St. Mark's School

St. Mark's School educates young people for lives of leadership and service.
Founded in 1865 as an intentionally small residential community, the School challenges its students to develop their particular analytic and creative capabilities by both inspiring their academic and spiritual curiosity and kindling their passion for discovery.
We value cooperation over self-interest, and we encourage all members of our community to explore their place in the larger world beyond our campus.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 371 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $67,590
  • Acceptance rate: 29%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Mark's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

Category
Attribute
School History
School Resources

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
371 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
24%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
St. Mark's School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
81%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced AB Calculus, Advanced Art History, Advanced BC Calculus, Advanced Biology, Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Environmental Science, Advanced European History, Advanced French Language and Culture, Advanced German Language and Culture, Advanced Latin Readings, Advanced Music Theory
Average Percentile SSAT
76%
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Classroom and chapel dress codes

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Day: $53,830
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$56,000
Acceptance Rate
29%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Anne E. Behnke
Admissions Associate
Elise Morgan
Endowment Size
$144 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
74 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Peer Tutors, Acolytes, Admission Prefects, Admission Tour Guides, After-School Tutoring (Community Service), Alumni/ae Ambassadors Program, Amnesty International, Animal Rights - PETA, Badminton Club, Black Student Union, Brantwood Camp (Community Service), Chinese Students Association, Christian Students - God Squad, Classics Club, Dance Team, Debate Club, Dining Hall Prefects, Electrical Vehicle Club, Fishing Club, French Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, German Club, Green Team - Environmental, Honor Council, House (Dorm) Prefects, International Club, Investment Club, Jewish Students - Jew Crew, Korean Student Association, La Voz Latina, Language Clubs, Lutheran Social Services Programs (Community Service), Marlborough Boys & Girls Club (Community Service), Math Institute, Micro-Lending Program (Community Service), Model UN, Modern Greek Club, Motion Picture Club, Muslim Club, Orientation Team, Orphanage Outreach (Community Service), Our Father's Table (Community Service), Outdoor Adventure Club, Peer Counselors, Peer Discussion Leaders, Ping Pong Club, Pizza & Politics, Religious & Cultural Clubs, Robotics (FIRST Team 3566), Say What! (improv group), SHADES, Ski & Snowboard Club, Spanish Club, St. Mark's Society (Community Service), Step Club, Student Activities Committee, Student Disciplinary Committee, Student Government, Technology Prefects, The LEO - Academic Journal, The Lion - Yearbook, The St. Marker - Newspaper, The Vindex - Magazine, Ultimate Frisbee Club, WSMR (Students' Radio Station), Yoga & Meditation Club, Young Democrat Club, Young Republican Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Actors Guild, Chamber Players, Choir, Jazz Band, Marksmen and Royal Blues (male and female a cappella groups), Photography Club

School Notes

  • Founded in 1865, St. Mark's School educates young people for lives of leadership and service, challenging students to take charge of their education, inspiring their academic and spiritual curiosity, and kindling their passion for discovery.
  • We have crafted an intentionally small community with the specific goal of encouraging close relationships between faculty and students that gives our students courage to stretch, to dream big, and think beyond themselves.Innovation and tradition are part of our educational DNA.
  • The "school under one roof" design of our main building, an outstanding academic program that combines traditional classroom techniques with experiential learning, a culture that stresses social justice and global perspective, and an athletic program designed to challenge both college-bound athletes and those seeking fitness alone, all come together to create a robust environment unique to St. Mark`s. Graduates leave St. Mark`s ready to live lives of consequence in the 21st century.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ben Bradlee - Former editor, The Washington Post
    • Tarah Donoghue - Former Deputy Press Secretary to Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States from May 2006 to August 2007; worked for former Vice President Dick Cheney
    • Thomas Kean - Former New Jersey governor; former chairman of the 9/11 Commission; former president of Drew University
    • Julie Kennedy - Founder and leader of AMERICA SCORES; President of the Mycelium Group
    • Suzanne P. King - US Olympic cross country skier, 1994 and 1998 Olympic games
    • Robert Lowell - Former sixth Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress; Pulitzer Prize recipient; National Book Award recipient; National Book Critics Circle Award recipient
    • Ashley Merriman - Premier Chef at Branzino in Seattle, WA; former contestant on Top Chef Season 6
    • Storey Musgrave - Astronaut
    • Georgia Chaffee Nassikas - Artist
    • Scott Young - Retired American professional ice hockey right winger; First round draft pick, 11th overall in 1986 by Hartford Whalers; played on the U.S. National Team; played on three Winter Olympic teams 1988, 1992, and 2002; won 2 Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1996
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Mark's School cost?
St. Mark's School's tuition is approximately $67,590 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Mark's School?
The acceptance rate of St. Mark's School is 29%, which is lower than the national average of 70%. St. Mark's School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from St. Mark's School?
St. Mark's School famous alumni include: Ben Bradlee, Tarah Donoghue, Thomas Kean, Julie Kennedy, Suzanne P. King, Robert Lowell, Ashley Merriman, Storey Musgrave, Georgia Chaffee Nassikas and Scott Young.
What sports does St. Mark's School offer?
St. Mark's School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis and Wrestling.
What is St. Mark's School's ranking?
St. Mark's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for St. Mark's School?
The application deadline for St. Mark's School is Jan. 15.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
When I attended, St. Mark's employed the best English teachers anywhere. We learned the art of writing. Ben Bradlee, who edited the Washington Post for decades, attended St. Mark's. All their lives, students remember the athletic program. When one attends school with someone, one remembers those classmates as long as one lives.
- Posted by
5  
St. Mark's does many things well: The school fosters and encourages an environment where diversity is embraced, students have voice and recognition, and relationships are strong. The generally positive atmosphere represents the student body, which is full of many different types of people. The many opportunities to pursue academic interests both inside and outside the school makes SM a great prep school. Lastly, the athletic teams value perseverance and hard work over winning, and the coaches are very skilled.
- Posted by

Endorse St. Mark's School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 371 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $67,590
  • Acceptance rate: 29%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Worcester County, MA is $18,106 for elementary schools and $35,125 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Worcester County, MA is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links