Read more details about Saint Mary's School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
I loved that my school was close to home, but more importantly felt like a home. They were small classes that allowed me to create a special relationship with my teachers and ensure that I was getting all the help I needed in each and every class.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I feel like it really grew with my independence. I was so scared to go at first, reaching out of my own and not knowing anyone terrified me. But my time at St. Mary’s made me comfortable being uncomfortable and learned how I am stronger than I think I am.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I wish I wouldn’t have been so shy at first. I wish I would have reached out too to those who were known as well so I could have met my friends faster.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I loved the community it gave me. I know so many girls all over the country now from my time there and it allowed me to branch out and truly become myself.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Don’t be shy! Enjoy every single second because it goes by so fast. Try all the sports and all the activities.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved the small classes. I felt like each and every one of my teachers knew me personally and were able to assist me in ways I would not have gotten at a large public school. The workload was manageable, but challenging and prepared me fully for college.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The community of the athletics program was my favorite part of St. Mary’s. I learned sportsmanship, more than just surface level. I grew so close with each girl on my team and it was fun to have activities outside of classes.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was not involved, but I had several friends who were and loved every aspect.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved volunteering on the weekends. It was neat to go out into a new city and volunteer to those in need there. Everything was well organized and fun! Administration didn’t make it seem like a chore, instead something you wanted to do.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved how close I got to my roommate. It was randomly selected, so I was nervous at first, but we had so much fun in our room. We each had our own bed and desk so when it was time to work, we had separate areas.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I loved the quality of the food. I was nervous at first it wouldn’t be great, but the chefs spend so much time preparing meals that all the girls will love. I loved meal time because it was a fun time to socialize with all my friends outside of school and activities.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
I loved Raleigh! Being the capital, there is so much to do. You can go downtown to different places to eat or different trails and things to hike. There was so much to do and the community was welcoming to the St. Mary’s girls.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved that everyone was friends. There was not a lot of drama within the girls, and the girls become your family. They are my lifelong friends that I still talk to every single day.
Read more details about Saint Mary's School on their 2024-25 profile page.
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