Curriculum
10 Key Competencies
1. Collaboration
The ability to productively engage in a group setting, both face-to-face and virtually. An awareness of self and of others to move a team forward along common values and goals.
2. Communication
The balance of speaking and active listening, writing and reading. A strong grasp on the verbal and non-verbal aspects of expression.
3. Critical thinking
The utilization of novel and adaptive thinking, coupled with analytical skills, to form creative solutions that positively impact society.
4. Cross cultural intelligence
The ability to navigate and operate in, and adapt to, a globally connected world. The recognition that a diverse team drives innovation and productivity.
5. Growth mindset
The resiliency, dedication, hard work, and belief in self to accomplish any task. A commitment to being a lifelong learner.
6. New media literacy and computational thinking
The ability to critically assess, navigate, and create across diverse digital platforms. A strong grasp of this competency enhances effective communication and collaboration.
7. Self-expression
The ability to articulately share original thoughts and ideas in creative ways, while staying true to an authentic sense of self.
8. Self-directed learning
The demonstration of personal interests and the motivation to set goals and objectives to move those interests forward.
9. Servant Leadership
A commitment to putting the good of a community and others before self-interests.
10. Social-emotional intelligence
The ability to accurately assess social cues, as well as the spoken and unspoken language around you. Socialemotional intelligence is the foundation for effective collaboration and meaning-making. Sources:
Mission
Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life. To accomplish our mission, Saint Mary’s School:
• Challenges each young woman to embrace the habits of an intellectual life, engages her with the past and the emerging future, and empowers her to serve and shape her world
• Fosters in each young woman a spirit of connection to others, guides her in developing her spiritual and ethical integrity, and prepares her to take responsibility for herself and her future
Curriculum Goals
Saint Mary’s School challenges each student to embrace the habits of an intellectual life. The faculty prepare each student to take responsibility for herself and for her future. We intend that graduates of Saint Mary’s School develop the Saint Mary’s 10 Key Competencies, building their skills on a foundation marked by core knowledge of a liberal arts curriculum with the option to pursue advanced coursework in a focused pathway of study.
Advisory Program
The Saint Mary’s School advisory program is a personalized, academic advising program designed to guide students as they navigate their high school experience. A student’s advisor is a central connecting point for the student and provides an integrated understanding of the student’s academic and personal growth and development. Each student is part of an advisory group and has opportunities to meet on a one-on-one basis with their advisor.
Graduation Requirements
In order to qualify for the Saint Mary’s School diploma, students must meet the following requirements:
• Complete a total of 24 units with a cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA) of not less than 2.000
• Within 24 units, have the following distribution of subject matter:
*Math: 1 unit required beyond Algebra 2
*World Languages: Level 2 proficiency and 2 units of the same language
*An elective is anything beyond the requirement will attend
College Counseling Program
Saint Mary’s College Counseling program prioritizes students’ needs, focusing on finding the right fit for their academic and personal growth. Beginning in night grade, students have access to two dedicated college counselors who guide them through group and individual meetings. Students have the additional opportunity to enroll in colloquium courses junior and senior years that provide an additional level of support through the college application process. Emphasizing self-reflection and authenticity, we help students identify strengths, promote growth, and foster independence. Parents are encouraged to be active partners, attending meetings and information sessions. Our approach ensures that 100% of Saint Mary’s students are admitted to a variety of selective colleges and universities each year.
OF 2025 65 The members of the 35 17 states and the United Kingdom with
73 percent attending institutions outside of the state of North Carolina. 100% acceptance rate to four-year schools
9 average number of applications per student
2 full-time college counselors
27% of class of 2025 attending colleges and universities in N.C
41% of class of 2025 enrolled in private colleges and universities
Course Rigor and Designations
Saint Mary’s School offers high school courses at three levels: honors, dual enrollment, and Advanced Placement™ (AP). Placement in courses is determined through the Course Request Process - by teachers and advisors in consultation with students and parents. Students are strongly encouraged to select classes that challenge them academically, engage their interests, and contribute to a positive and meaningful learning experience.
Courses at Saint Mary’s School are designed to enrich a student’s knowledge and skills in a variety of subject areas. Students should be prepared for a variety of assignments in courses, such as homework, projects, papers, and tests. Students should be prepared for engaging and challenging high school work in Saint Mary’s courses. Students also have the opportunity to challenge themselves in accelerated courses.
Dual Enrollment
Saint Mary’s has partnered with Marymount University to offer dual credit courses. The Marymount course credits may also be transferrable to public, private, in-state and out-of-state institutions. Dual credit courses are taught at Saint Mary’s by Saint Mary’s faculty. These instructors have applied for and obtained adjunct professor status at Marymount University. Students must meet the pre-requisites and the Marymount University application requirements to enroll in a dual enrollment class. Students registered for Dual Credit are billed by Marymount University for tuition. Dual Credit courses are offered at a significantly reduced rate for Saint Mary’s students. They will receive official grades and transcripts from the university as well as from Saint Mary’s.
Advanced Placement Courses
The Advanced Placement™ (AP) Program, sponsored by the College Board, offers high school students challenging college-level courses and exams. These courses, spanning a full academic year, are more rigorous than honors courses and require students to take an AP external exam at the end for potential college credit. Eligibility for AP courses starts after 9th grade, with limits on course requests per grade level. Approval for AP courses is determined by the school, considering student performance in prerequisites and teacher recommendations. Prep-work over the summer is mandatory for AP students, and failure to complete it may result in withdrawal from the course. While students can request courses, exceeding academic guidelines requires review by school administrators.
AP Capstone Diploma Program
AP Capstone™ is a College Board diploma program that develops independent research, teamwork, and communication skills valued by colleges. It includes two courses—AP Seminar and AP Research— designed to enhance other AP studies. In AP Seminar, students explore real-world issues from multiple perspectives and build evidence-based arguments. In AP Research, they conduct independent research and write a scholarly paper. The AP exam in May is mandatory, and exam fees apply. Students who score 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams earn the AP Capstone Diploma. Those who score 3 or higher in Seminar and Research only earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. AP Seminar may also be taken alone. Department approval is required, and these are open electives that do not fulfill graduation requirements.
9th Grade Learning Lab
All 9th grade students are assigned to a Learning Lab as one of their classes. During Learning Lab, students explore the topics of study skills, time management, organization, and the importance of setting goals. The foundation for individual growth in the 10 Key Competencies is laid in the 9th grade Learning Lab program.
Flex Period/Tutorial
All 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students have the option of a flex period, which affords students the opportunity to practice self-discipline as they exercise choice in where they study and how they use their time. Additionally, all students have access to direct support from their teachers during tutorial blocks. During this time, students can schedule appointments with faculty, college counseling, advisors, and/or learning support, or drop-in for help on assignments or test preparation with their teachers.
Science Department
Science plays a major role in human lives, and it is vital that students understand its importance. Science courses make students aware of the vast amount of information being discovered daily about our world. Students gain enough background to be able to read with interest and understanding current literature that deals with scientific and technological topics as well as to continue science study at advanced levels with confidence.
The science program offers courses in both the biological and the physical sciences and aims to stimulate critical thinking and to teach students how to understand and interpret data and to apply the scientific method. Laboratory experiences form a major part of science study. Through them, students explore the world via the microscope, experimentation and observation, and field work, which helps them relate the more abstract concepts considered in lecture periods to their immediate experience. Opportunities for individual research programs are available for students who wish to go beyond the required courses. The Science Department subscribes to the statement that the NSTA recognizes the inherent and strong connection of many 21st-century skills with science education.
Mathematics Department
Saint Mary’s mathematics program supports students as they become mathematically literate citizens who know the appropriate mathematical and technological tools to use and when to use them in various problem-solving settings. Students work in independent, whole-class, and small-group settings to increase their mathematical confidence and their communication skills. The types of problems and the learning environment in the mathematics classrooms foster persistence, critical thinking, and reflection. All courses require students to communicate conceptual understanding (both verbally and in written form), justify and explain results, and apply mathematics to real-world situations.
Students build their mathematics education through a sequential progression of courses in the math department. Recognizing students may be at different levels of mathematical development upon entering Saint Mary’s School, the department uses a variety of assessments and recommendations to place students into appropriate courses for successful experiences. Regardless of where a student begins in the progression, with each new course, students come to see that the learning of mathematics includes procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and applying both to real-world contexts. They also gain experiences to help them think critically and build a solid foundation for further study of mathematics, both in high school and college.
The use of a TI-83+ or TI-84 graphing calculator is required of all students. Other types of technology, such as Desmos, Microsoft Excel, TI SmartView, and a variety of online applets may be incorporated into classes.
Biology
Accelerated Biology
Chemistry
Accelerated Chemistry
DE Chemistry: Principles of Chemistry I (MU CHM 151)
Physics
Accelerated Physics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics I
AP Physics II
AP Environmental Science
Dance of Death: How Disease
Shapes Human History
Principles of Biomedical Science I: Forensic and Clinical Science Integration
Principles of Biomedical Science II: Outbreaks and Emergency Medicine
Human Body Systems I: Exercise Physiology
Human Body Systems II: Neurobiology and Communication in the Body
Medical Interventions I: Infectious Disease and Biomedical Solutions
Medical Interventions II: Cancer Biology
Sports Medicine I
Sports Medicine II
Environmental Sustainability
Algebra I
Geometry
Accelerated Geometry
Algebra II
Accelerated Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
Accelerated Pre-Calculus
Discrete Math
Probability and Statistics
DE Calculus with Precalculus A (MU MA 171)
DE Calculus with Precalculus B (MU MA 172)
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra
History of Mathematics I
History of Mathematics II
DE Personal Finance (MU FIN 200)
AP Computer Science Principles
Humanities and Social Sciences Department
The Humanities and Social Sciences Department offers a range of courses that include the study of history, government, economics, and psychology. Through these experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
In all their classes students build the skills necessary to succeed in college and to become informed, responsible global citizens. Humanities and Social Sciences courses are also deeply committed to experiential education and faculty lead local, national, and international travel opportunities to enhance and deepen students’ knowledge and awareness. The department’s curriculum explores the wonderful diversity of peoples, perspectives, and experiences that shape human society.
Global History: Beginnings to the Present
AP World History: Modern
United States History
AP United States History
DE US History 110 (MU HI 110)
DE US History 111 (MU HI 111)
Dance of Death: How Disease
Shapes Human History
AP Art History
Economics
History of Mathematics I
History of Mathematics II
The Moral Compass: How Ethics Guides Our Choices and Actions
Religious Studies
Religious studies courses are offered at Saint Mary’s in recognition of the School’s mission and Episcopal heritage. This is a crucial dimension of our school’s identity and also anchors the academic program. Religious studies courses align to the Principles of Good Practice of Episcopal Schools, and are not devotional in nature. Courses are offered by several Saint Mary’s faculty and are reviewed and approved by the School Chaplain. “The classroom study of religion introduces a critical component into religious and spiritual reflection, opening up a student’s mind to a more careful scrutiny of the content of religious life. It does this through exploration, analysis, reading, and discussion of academic subject matter along with interaction with a caring and qualified instructor.” (National Association of Episcopal Schools)
Profiles in Global Christianity
Reading and Interpreting the Bible
AP African American Studies
AP United States Government and Politics
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP Psychology
AP Capstone: Seminar
AP Capstone: Research
US Government
Sociology: The Social Science of Human Connection
Modern Global Perspectives
DE Psychology: General Psychology (MU PSY 101)
The Moral Compass: How Ethics Guides Our Choices and Actions
World Religions
Women in the Scriptures
Religion and Science
World Languages Department
Learning a language opens doors to other worlds and creates links between students and the cultures studied.
Students develop a deeper commitment to and interest in a language through active instruction that provides a current, global, interdisciplinary perspective. In both French and Spanish, students strive for mastery in each and every aspect of language acquisition, integrating reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Progress is measured on the American Council of Teaching Foreign Language (ACTFL) proficiency standards.
Saint Mary’s offers World Language instruction in both French and Spanish. Students wishing to explore World Languages outside of these course offerings, or who join Saint Mary’s with experience in another World Language, will be welcome to explore these opportunities. This will come with additional fees associated with the institutions that Saint Mary’s partners with. These students should discuss their World Language graduation requirements with the Dean of Academic Innovation and alternatives can be discussed on an individual basis.
English Language Learners (ELL): Comprehension and Critical Thinking
French I
French II
French III: French Civilization and Composition
Accelerated French III: French Grammar and Conversation
French IV
DE French 201 (MU FR 201)
DE French 202 (MU FR 202)
French V
AP French Language and Culture
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III: Hispanic Cultures and Composition
Accelerated Spanish III: Spanish Grammar and Conversation
Spanish IV
DE Spanish 201 (MU SP 201)
DE Spanish 202 (MU SP 202)
Spanish V: Professional Spanish
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Visual and Performing Arts Department
The Visual and Performing Arts Department encompasses an extensive range of coursework that provides opportunities for students to explore and build skills in visual art, dance, theatre, and music. The visual art program offers students the opportunity to exercise self-expression through a range of courses. In these studio classes, students are encouraged to increase their skill levels and maximize their artistic potential by exposure to a variety of techniques and mediums in an atmosphere that embraces a high expectation of creative decision making and a high quality of production. The dance program includes courses that provide solid technical training in ballet and modern, while offering opportunities for students to explore and incorporate jazz, hip hop, stretch/ yoga, and conditioning. It also offers a resident student dance company, Orchesis Dance Theatre, that performs two concert programs each year. The theatre program has opportunities to study acting, explore dramatic literature, read and analyze scripts, and become familiar with the history of theatre. Students also work as production company members in stage management, acting, set, costume, lighting and sound design, and various technical and stage crews for the annual play and musical performed each year. In the music program, every level of interest and ability is supported with a rich variety of vocal and instrumental training both in performance ensembles and through individual lessons. Expert instruction in applied music is provided in voice and a wide range of instruments, which students can pursue at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
English Department
The English Department develops students into confident, effective communicators through a balanced focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. Students begin in Grade 9 with a globally focused, interdisciplinary study of literature from a range of periods and cultures. In Grade 10, students progress to either Narrative Studies or Western Literature. In Grade 11, students choose from AP English Language and Rhetoric or Literature and Rhetoric, and in Grade 12 they choose from AP English, Dual Enrollment options, and a variety of advanced courses in literature, public speaking, and writing. In Grade 11, students have the opportunity to begin taking advanced elective courses in addition to their foundational English course. Across all offerings, the program’s reading curriculum emphasizes understanding global perspectives, analyzing themes and styles, identifying main ideas and supporting evidence, and—at advanced levels— studying and applying authors’ techniques. Writing instruction, integrated throughout the sequence, builds students’ research abilities and strengthens core skills such as precise diction, effective sentence structure, logical transitions, clear organization, and purposeful expression. Together, these experiences prepare students to communicate powerfully in personal, academic, and public contexts.
THEATRE
DE Topics in Acting (MU EN 112)
Film Production
Theatre Arts
Technical Theatre
MUSIC
Chamber Choir
Chamber Music Program (Instrumental Ensembles)
Chorale
AP Music Theory
Applied Music Instruction: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels
Applied Music — Honors Program in Music
VISUAL ARTS
Foundations in Art I
Foundations in Art II
Intermediate Art Survey
Advanced Art Survey
Art Portfolio
AP 2D Art and Design
AP Drawing
AP Modern Art History
Graphic Design and Digital Photography
DANCE
Foundations of Dance
Intermediate Dance
Advanced Dance
DE Dance Appreciation (MU DAN 161)
DE Beginning Jazz Dance (MU DAN 170)
Orchesis Dance Theatre
English I: World Literature
English II: Narrative Studies
English II: Western Literature
English III: Literature and Rhetoric
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
DE Introduction to College English 101 (MU ENG 101)
DE Introduction to College English 102 (MU ENG 102)
Creative Writing: A Deep Dive of Fiction Survey of Creative Writing
Gothic Literature
DE Introduction to Communication and Public Relations (MU COMM 100)
DE Speak up! The Art of Public Speaking (MU Comm 101)
Women’s Detective Fiction
Athletics
Saint Mary’s School is committed to the development of well-rounded young women and to providing opportunities for students to interact outside the classroom. Health and wellness through athletics and other co-curricular activities are part of the total educational experience at Saint Mary’s. The school seeks to provide a broad variety of opportunities for students in grades 9-12 that support our values and belief in the worth and dignity of each student.
Weight Training and Conditioning
Fall: Cross Country, Flag Football, JV Field Hockey, Varsity Field Hockey, Golf, JV Tennis, Varsity Tennis, JV Volleyball, Varsity Volleyball, Health & Wellness Program. Orchesis, Theatre, Club Rowing with Triangle Rowing Club
Winter: JV Basketball, Varsity Basketball, JV Cheerleading, Varsity Cheerleading, Swimming, Health & Wellness Program, Orchesis, Theatre
Spring: JV Lacrosse, Varsity Lacrosse, JV Soccer, Varsity Soccer, Track & Field, Health & Wellness Program, Orchesis, Theatre
Electives
Elective courses allow students to explore personal interests, deepen existing strengths, and broaden their academic experience beyond core requirements. These classes encourage curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking while supporting students in discovering new passions and developing well-rounded skill sets. All elective courses are listed in their departments above. Semester electives are listed here in the same order to allow you to see which term(s) courses are offered.
Summer
Summer @ Saint Mary’s provides students with the opportunity to advance their academic progress in a flexible and supportive learning environment.
Our summer program offers a selection of semester and yearlong courses designed to accommodate a variety of academic needs, whether students wish to accelerate their studies, recover credits, or explore new subject areas.
Junior Colloquium
Senior Colloquium Independent Study
Biology
English II: Narrative Studies Geometry
Global History: Beginnings to Present Spanish II Lifetime Health and Fitness Religon and Science Women in the Scripture
DE Introduction to Psychology Immunology
The Moral Compass: How Ethics Guides Our Choices and Actions Young Women’s Leadership Institute
The course information contained in this publication is based on the 2026-27 course offerings in Saint Mary’s current Course Catalog. This document is for reference only. For a complete list of courses, please see the SMS Course Catalog online.
Community Service
As an Episcopal school, Saint Mary’s seeks to graduate compassionate servant-leaders who are committed to upholding the dignity of all people and the worth of the natural world through acts of humble service. Students will have numerous and varied opportunities for community service throughout their time at Saint Mary’s. Each student must be up to date on her service hour requirement by the end of her sophomore year to be eligible for any leadership positions, and by the end of her senior year in order to graduate. Community service is thus a requirement for both leadership at Saint Mary’s and graduation from Saint Mary’s.
Students in the Classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030 must complete 10 hours of acceptable community service by the end of each school year to remain in good standing. Students in the Class of 2027 are under the previous policy, which required 20 total hours during their time at SMS in order to graduate. Students may complete their service hours via school-sponsored opportunities, through outside organizations, or some combination of both. Schoolsponsored opportunities include weekly Saturday service projects, activities organized by clubs on campus, and volunteering in the library or the community garden. Many of our students go far above and beyond their basic service requirement, and we recognize their efforts via the Saint Mary’s Service Award and the NC Association of Independent Schools Service Learning Award.
We value our partnerships with local nonprofits including: Miracle League of the Triangle, King’s Ridge affordable housing community, Historic Oberlin Cemetery, Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry, Shepherd Youth Ranch, the NC Victim Assistance Network, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Diaper Train, Raleigh City Farm, Dress for Success of the Triangle, the Women’s Center, the NCDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program, and the City of Raleigh’s Adopt-a-Stream program. Questions about community service may be directed to the Chaplain.
Global Education
Every year, Saint Mary’s School offers several national and international travel programs designed to enhance classroom curriculum. Global travel is a transformative experience for young people as they experience new cultures and demonstrate skills in real-world applications. While every year’s global program is unique, past educational travel experiences have included: STEM Education in Iceland, Language Immersion through Homestay Programs in Spain, Humanities Exploration in England, Carnegie Hall Performance in New York, and Service Learning in the Dominican Republic. Saint Mary’s also has a 20 year partnership with Les Chartreux school in Lyon, France to offer a 2-week exchange program every year, and a multi-year partnership with Saint Mary’s Anglican Girls School in Perth, Australia to offer a 4-week cultural exchange. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one global travel program during their high school journey. Scholarships and Financial Aid are available.
2026-2027 Travel Plans
Spring Break: • Japan
Summer: • Dominican Republic Service Trip
• Art and History trip to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels
• Annual exchanges to France and Australia
Sample Four-Year Plans
Student 1:
Subject
Student 2:
Student 3:
Subject English
Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
World Literature
World Languages
Visual and Performing Arts
Elective
After School
Foundations in Art 1 and 2
Learning Lab
JV Field Hockey (Fall) Health & Wellness (Winter) Health & Wellness (Spring)
World History
World Religons (Sem 1)
2
US History Accelerated Precalculus Accelerated Chemistry Junior Colloquium (Sem 2)
Dance of Death (Sem 1)
Global Perspectives (Sem 2)
EXAMPLE WEEK
Most students will take 6 classes and a flex or learning lab.
1st: 8:30-9:50
2nd: 9:55-11:15
Assembly: 11:15-11:40
Lunch: 11:40-12:40
3rd: 12:45-2:05
4th: 2:10-3:30
Tutorial: 3:30-3:40 5th: 8:30-9:50 6th: 9:55-11:15
Advisory: 11:20-11:40 Lunch: 11:40-12:40 Chapel: 12:45-1:10
7th: 1:15-2:35
1st: 9:00-10:20 2nd: 10:25-11:45
Advisory Lunch: 11:45-12:40
3rd: 12:45-2:05 4th: 2:10-3:30
Tutorial: 3:30-3:40
Advisory: 11:20-11:40 Lunch: 11:40-12:40
Chapel: 12:45-1:10
7th: 1:15-2:35
Tutorial: 2:35-3:40 5th: 8:30-9:50 6th: 9:55-11:15
Tutorial: 2:35-3:40
1st: 8:30-9:15 2nd: 9:20-10:05
Advisory: 10:10-10:20 3rd: 10:25-11:10 4th: 11:15-12:00 Lunch: 12:00-12:45
5th: 12:50-1:35 6th: 1:40-2:25 7th: 2:30-3:15
Tutorial: 3:15-3:40
