Saint Mary's School (2026 Profile)

5.00 (1 review)

Tel: (919) 424-4100

900 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

www.sms.edu

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Saint Mary's School Photo #1 - At Saint Mary's School, girls take center stage. We know girls and we know the all-girl learning environment at Saint Mary's School inspires girls to step outside their comfort zone, engage their minds, amplify their voices, and discover who they are and who they want to become!

Saint Mary's School Photo #2 - Saint Mary's School offers a historic, 23-acre campus in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, and is only minutes from the renowned Research Triangle. Its unique location provides a vibrant 24/7 campus with unlimited opportunities for learning both on and off campus.

Saint Mary's School Photo #9 - BE EXTRAORDINARY! At Saint Mary's, we prepare girls for college and life. We have 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. We also prepare our girls with competencies for careers not yet even thought of!

Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school that challenged girls in grades 9-12 to BE BOLD, to BE PREPARED, to BE INSPIRED, and to BECOME EXTRAORDINARY.

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. With a mission to prepare girls for college and life, Saint Mary`s immerses girls in a dynamic learning environment offering both hands-on classroom learning and opportunities for real-world experiences.

Focused on developing key competencies like critical thinking, collaboration, cross-cultural intelligence, and new media literacy, Saint Mary`s offers AP courses, innovative electives, a unique seminar program, college counseling, a rich arts program, 11 sports, and a thriving urban location.

In keeping with our Episcopal tradition, the Saint Mary's School community respects the worth and dignity of every person. 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 offers four merit-based scholarships each year, including a $15,000 Capital Scholarship (awarded annually) AND a "full-ride" Honors Scholarship for boarding students. To learn more, visit our website.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 315 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $66,500
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $34,275
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 13 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Saint Mary's School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

Saint Mary's School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12

School Type

All-girls

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Supports Learning Differences (LD)

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Episcopal

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1842

1909

Campus Size

23 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Empowering Young Women

Student Body

Enrollment

315 students

300 students

% Students of Color

11%

25%

% International Students

20%

% Students Boarding

46%

70%

Average SAT Score

1241
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

SAT range (25th-75th percentile)

1020 - 1310

Average ACT score

25
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Average Class Size

13 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

80%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Courses

2-D Art and DesignBiology

Calculus ABCalculus BC

ChemistryComparative Government and Politics

Computer ScienceDrawing

English: LanguageEnglish: Literature

Environmental ScienceFrench Language and Culture

Multivariable CalculusPhysics

Psychology Spanish Language and Culture

Spanish LiteratureStatistics

United States Government and PoliticsUnited States History

World History

Show More (5)Hide

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size

$34.2 million

$25 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$66,500
(Seasonal Boarding offered: $8,250)

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$34,275
(The tuition cost at Saint Mary's School is an annual, comprehensive tuition. Annual tuition includes a personal computer, textbooks, meals in school dining hall for all students, Binder Health Center, fitness room, free admission to school’s performing arts and athletic events including world-class Smedes Parlor Concert series. It does NOT include: optional off-campus activities, various weekend activities, athletic equipment, special services such as private instruction in music, outside tutoring, or transportation for personal off-campus appointments.)

$33,500

% Students on Financial Aid

34%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$34,715
(Avg. Need-based Aid to Boarder)

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Admissions

Application Deadline

Jan. 30 / rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

SSAT Required

Yes

Acceptance Rate

85%

58%

Director of Admissions

Katie Bradbury Wellman

Associate Director of Admissions

Mary E. Mills

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Sports

BasketballCross Country

Field HockeyGolf

LacrosseSoccer

SoftballSwimming

TennisTrack and Field

Volleyball

Colors

White, Light blue

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:

Admission AmbassadorsAnimal Rights Club

Babysitting ClubBeacon - Senior Honorary Leadership Club

Black Student UnionBookmark Club

Cooking Club/Sweet TreetsDebate Club

Development AmbassadorsEcho - Senior Washtub Singing Group

Equity ClubFashion Club

Film ClubFine Arts in Business

FOCUSFolding For Fun

French Culture ClubGranddaughter's Club

HOLA/LatinX ClubHopeful Thinking

Human Rights AllianceHype Squad

International Thespian SocietyK-Pop

Knitting ClubLadies in Blue

Latin ClubLGBTQ

Mathemagicians ClubModel United Nations

Mu CaptainsMusic Composition Club

Music ShareNational Honor Society

One Love ClubPhotography Club

Psychology ClubQuill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists

Robotics ClubSaints Who Code

Science OlympiadShop1842

Sigma CaptainsSki Club

SMS Trapshooting TeamSpanish Club

Student Government AssociationThe Belles (Student Paper Club)

The ChordsThe Muse

Undivided Attention ClubVisual and Performing Arts Prefects

Young DemocratsYoung Republicans

Show More (38)Hide

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate

100%

10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)

UNC-Chapel Hill

North Carolina State University

Wofford College

East Carolina University

Elon University

Clemson University

Appalachian State University

University of Mississippi

Wake Forest University

Meredith College

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school that challenged girls in grades 9-12 to BE BOLD, to BE PREPARED, to BE INSPIRED, and to BECOME EXTRAORDINARY. Founded in 1842, the historic, residential 23-acre campus is within easy driving distance of world-renowned Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Saint Mary's School is the fourth oldest girls' boarding school in the United States. Since our inception, Saint Mary's has been dedicated to the academic excellence and personal achievement of our students. We look at life academically, socially, and spiritually. Our integrated, hands-on academic program is demanding. Our leadership and life skills curriculum creates responsible citizens and community ambassadors. Outside the classroom, we offer dozens of sports, clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities. In addition, our Episcopal tradition inspires students to grow as young women of integrity and honor. Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive range of programming and opportunities to prepare our students to compete in college and in today's complex and fast-changing global world. Saint Mary's School offers 18 Advanced Placement courses and a full complement of honors courses, competition in 11 sports and on 16 teams, a comprehensive fine arts program, leadership education, advising, and co-curricular programs, a wireless campus and one-to-one convertible laptop program. Saint Mary's students are challenged to find their courage, explore their passions, and open their hearts and minds to new ideas as they prepare for independence and success in college and life. More than thirty of the school's nationally recruited faculty and staff live on campus, and 83 percent of the faculty holds advanced degrees in their field. The student/faculty ratio is 8:1 and the average class size is 12.5 students. The school's 264 students represent 10 states and seven foreign countries.
As part of the school's comprehensive and innovative curriculum, the seminar program is designed to help girls develop key competencies through relevant, experiential learning experiences with experts, resources, and organizations in the greater Raleigh area.
The Saint Mary`s School educational travel program is designed to provide students with experiential opportunities that build empathy and compassion for others. The program is designed to provide students with a range of experiences from which students may choose, including service trips, academic exchanges, cultural excursions, and history trips.
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

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint Mary's School cost?

Saint Mary's School's tuition is approximately $66,500 for boarding students and $34,275 for day students.

What is the acceptance rate of Saint Mary's School?

The acceptance rate of Saint Mary's School is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.

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 11 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.

Does Saint Mary's School offer a summer program?

Yes, Saint Mary's School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What is Saint Mary's School's ranking?

Saint Mary's School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for Saint Mary's School?

The application deadline for Saint Mary's School is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review

Description

Saint Mary's School Alumni #1
Class of 2017
5.005/27/2020
U of SC

I loved that my school was close to home, but more importantly felt like a home. They were small classes that allowed me to create a special relationship with my teachers and ensure that I. . .

Recent Articles

June 08, 2026

What Happens During School Breaks for Boarding Students Who Stay on Campus

Learn what happens during school breaks for boarding students who remain on campus, including housing, meals, activities, supervision, and support services.

June 08, 2026

A Day in the Life of a Dorm Parent: Inside Residential Faculty Life

A day in the life of a dorm parent: how residential faculty support, mentor, supervise, and guide students while building community and shaping the boarding school experience.