Our Story...
Our story began in 1994 in Aliso Viejo, California, when Father Ernest D. Sillers founded St. Mary’s with just four classrooms. Belovedly referring to it as the “jewel in the crown,” St. Mary’s was his first school independent of a church. Father Sillers envisioned a school that would be inclusive of all faiths and grounded in a trinity of values: integrity, academics, and spirituality. He dreamed of a learning environment where students could thrive intellectually while also growing as compassionate, ethical human beings.
From the very beginning, Father Sillers imagined St. Mary’s as a place that would prepare students for an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world—one that is intellectually diverse, shaped by technology, and constantly evolving. His goal was to cultivate global citizens: students who could navigate challenges, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to society, drawing strength from the foundation of their St. Mary’s education.
For more than 30 years, Father Sillers’ vision has inspired generations of families. St. Mary’s has grown into a vibrant, diverse community where students speak many languages, practice a variety of faiths, and celebrate a rich tapestry of cultural traditions. In 2007, reflecting our commitment to innovative, globally minded education, St. Mary’s became an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, St. Mary’s celebrated its 30 anniversary. Today, we remain one of the few independent schools in Orange County offering the IB curriculum from preschool through Middle School—ensuring inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking are embedded at every age level.
Our growth is also reflected in our campus. This year, we proudly opened The Sillers Center, a 28,400-square-foot facility honoring our founder. Its first floor is home to the vibrant Thompson Family Early Education Center, while the second floor houses our innovative Design Center, a hub for creativity, hands-on learning, and collaboration. Even before entering these spaces, our community is greeted by the Floriani Family Park, a 40,000-square-foot outdoor area designed for recreation, relaxation, and gatherings. Thoughtfully planned with lush landscaping, shade trees, and drought-tolerant plantings, the park provides a welcoming environment year-round.
St. Mary’s is blessed to be led by Doug Patterson, Head of School. Our 6.25-acre campus in Aliso Viejo enrolls approximately 715 students each year, supported by a dedicated faculty and staff of 155. Organized into three divisions—Early Education, Lower School, and Middle School—St. Mary’s encourages critical thinking while focusing on the skills students need to navigate an ever-changing world. More than 2,000 students have graduated from St. Mary’s and are making a positive impact across the globe.
St. Mary’s uniquely combines a transdisciplinary IB curriculum with high academic standards and extensive student life offerings. At the heart of the St. Mary’s experience is a values-driven environment that nurtures caring, compassionate individuals who are not only critical thinkers but also take ownership of improving the world. Every day, we strive to live out our mission: World-Sized Hearts; World-Class Minds.
The pride within the St. Mary’s community stems from this clarity of purpose: delivering academic excellence with compassion, cultivating students’ curiosity and creativity, and inspiring them to make a positive difference in the world. Father Sillers’ vision continues to guide everything we do, shaping learners who are prepared for the challenges of today and empowered to become the leaders of tomorrow.
