Saint Mary's Hall

Our daughter started at SMH her freshman year. She has made great friends and her classes are challenging. The school has an eighth period where all the teachers are available. The educators are supportive, encouraging, and positive. The Head of School knows all the Upper School students names. She loves getting up in the morning and going to school. Fine Arts is a big deal at SMH.
--Submitted by a parent

The BEST school in SA, bar none! I just graduated, and in my 4 years (9-12) at SMH, I found the teachers wonderful (willing to work after school with students who care enough to go to them), the administration fine (if trying to please too many groups at once), and my fellow students outstanding. It's a trend among students to try to get high grades with little work, but teachers control this better here than anywhere else. Yes, 75% of the high schoolers have iPhones, and some kids can be snobby, but any kid can fit in as long as s/he is willing to learn a few social graces. I come from the lowest 2% of SMH incomes, but I have found a group of friends I've come to love (even though they live in the Dominion and drive audis and corvettes). I've learned a lot academically (going to Harvard in the fall) but I've also learned to appreciate what I do have in the face of my friends' financial superiority. Overall, SMH has given me more than I could ever have asked for in a high school experience. Note: Racial diversity is low. Ideological diversity is good. Whoever said AHHS is on par with SMH is flat-out lying. Keystone comes close, not TMI, not SACS, not any catholic school. Go Barons!

I went to Saint Mary's Hall several years back. Yes, the education is great and coursework is extremely challenging. However, the students and parents, as well as much of the administration have horrible character. In addition, people of low SES are looked down upon at this "elite" school, and I agree with a previous comment that the students have lived in a privileged bubble for too long (included myself until I had to transfer to a public high school because of lack of financial aid). I was lucky enough to have parents who worked overtime as waitstaff and bartenders just so I could go to this great school. Because of them, I received a wonderful education and have had the opportunity to continue my education beyond undergraduate college. Yet when they came to pick me up in their run-down car, other students would laugh and make fun, jokingly asking what it was that my parents do. When I went there, I would have said that it was great, and that the students were great (I had a great group of friends). But after having experienced other communities and schools, I would say that the families here soak in their privilege.

Until last year (2009-2010), the modern language department was great, this year the level leaves much to be desired. Their standards have been lowered, mainly due to some changes at upper level. It's starting to go downhill, hopefully they wake up and make the necessary changes to stop the problem. Also be aware that the middle school administration trustworthiness might not be as expected.
--Submitted by a parent

I am both a teacher at Saint Mary's Hall and a parent of a student. Despite the high tuition, I firmly believe that this wonderful school is worth every penny. My son is in the Lower School, and I have been so impressed with the caring attention of his teachers, the rigor of the curriculum, and the amazing opportunities for extra enrichment that you just can't get anywhere else. As a teacher in the high school here -- and a former college instructor--, I see my teenage students being remarkably well-prepared for college. Speaking as both teacher & parent, I know first hand that the administration and staff love the school and the kids. Although expensive, this is an ideal place for chidlren of all ages. If you want the best for your kids, this is probably it.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have not been impressed with the St. Mary's Hall graduates. Please don't misunderstand, they are bright and capable, well-mannered to a degree, but are privileged and I have witnessed them place judgement too easily, particularly on those who are in a lower socio-economic bracket. Yes, they are great performers, but I have not been impressed with their character. It seems as if they lived lived in a affluent bubble for too long.

Horrible administration. Academics are comparable to Alamo Heights High School. WAAAYY OVERPRICED FOR WHAT THEY DELIVER. They have offices for free-lance tutors that are paid by parents, separate from tuition. These teachers at this high priced school don't have extra time to offer their students? Terrible.
--Submitted by a parent

SMH is an extremely challening,time-comsuming, and some times quite frustrating school. SMH offer a huge variety of programs and has some of the greatest teachers that give that extra push. The downside to everything is all of the homework we get and the extremely strict dress code (especially in MS w/ a new administration). typically it is easy to make friends but in some situtations students are very selective to whom they spend any of their time with.
--Submitted by a student

We moved to SA from the Boston area where our kids attended private schools. Our biggest concern was the quality of schools. We have found SMH to be a truly exceptional school and recommend it to anyone in the area. The academic are rigorous. The teaching staff is remarkable with regards to their training and their commitment to their students is great. The students are a good mix. As it is a private school, it does skew to a more affluent and conservative group. But there really is a good mix of kids who have been quite warm and welcoming. My kids have made great friends. Please consider it!
--Submitted by a parent

The educaton os great but the fellow students or not so nice.
--Submitted by a student