St. Mary's High School

Excellent prep school. We have a sophomore and the school has been great for him. The leadership is excellent as are the academics. The school could use some new equipment but they work hard to keep the tuition low (and financial aid available - 1 in 4 students receive financial aid). The school is preparing my son well for admittance and success in a top university.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a son who attended St. Mary's his freshman and sophomore year until we moved to Montana. He was extremely well prepared for his continued studies at a college prep school up here in Montana. More importantly than the academics however; and they are very important, is the caring and thought- provoking environment the staff have created. Students not only learn lots of things, they are given a sound basis on how to use that knowledge in the best possible way- ethics are stressed, core Catholic values are stressed, and students are encouraged to "do what is right".
—Submitted by a parent

Sadly, St. Mary's is living on a reputation that they earned years ago. The lack of stable leadership is the beginning of the problem. There are barely any AP classes, a limited math curriculum, only 2 foreign languages, an unsupervised and out of control theater department, and an archaic technology department. The decrease in enrollment and mass exodus of students from the student body should warn the leadership of what is coming but they are not professional educators. So, it goes unnoticed and the train that is St. Mary's continues to run out of control.
—Submitted by a parent

A a parent of 2 recent graduates, I can honestly say that St. Mary's provides an excellent college-prep education in a very caring environment. St. Mary's encourages not only growth in academics, but also growth in awarenesss of self as related to others and community.
—Submitted by a parent

A great place for children to learn and learn to live well rounded lives.
—Submitted by a parent

St.Mary's is a fantastic, private,college prep school. I am an Alumni Parent and I would recommend St.Mary's to anyone wanting the best possible high school experience for their student.
—Submitted by a parent

Encourages students to strive for the best with a good college prep curriculum. Have 11th gr. student and their 3rd yr theology class is really similar to college ethics class I took at university- but improved at their level to promote students review the choices human make from an ethical standpoint and it promotes service related projects. Teachers and administration know their students and care about their success.
—Submitted by a parent

the school has potential but is in a state of flux and I find it unnerving that they aren't wiling to make changes and 'grow' despite the decine in enrollment Not enough AP, NO diversity, limited resources and tenyered teachers that just need to retire.....
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two recent graduates, I highly recommend St Mary's to any student seeking a strong college prep environment. One of my children went on to a service academy and the other is currently enrolled at a top tier university. Both felt that they were very well prepared by the academics and faculty at SMHS. The tuition is actually one of the lowest for a private school in Colorado. There is a lot of great extracurriculars, too, as my kids both participated in several sports, forensics, drama, newspaper and student council. And they're not unusual...most kids play a varsity sport or are involved in some way. The school really encourages participation in activities. The faculty is fabulous, and very open to parent interaction. Overall, a fantastic school. I think that the population is about 70% Catholic and 30% non-Catholic. They are welcoming to all.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Mary's High School is a very interesting place. I believe it has the potential to evolve into a highly dynamic, challenging, and unique learning environment. Much of the teacher population is dedicated and committed to ensuring an excellent education for all students. However, the AP program is lacking in terms of variety of classes and teacher support. I graduated in 2004, so hopefully some strides have been made in this realm. Further, the school absolutely lacks diversity. If you want your child to grow up in an inclusive and ethnically, religiously, economically diverse school, SMHS may not be the top choice. However, a concerted effort to recruit a wider range of students could easily improve demographic issues. Teachers are very kind and want to see everyone succeed, but I think the prestige of the school would be greatly improved by requiring teacher certification. Admins. are the biggest weakness.
—Submitted by a former student

SMHS is an outstanding school that provides an excellent curriculum to academically challenge students. Strong academic programs are balanced with strong athletic programs that challenge both the student s mind and body. There is an emphasis on building character and fostering an environment of community involvement and service. SMHS is in perpetual evolution to stay current and provide the best resources to students. The focus is always on what is best for the students. SMHS provides the foundation that develops future leaders by preparing students for success in high school and beyond. I am a very satisfied parent of SMHS students. If you decide to enroll your children in SMHS, you will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended St. Mary's High School for the past 3 years. While we feel the academic level remains the highest standard, the pressure on the parent's to constantly donate more and more money has become quite old. We have 2 younger children and are seriously considering sending them to The Colorado Springs School for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have attended SMHS for three years. This is my junior year. SMHS has a reputation for great connections. I want to continue on in volleyball, and an alunmi isa coach at Tulane. I love it there. we are a catholic school but they don't shove it down your throat if you don't believe in what they believe. There is such a great sense of unity. I have nothing bad to say about SMHS...
—Submitted by a student

Our son has attended 2 years (Freshman and Sophmore) and we are very pleased with the academic rigor, social environment, and quality of both students and staff. It has been a wonderful experience for our entire family. I would recommend this High School to anyone. I particularly commend it to military families moving to Colorado Springs. Values are strong and people are welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent