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About Us

SMA students sitting on half brick wall that has St. Mary's Academy on it

St. Mary’s Academy is Denver’s premier independent, Catholic coeducational Preschool to Grade 8, and all-girls High School that was established in 1864 by the Sisters of Loretto. It continues to be a forward-thinking educational leader focused on values-based, purpose-driven education with rigorous academics, integrated service learning, outstanding faculty, and a commitment to individualized attention and developing the whole student.

St. Mary's Academy is an inclusive community that welcomes students of every culture, religious tradition, and economic background.  We emphasize understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. We focus on respect and how we treat each other – to love inclusively and unconditionally with compassion. This allows for a deeper understanding of others and of one's own convictions in an increasingly complex, multicultural and multi-religious world. Our Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect guide us in our work.

Mission

St. Mary's Academy fosters excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect provide the foundation for students to be powerful agents of change.

Vision

Inspiring leaders to act with integrity, seek justice, build community, and change the world.

We provide a values-based, academically strong education in a positive, safe and nurturing environment for students from Preschool through Grade 12. 
We offer individualized attention and encourage strong moral and character development in pursuit of the common good.
We inspire leaders and change agents, teaching students how to think and problem solve in the spirit of teamwork and collaboration to prepare them for success in an ever-changing world.

Learn More About...


 

Headshot of President Iswari Natarajan

 


President & Head of School

Iswari Natarajan

Learn more about St. Mary's Academy's eighth President

 


Our Schools

Early Learning

Lower School

Middle School

High School

By the Numbers

30%

of our student population is diverse (based on race and ethnicity)

100%

Academy-Wide Service Learning

$2M

in financial aid awarded annually

100%

Class of 2023 received a merit scholarship, honors college acceptance, or national merit distinction

 

Associations that Define Excellence

St. Mary's Academy proudly holds membership in esteemed organizations that uphold the values of a quality education:

Accreditation

St. Mary’s Academy stands proudly as an institution accredited by is accredited by ACIS. This accreditation underscores our dedication to providing top-tier education that meets the highest standards of excellence.