Early Learning Admissions

Two smiling children, one with blonde hair and a grey shirt, the other with dark hair and a leopard-print jacket, hang upside down from a horizontal bar against a blurred outdoor background.

We are thrilled that you and your family are considering St. Mary's Academy. Below is the application process and timeline for Early Learning classrooms. The Early Learning Program at St. Mary's Academy is a full-day schedule that takes place five days per week on the academic year calendar.

SMA continues to accept Preschool applications for the 2026-27 school year! For more information, please contact Anne Hinder at 303-762-8300 ext. 398 or email ahinder@smanet.org.

Preschool: Your child must be three years old by August 1 in the anticipated year of enrollment to matriculate. SMA offers two classes with two full-time teachers. Preschool is the primary entry point into the SMA Lower School with enrollment offered to approximately 30 students annually.

Prekindergarten: Your child must be four years old by October 1 in the anticipated year of enrollment to matriculate. SMA offers two classes with two full-time teachers.

Kindergarten: To apply for Kindergarten, your child must be five years old by October 1 in the anticipated year of enrollment. SMA offers three Kindergarten classes with approximately 16 students in each class, one teacher per class, and two shared Kindergarten teaching assistants. Kindergarten is an entry point to the SMA Lower School with enrollment offered to 20-25 students annually.

Admissions Process

Preschooler smiling on a tricycle on the playground

Four kindergarteners smiling while working at their classroom table

Inquire Online & Create Admissions Portal

Student Application, due January 15, 2027

Initiate your prospective student's application through the admissions portal . St. Mary's Academy charges a $60 application fee.
Please be aware that the financial aid application process is separate from the admissions process. Financial aid is offered for students in grades K-12. Preschool and Pre-K students are not eligible for financial aid. For more information about financial aid, please click here.

Parent Interview

Log into your admissions portal to schedule your in-person or virtual parent interview. Or, contact Anne Hinder at 303-762-8300, ext. 398 to coordinate a time to connect.
Campus tours are not always available during individual parent interview times. We encourage you to participate in events throughout the fall to become more familiar with the campus, academic program, and community.

Student Visit

Log into your admissions portal to register for a Group Visit for Preschool or Kindergarten applicants.
Several Denver independent schools work together to streamline the admission process for families. As part of the admission process, we offer you the opportunity to submit a series of short videos to help us get to know your child and demonstrate fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and general playtime. Visit your admissions portal for more details.
SMA does not require entrance exams or formal testing for Lower School admission. Students demonstrate skills and grade level readiness throughout the admissions process.

The Admission Committee reviews all applications completed by the standard January 31 deadline. In conjunction with other Denver area ACIS (Association of Colorado Independent Schools), SMA informs families of Lower School admission decisions via email at 4 p.m. on February 26, 2027.
Any applications received after this date are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.