE TEACHING EXPERIENCE
9:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
You hear it all the time. Magic happens at St. Mary's. That magic comes from the combination of a dedicated faculty, an innovative teaching environment, and a foundational philosophy that the most important classroom tool is a personal connection between teacher and student. In addition to getting to know each girl, how she learns, and what motivates her to excel, our teaching staff collaborates to ensure a personalized learning experience for every student.
“St. Mary’s teachers make you feel so welcomed and cared for. They are always there willing to help, and they truly desire to see you succeed. The moment you step into the classroom, you can instantly recognize their passion for their subject and job. Whether you need to stay after class to ask another question or just chat about the day, they are always there to listen and help. They truly are so understanding, compassionate, interested, and supportive.� - Ruth C., 11th grade
St. Mary's Place − Senior Kindergarten In the Marlene R. Shaw Early Childhood Center, each day is a new adventure full of wonder and discovery. Our youngest St. Mary’s girls start their journeys in an environment that is steeped in language and filled with a spirit of independence and inquiry. A rocking chair is tucked into every Early Childhood classroom at St. Mary’s and is a symbol of the love and security each young girl will experience as she begins her transition from home to school.
Quick Facts 1
St. Mary’s Place: 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options including mornings and full days. (2 years old by June 1)
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Pre-Kindergarten: 3-day and 5-day options including mornings and full days
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Junior Kindergarten: 5 mornings with option to add any number of full days. SK: 5 full days
4 Noon Specialty Classes Available
for Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten
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Early drop-off and after care available
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Spanish, Art, Library, Creative Movement, P.E., Science, Robotics, Religion, and Music
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4 DID YOU KNOW? 80% of brain development happens by age 5. Research has shown the importance of early childhood learning experiences and its impact on later learning, behavior and health.
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THEY ARE LIFERS. Most of our graduating seniors enter St. Mary’s in Early Childhood - the best foundation for our robust Lower, Middle, and Upper School programs. OUR FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE. Your daughter may join us for mornings, full days, or a combination of both, from as few as 2-mornings per week in St. Mary’s Place to 5-full days. Our After3 program, available until 6:00 p.m., offers an array of enrichment activities and care. WE JUMPSTART LANGUAGE. Research shows that girls are six months ahead of boys in beginning language development. Our students are introduced to phonological awareness and literacy skills, as well as early math concepts. Language and literature are at the center of all we do. MATH AND SCIENCE ARE FOR GIRLS. Our curriculum introduces the thrill of discovery in science, engineering, coding, math, and robotics. Here, girls know they can excel in these subjects. IT’S CUSTOM TAILORED. Two experienced lead teachers guide every classroom, with additional support from an Early Childhood Learning Specialist, a team of special subject teachers, a counselor, and a school nurse, enabling us to customize our support and enrichment to each student. “I’VE GOT THIS.” This phrase, commonly heard from our Early Childhood girls, indicates the confidence and competence she carries with her wherever she goes.
Grades 1−5 In Lower School, specialist teachers collaborate with our talented, loving classroom teachers to create a dynamic environment designed to engage and ignite young girls’ minds. The hands-on curriculum teaches students invaluable lessons about problem-solving, tenacity, creativity, and cooperation. Our goal is to help each girl become a capable, confident, and caring child and a lifelong learner.
5 1ST GRADE ∙ CLASS DAY Ballet is introduced in first grade and continues through Lower School. Not only is dance an excellent physical conditioning activity, it also builds focus and self-discipline, fosters teamwork, and encourages the expression of emotion. A favorite tradition in Lower School is each grade’s end-of-year Class Day program where girls show off their ballet, music, and art skills for their parents and special friends.
2ND GRADE ∙ LET'S GO FLY A KITE! The entire second grade participates in a multidisciplinary project focused on aeronautics. Girls learn about the dynamics of flight in science, conduct research on flying insects in the library, and then utilize math, engineering, and design techniques as they measure and construct kites in our Makerspace. In art, they paint the insect on the sail of their kite, and the project culminates with students, faculty, and families flying the colorful kites at Shelby Farms Park.
3RD GRADE ∙ ATHLETICS There is nothing like putting on a St. Mary’s jersey and being part of a team. Beginning in 3rd grade, girls may participate in Cross Country (fall), Swimming (winter), and Lacrosse (spring). Lower School sports create opportunities for students to learn the fundamentals of their sport, develop teamwork, and build school spirit.
4TH GRADE ∙ ROBOTICS Our girls begin learning about coding and robotics in Early Childhood, so by 4th grade, many participate in our after school VEX IQ Robotics program for students who are interested in competing at the local and state level. In 2019, only 18 teams in Tennessee were selected to compete at the State Competition, and St. Mary’s fielded six of those teams.
5TH GRADE ∙ LIBROS EN ESPAÑOL Spanish instruction begins in Early Childhood, and by the end of Lower School, girls are able to speak and write in complete sentences and compose stories in Spanish. Each year, our 5th graders write and illustrate original stories that are bound into books for the young Spanish-speaking patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Grades 6-8 Middle School is a time of transformation. A dedicated faculty - who know both the ins and outs of their subject matter, as well as the ups and downs of a girl’s life during these critical years - challenges students to develop the reading, writing, and thinking skills they need for Upper School, college, and life.
ORGANIZATION
CREATIVITY
Study skills, time management, mind mapping, and growing independence are all an intentional part of the curriculum, helping St. Mary’s girls become well prepared for Upper School.
Many people view creativity as an innate gift. We know that creativity can be learned. From writing, painting, filmmaking, and sculpture, to music, dancing, and acting, girls use the creative process to explore, master skills and concepts, and provide peer feedback. Our 8th grade Ensemble program gives students ample time to explore in depth each discipline and deepen their mastery in artistic endeavors.
SELF ADVOCACY Girls begin to develop self-advocacy skills by knowing how and when to speak up and ask teachers for additional guidance and assistance. Teachers strive to find just the right balance between providing adult guidance and enabling girls to seek their own independent solutions.
COMMUNICATION One of the hallmarks of a St. Mary’s education is the emphasis on written and spoken communication. English grammar, writing, and literature are three separate classes in the 6th and 7th grades. With such a rich foundation in the English language, girls hone their writing and communication skills in preparation for Upper School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIPS Huntsville, AL (6th grade) Camp McDowell (7th grade) Washington, D.C. (8th grade)
INDEPENDENCE Middle School is the perfect age to learn not only about civil discourse, but also how to discuss issues intellectually. Supported by research, our girls explore, develop, and learn to embrace challenge. This results in their ability to both defend their position and understand someone else’s perspective.
WORLD LANGUAGES French Spanish Latin
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CITIZENSHIP Service Learning offers St. Mary’s girls an opportunity for a long-term service experience tutoring and mentoring at our service learning partner, Binghampton Christian Academy. At a time of rapid change in an adolescent girl’s life, our 7th graders begin to see beyond themselves to learn to serve others, and to understand their place in the world.
Speech Team Model UN Youth in Government Robotics 8th Grade Leadership Team Spanish Club 16 Middle School Athletic Teams
Grades 9-12 In Upper School, students are immersed in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that extends beyond the classroom to provide real-life experiences. From the performance stage to community outreach, from the athletic field to Chapel, St. Mary’s girls learn to collaborate, inspire others, and achieve their goals. Athletic, artistic, musical, and community-service opportunities ensure these years are exciting and memorable.
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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
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STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
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HONOR SOCIETIES
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ATHLETIC TEAMS
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COURSE OFFERINGS
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WE TRUST EACH OTHER.
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“Because of the Honor Code, students at St. Mary’s are surrounded by a community of trust. They trust their classmates with their work and their belongings. The teachers have faith that the work they receive is honest. The trust between classmates and between students and teachers allows deeper bonds to form, creating a richer culture at St. Mary’s.”
“I really don’t miss having boys at school. There’s no pressure to act a certain way, and this allows the school environment to be more relaxed. It is easier to ask questions, express ideas, and develop confidence. There’s plenty of time to hang out with boys at other times like after school, football games, or on the weekend.”
— Ginny B.
— Ella T.
OUR TEACHERS ARE LIKE FAMILY.
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“They truly care...and not just about your grades but about YOU and your well-being. They want you to learn and succeed. Help is always there, so reach out when you have those questions. Feel free to start a conversation and get to know them. Believe it or not, they are pretty cool people!!!” — Chloe W.
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WE DON’T MISS BOYS AT SCHOOL.
WE TRAVEL TO LEARN. “This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in Alicante, Spain. Much of what we experienced flamenco, festivals, and other aspects of Spanish culture - were things I had seen mostly through the lens of American media. It took a little bit of culture shock and a lot of openness to learn that Spanish culture, though much different than what I expected, is even more vibrant and rich than its portrayal in the media.” — Kate S.
SCHOOL EXTENDS INTO THE REAL WORLD. “My Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) experience not only provided me an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of the research process but also allowed me to study environmental science and public health on a level that I would probably have not seen until college.” — Riya V.
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WE SERVE OUR GREATER COMMUNITY. “Through being a part of the St. Mary’s Community Fund, I have learned more about the grants process and what philanthropy looks like in a smaller setting. The Community Fund has also helped to broaden my horizons on the volunteer organizations in our city, and what they do everyday for our community.” — Margaret S.
In 2019-2020, St. Mary’s offered six travel opportunities including Texas College Tour, Fall Break to Crystal Bridges, French Immersion Trip in France, Spanish Immersion in Spain, Service Plunge 101, and Environments of the American Southwest. Our Honors Independent Research Study offers students an opportunity to conduct a high-level research project with a community partner to give girls real world experience. St. Mary’s girls give back through the St. Mary’s Community Fund, a studentrun organization that raises money, makes grants, supplies volunteers to local children’s organizations, and teaches social responsibility. Since its founding in 1998, St. Mary’s students have had opportunities to learn firsthand the art of philanthropy and fundraising, granting a total of more than $500,000 to 40 local agencies. Our students participate in volunteer efforts, not because it is required, but because they believe it is their responsibility.
57 girls from the Class of 2019 were accepted to 115 colleges and
universities in the U.S. and abroad. They matriculated to 39 institutions in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
The Class of 2019 earned over $14 million in merit awards, including a University of Southern California Presidential Scholarship, a Questbridge Scholarship at Vanderbilt University, a University of Miami Singer Scholarship, a McNair Scholarship at the University of South Carolina, and a Day Scholarship at Rhodes College.
22% of the class was
recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program including 5 National Merit Finalists and 9 National Merit Commended students.
30.1 was the average ACT for the Class of 2019, with more than 75% of the class scoring 29 or above.
4 graduates are continuing their athletic careers in
college. One swims for Centre College (D3) and one for Rollins College (D2). One is a gymnast at Centenary College in Louisiana (D3) and another plays golf at the University of Illinois at Chicago (D1).Â
9 artists are pursuing degrees in
architecture, filmmaking, theater performance and management, graphic design, film and digital media, arts management, dance, and musical theatre.
Leigh Rawdon ’91
Rabbi Rachel Bearman ‘04 Temple B’Nai Chaim
CEO and Co-Founder of Tea Collection, a beloved brand of children’s clothing.
"At St. Mary's, I didn't learn what I wanted to be; rather, I felt encouraged to explore all the things I could be. St. Mary's has been my launchpad to try anything author events in Memphis schools, international relations in Washington, D.C., Environment, Health, and Safety at Tesla, and now battery research in Europe. For me, all roads lead to St. Mary's, and I'm thankful for the people and experiences that made the corner of Walnut Grove and Perkins home."
The experiences, skills, and support network that I found during my time at St. Mary’s have been important to me in my career, and they have shaped my ability to contribute to projects, tackle each new challenge, and seek out new academic and workplace challenges, knowing that I have many unique tools that I can bring to bear.
Bhavya Jha '13
Ginny Waller Zanca ’76 Commissioner of the USGA Women’s Committee
Erin Fowler ’07 Aerospace Engineer Naval Center for Space Technology
Lee McGeorge Durrell ’67 An American naturalist, author, zookeeper and television presenter, best known for her work as the Honorary Director of the Jersey Zoological Park- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in the British Channel Island of Jersey
Marinda Anderson ’01 Actress on stage, television and film.
“While the academics at St. Mary’s are superior, most of what I learned at St. Mary’s was outside of a textbook. The teamwork, objectivity, fairness, compassion, and honesty are attributes that are critical to my role at Legacy Wealth Management and have served me well both in business and personally. My St. Mary’s friends are some of my closest friends today. I would not trade my experience at St. Mary’s for anything.” Hallie Peyton ‘82 Director of Client Services at Legacy Wealth Management, Inc.
Emilie Johnson ‘97 Associate Curator Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Monticello
Dr. Brittany Blockman ’99 Integrative pediatrician, researcher, and educator at the University of California (UCSF) Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and founder and director of Communitas Health.
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In 2018-2019 the Upper School had 17 All-Regional Athletes
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The Middle School has won 21 Shelby League Championships or Runner-Up Championships over the past 3 years.
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Fencing, 2019 State Champions
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Varsity Lacrosse, 2019 Region Champions
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Trap, 2019 District Champions
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2 students named Commercial Appeal Athletes of the Year 2018-2019
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14 current NCAA college athletes
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U.S. Lacrosse recognized one All-American and one Academic All-American in 2019.
LOWER SCHOOL 6 teams fielded in lacrosse, swimming, and cross country for 3rd through 5th grades. MIDDLE SCHOOL 16 teams fielded in soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, and fencing. UPPER SCHOOL 18 teams fielded in soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, fencing, and bowling.
Approximately 75% of Middle and Upper School students participate in at least one athletic sport and 50% participate in two or more.
Fine Arts, Music, Theater Creativity and expression are an essential part of the St. Mary's experience. From writing, painting, filmmaking, and sculpture, to music, dancing, and acting, girls use the creative process to explore and master skills and concepts, and provide peer feedback to achieve excellence. We make sure all of our girls have ample opportunities to engage in the arts, especially the performing arts. Whether new to the stage or a veteran actress, all students have a role in making memorable theater productions. ART OFFERINGS
From Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, art is offered as a special subject. Our 8th grade Ensemble program includes filmmaking, studio art, theater, and dance. In Early Childhood and Lower School, Creative Movement and Ballet are special subjects. BUCKMAN PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS CENTER
The on-campus Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center offers creative programming that features a rich variety of internationally renowned artists, dancers, and musicians. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Louise T. Archer Artist-in-Residence program brings an artist to campus each year to work with students of all ages.
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MUSIC PARTICIPATION 100% of Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School students participate in our music program.
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THEATER PRODUCTIONS St. Mary's offers four productions including one in Lower School, one in Middle School, and two in Upper School.
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ART AND MUSIC COURSE OFFERINGS IN UPPER SCHOOL Studio Art I & II Photography I & II Portfolio Prep I & II AP Music Theory Chamber Ensemble Concert Choir Wind Ensemble Beginning Guitar Performance Arts Acting Art History (Honors & AP) Music History Humanities I & II Harlem Renaissance
AFTER3 Our After3 program is available for St. Mary's girls from St. Mary's Place (2 years) through 12th grade until 6:00 p.m. each regularly scheduled school day. Students engage in activities such as indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, reading, and more. Lower School and Middle School students have designated homework time in a supervised, structured environment. The program’s customizable, flexible schedule allows students to attend any day or every day of each week.
SUMMER Summer at St. Mary's runs for 10 weeks and is open to boys and girls and the greater Memphis community. Summer offerings include camps, workshops, and clinics for every age, Pre-Kindergarten through College Prep.
NATHANIEL C. HUGHES The Nathaniel C. Hughes Learning Center offers year-round academic support programs for St. Mary's students and the Memphis community.
Fun Specialty Classes Offered 1
MUSICAL THEATER
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GIRLS WHO CODE AND CREATE
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CHESS
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PRIVATE PIANO, VIOLIN, GUITAR AND VOICE LESSONS
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KNITTING
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YOGA
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INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY
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STUDY SKILLS
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BALLET
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GYMNASTICS
Everywhere you look at St. Mary’s, you see hints of our traditions, some of which started with our founding in 1847. From the warm welcome new girls receive, to the splendor of the Christmas Pageant, to the traditional Springfest when the student body elects its own Queen and Princess, our celebrations connect generations of St. Mary’s girls.
Derby Day
Christmas Pageant
Family Fun Day
Halloween Bazaar
Birthday Pencils
Alumnae Weekend
SpringFest
Grandparents Day
JK Mother/Daughter Tea Party
Field Day
Black Friday
Graduation
The mission of St. Mary’s Episcopal School is to provide a superior educational experience for girls which will encourage and enable each student to reach her individual potential.
COME SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT MAKES ST. MARY’S SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE. Take a tour of our campus, speak with our teachers and staff, see our girls in action. Please call us anytime at 901-537-1405 to schedule your visit. Nicole Hernandez Director of Admission and Financial Aid nhernandez@stmarysschool.org Kristen Hill Assistant Director of Admission, Early Childhood and Lower School khill@stmarysschool.org Christy Barzizza Yarbro Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School cyarbro@stmarysschool.org
STMARYSSCHOOL.ORG
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60 PERKINS EXTENDED, MEMPHIS TN 38117
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(901) 537-1472
@ST.MARYSEPISCOPALSCHOOL
@STMARYSEPISCOPALSCHOOL
@STMARYSMEMPHIS
ST. MARY'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL