St. Mary's Academy

Co-Ed Lower School, Grades 1-5

We are thrilled that you and your family are considering St. Mary's Academy. Below is the application process and timeline for Lower School admission.

Space available in a given grade is typically based on attrition. Please contact Kristen Dieterich at 303-762-8300 ext. 205 to learn more about possible openings.

Application Process

Inquire Online & Create Admissions Portal

  • Click here to inquire about St. Mary's Academy, create your Admissions account, and register for upcoming Admissions events.

Student Application

  • 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. For more information about financial aid, please click here.

Student Essay for Grades 2 - 5

  • Log into your admissions portal to access the essay prompts and to enter your applicant's essay. Student essays should be an authentic representation of a student's writing and not edited by parents.

Parent Interview & Tour

  • Please contact Kristen Dieterich to arrange your parent interview or tour. This can often take place on the day of your student's visit.
  • Save the Date for Lower School Previews on October 22, 2019 and December 17, 2019.

Student Visit

  • Grade 1: Morning student visit typically 8:30 - 11:30 AM
  • Grades 2-5: Full day student visit typically 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Please contact Kristen Dieterich to schedule your student's visit.
  • SMA does not require entrance exams or formal testing for Lower School admission. Students receive reading and math assessments on the day of their student visit.

Teacher Recommendation(s)

  • Grade 1: One teacher recommendation is required.
  • Grades 2-5: English & Math recommendations are required. Each recommendation may be completed by the same homeroom teacher if they teach both subjects.
  • Log into your admissions portal and input the teacher's name and email address after clicking on the "Request" button to initiate the confidential teacher recommendation form electronically.

Transcript from current school

  • Log into your admissions portal to access the transcript request form or initiate directly through your child's current school. A student's current school typically mails, faxes, or emails this document directly to St. Mary's Academy.

Financial Aid Application

  • The financial aid application process is separate from the admissions process, but the two take place along the same timeline. For more information about financial aid, please click here.

Lower School Admissions Decisions

  • The Admission Committee reviews all applications completed by the standard January 31st deadline. In conjunction with other Denver area ACIS (Association of Colorado Independent Schools), SMA informed families of Lower School admission decisions via e-mail at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
  • Any applications received after this date are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.