FAQs

Our low teacher to student ratio ensures small, intimate classrooms promoting individual instruction. The ratio and class sizes listed are what you can expect at St. Mary's School.

Preschool: 1:7

Lower School: Average Class Size of 19 students

Middle School: Average Class Size of 21 students

St. Mary's School is an accredited member of the following organizations and affiliations:

• IB World School: International Baccalaureate Programme 
• WASC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• CAIS: California Association of Independent Schools 
• NAIS: National Association of Independent Schools 
• NAEYC: National Association for the Education of Young Children

As the only primary school in Orange County to provide an Authorized IB Programme, St. Mary’s is proud to offer programs and curriculum for students from 2-years of age through Grade Eight.

At the heart of IB is the “learner profile”, a long-term, holistic vision of education that puts the student at the center of everything that we do.  The following ten qualities provide a statement of the aims of IB and a definition of what St. Mary’s means by “international-mindedness.”

• Inquirers
  Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
• Thinkers
  They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems.
• Communicators
  They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.
• Risk-takers
  They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.
• Knowledgeable
  They have spent time in our schools exploring themes which have global relevance and importance. In so doing, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.
• Principled
  They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness and justice.
• Caring
  They show sensitivity toward the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to action and service.
• Open-minded
  They respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.
• Balanced
  They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.
• Reflective
  They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyze their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

St. Mary’s believes that the student’s appearance is important and has a significant impact on their attitude and behavior. As a sign of mutual respect for one another and a creation of an environment of excellence, St. Mary’s has a dress and personal appearance code. The uniform should be worn with pride to promote school spirit and responsibility. A student’s appearance should be conservative and it should not bring undue attention to oneself. St. Mary's expects exemplary conduct from all students in scholarship, citizenship and appearance.