St. Mary's is a mission-driven school community dedicated to academic excellence, character formation, and service. Serving students from Early Preschool through Grade 8, St. Mary's offers a strong educational foundation that nurtures the whole child. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, St. Mary's emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and inquiry-based learning, preparing students to lead with integrity and compassion in an ever-changing world.
To arrange a St. Mary's School tour or for additional information, please contact the Admission Office at 949.448.9027 or email us at [email protected].
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked CA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 702 students
- Yearly Tuition: $31,300
- Acceptance rate: 47%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 6 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Mary's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1994
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 10, 2026
Campus Size
6 acres
Student Body
Total Students
702 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
120 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform Required
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 6 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$31,300
Tuition Notes
$10,370 – $23,300
Early Education $28,900
Lower School $31,300
Middle School $31,300
Lunch is included
Summer Program Cost Notes
Price varies by each class registered.
% on Financial Aid
15%
Acceptance Rate
47%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Abeni Bias
Admissions Associate
Anne Marie Valum
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
35 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
AdvisoryAfter School Enrichment
AnimationArts & Crafts
CeramicsChess
Codingcooking
Extended CareFine Arts
GardeningInternational Exchange
leadershipRobotics
ScienceService Learning
Speech and DebateSummer Camps
Club or Organization:
ASBKarate Class
LegoMath Club
Mock TrialsModel United Nations (MUN)
Rocketry
Arts and Music Programs:
DrawingField Studies
GuitarOrchestra
PaintingTheater
Visual Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
GolfInline Hockey
Sports Program
School Notes
- School Motto: world-sized hearts. world-class minds
- School Mascot: Falcons
- Children can make an impact on the world right now. That's what St. Mary's School is all about. We teach students to ask "what" and "why," demonstrating that they are an essential piece of the answer to "how." Because when students are guided by compassion and critical thinking, they take responsibility for the world without hesitation.
- St. Mary's offers the only accredited Preschool through Grade 8 International Baccalaureate Programme in Orange County. This curriculum integrates themes of global significance, challenging students to tap their creativity to solve problems both large and small. More importantly, teaching the power of inquiry and reflection to young minds builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Applying a curriculum free to change alongside the world, the International Baccalaureate Programme prepares St. Mary's School students to thrive across an increasingly connected globe.
- St. Mary's School's academics, curricula, and environment prepares students to believe in themselves, trust their ideas, and achieve.
- But experience, confidence, and skill aren't enough. Critical thinking depends on a solid base of values and vice versa.
- Every day, students encounter complex situations that require them to test the truth of the information in front of them. What's more, they have to do this compassionately, with respect for the diverse perspectives of their peers. This is no easy feat, but it's essential.
- Inquiry without love is as much of a dead-end as compassion without intelligence. That's why, at St. Mary's School, we foster academic excellence and empathy in tandem. Regardless of background, we help students invest in their own drive to make a difference.
- A snapshot of St. Mary's School from any angle, on any day, captures the school's unique blend of visible engagement, compassionate inclusion, and genuine delight. From preschool age on, we teach students to say, "I can."
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Mary's School cost?
St. Mary's School's tuition is approximately $31,300 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Mary's School?
The acceptance rate of St. Mary's School is 47%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. St. Mary's School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Does St. Mary's School offer a summer program?
Yes, St. Mary's School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does St. Mary's School offer?
St. Mary's School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Surf Team, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. Mary's School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is St. Mary's School's ranking?
St. Mary's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary's School?
The application deadline for St. Mary's School is Jan. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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The nearest high school to St. Mary's School is The Discovery Preparatory School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Vandamme Academy (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Mission Lutheran School (1.5 miles away)
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School Reviews
5 3/9/2018
This is school is a wonderful place to send your child for a private education. The teachers are so kind and really pay attention to the students needs. St. Mary's is truly home.
5 11/9/2017
St Marys has been our "home" for the past 17 years!! Both my boys started attending when they were 2 years old. This being our last year (my youngest is in 8th grade) I wanted to write a review of our wonderful school so other families can benefit from this great institution. My children were surrounded by a caring community! The IB program is phenomenal. Teaching children to be global citizens, with the IB profiles. IB learners learn to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced & reflective. The transition into high school for my oldest was seamless. He has thrived & will be graduating high school this year. I cant say enough wonderful things about St Marys. It would be wonderful if any family could provide such an education for their student!!
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