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 (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 702 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,000
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- 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
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Resources
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
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars
Student Body
Total Students
702 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students 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
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform Required
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,000
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%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Abeni Bias
Admissions Associate
Anne Marie Valum
Application URL
Endowment Size
$50 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
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
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."
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Doe, Nobel Laureate, 1990 -
- Jane Smith, Award-winning Author, 1995 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Mary's School cost?
St. Mary's School's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Mary's School?
The acceptance rate of St. Mary's School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. St. Mary's School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from St. Mary's School?
St. Mary's School famous alumni include: John Doe, Nobel Laureate, 1990 and Jane Smith, Award-winning Author, 1995.
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: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Largest endowments.
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 ).
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The nearest high school to St. Mary's School is The Discovery Preparatory School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Vandamme Academy (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Mission Lutheran School (1.5 miles away)
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School Reviews
5 3/9/2018
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.
5 11/9/2017
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!!
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