St. Mary’s Academy, Educating Denver since 1864

LEARN

Published on: July 16, 2025

St. Mary’s Academy is Denver’s premier Catholic, independent, coeducational Preschool to Grade 8, and all-girls High School established in 1864 by the Sisters of Loretto. It continues to be a forward-thinking educational leader focused on values-based, purpose-driven education with rigorous academics, integrated service learning, outstanding faculty, and a commitment to individualized attention and developing the whole student.

St. Mary’s Academy academics on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo)

SMA’s Loretto School values of faith, community, justice, and respect guide everything they do. SMA is an inclusive community that welcomes students from all cultures, religions, and economic backgrounds. The school emphasizes understanding and appreciating different perspectives and focuses on respect and how people treat each other, unconditionally, with compassion. This fosters a deeper understanding of others and personal beliefs in a world that is increasingly diverse, multicultural, and multi-religious.

St. Mary’s Academy 160th birthday party on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo)

The co-ed Early Learning Program (Preschool and Prekindergarten) emphasizes the critical importance of a child’s early years, covering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It is based on the belief that joyful learning is essential for healthy childhood growth. In the co-ed Lower School (Kindergarten-Grade 5), children engage in social-emotional exploration while participating in meaningful learning, including an introduction to design thinking.

St. Mary’s Academy academics on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo)

The co-ed Middle School (Grades 6-8) is designed for learners to build their independence, forge connections, explore their identity through community service, and nurture their passion areas. At the all-girls High School (Grades 9-12), young women develop the confidence to trust their voices, engage in advanced-level coursework and service learning, and graduate with a sense of purpose as agents of change.