Saint Mary's School

900 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27603
www.sms.edu

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 309 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $34,275
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 4 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Saint Mary's School Photo #1 - Saint Mary's School, an all-girls, Episcopal, college preparatory, boarding and day high school located on a 23-acre, historic campus in the heart of Raleigh, N.C. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #2 - At Saint Mary's School, girls are challenged to BE BOLD, to BE INSPIRED, to BE PREPARED, and to BE EXTRAORDINARY. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #3 - Arts education at Saint Mary's School include studio art, dance, theatre, chorale and instrumental ensembles, and applied music studies. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #4 - Saint Mary's School athletics offers 11 sports including volleyball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, cross country, soccer, field hockey, softball, swimming, basketball, track and field. The school is a member of the Triangle Independent Schools Athletic Conference and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #5 - Located in downtown Raleigh, N.C., and in close proximity to the Research Triangle, Saint Mary's School students enjoy easy access to all this vibrant community has to offer. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #6 - Saint Mary's School has a rich Episcopal heritage that informs community values and inspires girls to act with honor and to respect the worth and dignity all. More at www.sms.edu.
Saint Mary's School Photo #7 - Saint Mary's has a 100% acceptance rate to selective colleges and universities around the world. The school's college counselors work closely with students and their families as they navigate the college admission process.
Saint Mary's School Photo #8 - College Decision Day offers a fun way to celebrate major milestones. The Class of 2021 was accepted into 158 colleges and universities and are attending 46 separate institutions in 19 states, D.C., and Scotland. Learn more about our College Counseling program at www.sms.edu.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 309 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $34,275
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 4 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Saint Mary's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Resources

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1842
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 21, 2027
Campus Size
23 acres
School Motto
Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life.

Student Body

Total Students
309 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 24%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
14 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
2-D Art and DesignAfrican American Studies
Art HistoryBiology
Calculus ABCalculus BC
Capstone - ResearchCapstone - Seminar
ChemistryComparative Government and Politics
Computer ScienceDrawing
English Language and CompositionEnglish Literature and Composition
Environmental ScienceFrench Language and Culture
Music TheoryPhysics
PsychologySpanish Language and Culture
Spanish Literature and CultureStatistics
United States Government and PoliticsUnited States History
World History: Modern

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Dec. 4 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Boarding Tuition: $66,500
% on Financial Aid
24%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$27,257
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 85%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Katie Bradbury Wellman
Application URL
Endowment Size
$46.8 million

Request Information

Step 1 of 2
Step 2 of 2

Sports

Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Colors
White, Light blue
School Mascot
Saints

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
40 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Animal WellnessAsian Student Union
Beacon - Senior Honorary Leadership ClubBlack Student Union
Bookmark ClubCurrent Events
Dance GroupDebate Club
Film ClubFOCUS
Grammer ClubGranddaughters Club
HOSA (Future Health Professionals)Improv Club
Learn and Teach EnglishLetters for the Better
LGBTQ AllianceMath Group
Math ModelingModel United Nations Club
Note in the PocketPsychology Club
Red Cross ClubRock the Street Wall Street
Saints for the CureScience Olympiad
Self Defense and WellnessService League Club
SMS Historical SoceityStudent Government Association
Supersonic Dance ClubSustainable Saints
The Belles (Student Newspaper)Trapshooting Club
Women in STEMYoung Democrats
Young RepublicansYouth and Government


Arts and Music Programs:
Echo - Senior Washtub Singing GroupLadies in Blue a capella group

School Notes

  • Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for girls in grades 9-12.
  • Founded in 1842, the historic, residential 23-acre campus is located in the heart of North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh, offering easy access to all the city has to offer as well as a safe, peaceful oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
  • At Saint Mary's, we are dedicated to empowering young women to become leaders in their chosen fields. Our unique approach blends rigorous academics, leadership training, and a commitment to personal growth.
  • We cultivate an environment where students can thrive, discover their voices, and prepare for the future with confidence.
  • As a boarding and day school, students learn and live beside girls from across the region, the state, the country, and the world as they explore new ideas, deepen their understanding, and grow as young women of intelligence, integrity, and purpose.
  • Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school that challenges girls in grades 9-12 to BE BOLD, BE INSPIRED, BE PREPARED, and BE EXTRAORDINARY.Established in 1842, the school is celebrating 185 years of academic excellence and personal achievement for girls.
  • Saint Mary`s was founded on the belief that an educated woman can make a difference. That`s why Saint Mary`s offers 25AP courses, two languages, 13sports, a renowned arts program, college counseling, leadership education, service learning, travel opportunities, and more. Dedicated faculty know each girl well and help guide her as she finds her voice, expands her understanding, and achieves more than she ever imagined.As a boarding and day school, Saint Mary`s students live and learn beside girls from around the state, the country and the world.
  • An integrated hands-on academic program challenges girls to embrace the habits of a lifelong learner critical thinking, communication, character and guides them in building a foundation for college and life. Leadership curriculum and real-life experiences empower girls to serve and shape their world with courage and purpose.Dozens of sports, clubs, music and arts studies, volunteer and real-world experiences mean girls can explore and discover new talents and passions. Saint Mary`s rich Episcopal heritage informs values and inspires girls to act with honor and to respect the worth and dignity all.
  • In addition, Saint Mary`s historic, 23-acre campus located in downtown Raleigh, and within close proximity to the Research Triangle, offers a uniquely vibrant 24/7 learning and living community that provides every girl with what she needs to learn, grow and thrive as she becomes a young woman of intelligence, integrity, and purpose.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Bevin Prince '00 - Actress, known for "One Tree Hill"
    • Alex Marshall-Brown '03 - Actress, stunt woman
    • Sara Rose Nordgren '00 - Writer, Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize-winner
    • Anne Russell '43 - Broadway star, "Hello, Dolly!"
    • Betty Ray McCain '50 - First female to lead the NC Democratic Party
    • Mary Dana Hinton '88 - Hollins University President
    • Betty Debnam Hunt '49 - Founder and creator of the Mini Pages
    • Cara Bayley Bosca '41 - Women’s Airforce Service Pilot, WWII
    • Raven McDonald '96 - Women's professional soccer player, New York Power
    • Marjorie Buckley Bryant '60 - Founder, NC Outward Bound
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint Mary's School cost?
Saint Mary's School's tuition is approximately $34,275 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Mary's School?
The acceptance rate of Saint Mary's School is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.
Who are famous alumni from Saint Mary's School?
Saint Mary's School famous alumni include: Bevin Prince '00, Alex Marshall-Brown '03, Sara Rose Nordgren '00, Anne Russell '43, Betty Ray McCain '50, Mary Dana Hinton '88, Betty Debnam Hunt '49, Cara Bayley Bosca '41, Raven McDonald '96 and Marjorie Buckley Bryant '60.
What sports does Saint Mary's School offer?
Saint Mary's School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Saint Mary's School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.
What is Saint Mary's School's ranking?
Saint Mary's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Saint Mary's School?
The application deadline for Saint Mary's School is Dec. 4 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 4 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Saint Mary's School located?
Saint Mary's School is located in the Forest Park neighborhood of Raleigh, NC.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
What an amazing school experience for my twin daughters and our family! In addition to helping our girls academically succeed and be prepared for college, the school also centers core teaching and learning on developing social skills, nurturing their spiritual life, and provided numerous leadership opportunities. When they graduated, both were accepted to MULTIPLE colleges and universities, and they are better prepared than others in their peer group who did not go to an all-girls' school. We watched as our girls discovered who they wanted to become as individuals, as school leaders, and how core competencies they developed will be used in college and later in their professional careers. Our daughters were boarding students who had the "full" Saint Mary's experience; they felt safe and nurtured as part of a campus community. We are thrilled with the result. We highly recommend Saint Mary's School! #GoSaints!
- Posted by
5  
My daughter graduated from SMS with honors. My wife and I chose SMS to give her an empowering all-girls experience and she received that and more. She was a day student and enrolled as a sophomore later in the academic year. Not only did the faculty and staff make her feel welcome, but the students were also so welcoming and supportive that it blew our minds. She was partnered with a "sister Saint" who helped her navigate those first weeks, and soon she was joining clubs and organizations. In her junior year, she joined several extracurricular opportunities (theatre, dance) and thrived. She took on leadership positions and then tried seasonal boarding during the time frame she was part of the theatre cast for a performance in the spring. It helped her balance her academic load, which is challenging, with her need for social and personal growth. We can honestly say that Saint Mary's was the best thing that happened for our daughter and we watched her blossom. She's now a sophomore in college, had absolutely no issues transitioning, and has found the academic rigor on par with her high school, as they prepared her for college just as they said they would. She's outgoing, fun-loving, dedicated, and smart, and we are proud of the work she did at SMS and is now in her college today. We recommend Saint Mary's to everyone in our church and at work if they have daughters around 7th or 8th grade and tell them to go look and then send them for high school. They will never regret the investment. We are so glad we invested in our daughter's future. Thank you, Saint Mary's School!
- Posted by

Endorse Saint Mary'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 Tuition Insurance: Is It Worth Buying?
Private School Tuition Insurance: Is It Worth Buying?
Is private school tuition insurance worth buying? Learn what policies cover, compare costs and exclusions, and decide whether protecting your tuition investment makes financial sense for your family.
Medical Leave and Private School Tuition: Parent Guide
Medical Leave and Private School Tuition: Parent Guide
What happens to private school tuition during medical leave? Learn about refunds, tuition insurance, enrollment contracts, financial aid, and protecting your child's education while managing unexpected medical expenses and recovery.
Private School Commute: Is the Travel Time Worth It?
Private School Commute: Is the Travel Time Worth It?
Is the commute to private school worth it? Learn how to calculate travel time, protect family routines, assess student well-being, and decide whether a longer journey makes educational sense.