St. Mary's School

At St. Mary's School, we teach students to ask "what" and "why" in a way that demonstrates that they're an essential part of the answer to "how." That's compassion and critical thinking in action, and it's something we hope you'll come to see for yourself.
To arrange a St. Mary's School tour or for additional information, please contact the Admission Office at 949.448.9027 or email us at admissions@smaa.org.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 702 students
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1994
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
702 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
St. Mary's School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
120 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform Required

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 10 / rolling
Tuition Notes
$10,370 – $23,300 Early Education $10,370 -$19,400 Lower School $22,400 Middle School $23,140 Lunch is included
Summer Program Cost Notes
Price varies by each class registered.
% on Financial Aid
15%
Admissions Director
Abeni Bias
Admissions Associate
Anne Marie Valum

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
36 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Advisory, After School Enrichment, Animation, Arts & Crafts, Ceramics, Chess, Coding, cooking, Extended Care, Fine Arts, Gardening, International Exchange, leadership, Robotics, Science, Service Learning, Speech and Debate, Summer Camps

Club or Organization:
ASB, Field Studies, Karate Class, Lego, Math Club, Mock Trials, Model United Nations (MUN), Rocketry

Arts and Music Programs:
Drawing, Field Studies, Guitar, Orchestra, Painting, Theater, Visual Arts

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Golf, Inline Hockey, Sports Program

School Notes

  • Children can make an impact on the world right now. That's what St. Mary's School is all about. We teach students to ask "what" and "why," demonstrating that they are an essential piece of the answer to "how." Because when students are guided by compassion and critical thinking, they take responsibility for the world without hesitation.
  • St. Mary's offers the only accredited Preschool through Grade 8 International Baccalaureate Programme in Orange County. This curriculum integrates themes of global significance, challenging students to tap their creativity to solve problems both large and small. More importantly, teaching the power of inquiry and reflection to young minds builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Applying a curriculum free to change alongside the world, the International Baccalaureate Programme prepares St. Mary's School students to thrive across an increasingly connected globe.
  • St. Mary's School's academics, curricula, and environment prepares students to believe in themselves, trust their ideas, and achieve.
  • But experience, confidence, and skill aren't enough. Critical thinking depends on a solid base of values and vice versa.
  • Every day, students encounter complex situations that require them to test the truth of the information in front of them. What's more, they have to do this compassionately, with respect for the diverse perspectives of their peers. This is no easy feat, but it's essential.
  • Inquiry without love is as much of a dead-end as compassion without intelligence. That's why, at St. Mary's School, we foster academic excellence and empathy in tandem. Regardless of background, we help students invest in their own drive to make a difference.
  • A snapshot of St. Mary's School from any angle, on any day, captures the school's unique blend of visible engagement, compassionate inclusion, and genuine delight. From preschool age on, we teach students to say, "I can."
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

Does St. Mary's School offer a summer program?
Yes, St. Mary's School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does St. Mary's School offer?
St. Mary's School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. Mary's School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is St. Mary's School's ranking?
St. Mary's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary's School?
The application deadline for St. Mary's School is Dec. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
This is school is a wonderful place to send your child for a private education. The teachers are so kind and really pay attention to the students needs. St. Mary's is truly home.
- Posted by
5  
St Marys has been our "home" for the past 17 years!! Both my boys started attending when they were 2 years old. This being our last year (my youngest is in 8th grade) I wanted to write a review of our wonderful school so other families can benefit from this great institution. My children were surrounded by a caring community! The IB program is phenomenal. Teaching children to be global citizens, with the IB profiles. IB learners learn to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced & reflective. The transition into high school for my oldest was seamless. He has thrived & will be graduating high school this year. I cant say enough wonderful things about St Marys. It would be wonderful if any family could provide such an education for their student!!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 702 students
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Orange County, CA is $11,040 for elementary schools and $16,459 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Orange County, CA is 90% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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