St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Texas

“Saint Mary's Hall of San Antonio began, over 100 years ago, as an Espicopal school. Today, SMH is a secular school serving students of all religious faiths, including Muslim and Hindu students. SMH has a beautiful campus that looks like a small college. The library and computer resources are exceptional. Classes are small. Students work very hard...perhaps too hard. A typical SMH middle school or high school student puts in 70 hours to 80 hours per week in classes, labs, homework, studying, and in activities such as theatre, speech, debate, or sports. Every student from 7th grade to 12th grade has the opportunity to be on an athletic team each semester, and the great majority chose to do so. Last year, 95% of the graduating class enrolled in college, and many were offered substantial scholarships. SMH grads do well in college because they have learned how to 'out study' most”
This review was posted by a other.

“SMH is an excellent school that has a first-class curriculum that is both challenging and timely. The educators truly care about their students and want them to succeed. As to the 'snooty' factor, one will find that anywhere. The 'special parking places' were purchased through an auction fundraiser called Passport which is held every three years. Overall, we do an outstanding job in preparing your child for college and for life.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I began my education at SMH when I was four and continued there until my freshman year when a difficult family situation forced me to switch to Reagan (public, NEISD). Honestly, I was so bored and unmotivated in even an acclaimed public school environment that my parents sent me right back to SMH a year after I left. The difference is HUGE: nowhere else do you get the sort of individual attention from instructors, the lifelong bonds with everyone in your class, or the challenging but engaging and genuinely interesting sort of work that SMH provides. Not only does the SMH student body have an insane amount of integrity (we leave our backpacks laying in the halls during lunch and no one steals anyone else's iPod), we also genuinely care about intelligence and actually commit ourself to our education because our teachers have demonstrated that it is both valuable and enjoyable.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm a senior at Saint Mary's Hall, and the six years that I've been there have been an experience. Not only did I receive a fantastic education in the humanities and sciences, but I also learned how to interact in a certain social setting. I understand that SMH may not be for everyone, but if you have the resources you should seriously consider investing in your child's future. The reaction to Saint Mary's Hall depends on when you attend; for example, middle school was probably not the most ideal time for me at SMH. In fact, I don't think middle school anywhere is easy to transition to, socially. Don't worry though--high school tempers the snobby attitude SMH kids are known for. It's still somewhat present though, honestly. As for sports and extracurriculars, the school leads nationally in it's Lacrosse and Tennis programs. I would go on, but there's a world limit.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I must say that SMH is a wonderful school with great opportunities. Yes it is true that this school is for the wealthier people. The people who attend this school aren't always 'snooty.' In this years 7th grade, there are only few whom appear as such to me. The food here is wonderful but they have changed it and it isn't as wonderful as before. The sports here are great but the only problem is the teams aren't great. This school was designed for high-performance of fine arts and acedemics which I believe that this school lives up to. But on not such a good note, this year we got a new head of middle school whom everyone seems to dislike including myself. She is changing the middle school, some not so good. This is the only reason I dislike SMH.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm a student at SMH, and have been since I was 3 years old. I'm a senior now, and all I can say is that this school has taught me so much, including amazing study habits. The teachers are, for the most part, wonderful. There are some drawbacks, mainly the incredibly heavy workload, but it's worth it in the end.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My son attended SMH for 2 years but we did not continue there mostly because of the high tuition. You can get the same (if not better) education for your child at other private schools in San Antonio. Please don't make your entire decision solely on the gorgeous campus and facilities. For the amount of money you pay it would seem the school would have a lower student/teacher ratio. Also, I agree w/other comments on here about the'snooty' factor. It is pathetic. Be prepared to be hounded for donations! It's relentless. My son did well with his teacher. He did well transitioning to a new school though and I see improvment in areas that he struggled w/ at SMH. It's hard to convince me there's anything special about this school besides it's brilliant campus and the status of attending. My advice...do your research and keep your eyes open wide.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am not a parent i am a student and i just thought you should see things from a seventh graders point of view... i do not like saint mary's hall at all if i had any choice i would not be there. the girls are a big problem they are spoiled and are very rude to who ever isnt like them. they also have a tremendous homework...”
This review was posted by a student.

“The middle school has really strict guidlines with both uniforms and rules, we can't grade intermix, which is annoying...”
This review was posted by a student.

“Only 40% of SMH families donate to SMH. This conveys the disappointment many families feel toward the incompetent administration and awful athletic programs in the Upper School. The administration cannot even organize itself well enough to have books available for students at the start of the school year (this has been a recurrent problem). They also cater to the wealthy donors by allowing them to have private parking places that are reserved only for those families (i.e., 'snooty' comments of another review are too mild on the issue of financial discrimination and elitism that are rampant at SMH). The athletics department is equally incompetent and leaderless. Every year there are fewer and fewer JV and varsity sports teams fielded. While theses 2 aspects of the school are woefully bad, the academics are excellent. Students are challenged and will be quite ready for college after graduation (but the college counciling is poor).”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Saint Mary's Hall is a fantastic school. Saint Mary's Hall has the grades Montessori-12th It is known for being a college preperatory school. It has great academics, fabulous teachers, great field trips, the school has a great cafeteria, fabulous food, beautiful landscape and fabulous events. It is very expensive to attend but it is FABULOUS and it's worth the money. My daughter Emily goes to Saint Mary's Hall and she loves it! She loves the teachers and all of her friends. SHe attends volleyball, basketball, soccer, and is on the senate! She admits that the homework and classes are tough but they are so worth it. SMH's site is www.smhall.org Saint Mary's Hall is so Fabulous!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“if you can afford to send all your children to SMH I would take the oppurtunity. My son attended the montessori program there and I was very pleased. Sadly we cannot afford tuition for the three of my children to attend. I believe St. Marys Hall can make your child prepared for a great education. This school is about money but, if you do not get yourself too involved with other parents you will do fine. The Staff and curriculum is great!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school seems obsessed with money, the more the family has the more attention and breaks a student will receive. Conformity is also a very important, I do not think the students and administration value diversity as much as they claim.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have read several comments on the 'snooty' factory, however my experience has not been with the parents but the administration. They are requiring many children to get tested to see if something is 'wrong' with them if they do not fit St. Mary's Hall 'standards'. Many children are held back in kindergarten for a second year - tremendous amount of emphasis put on reading as young as 5 years old. Many parents get outside help as young as 4 years old to make sure kids are able to read well enough to move on to first grade. Many kids struggle in first grade - a lot of pressure. There are definitely problems at this school - particularly with the primary school. They are making changes...only time will tell if they get it together.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has excellent academics. You are constantly pushed to new heights in all subjects. The only thing is that it can definitely drain a student in a tremendous way. The homework load is a bit much. There is also the snooty factor. Not very much diversity and the guys do not know how to treat the girls with respect.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Attention to details, Individual attention to each student, comprehensive education from arts to science to math to social skills, welcoming and comfortable environment. Engaging students, parents, teachers and administration. Great leadership!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Parents have very few choices when it comes to selecting a good, well-rounded school in San Antonio. Saint Mary's Hall is the best the city has to offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has been attending SMH for 2 years. He loves his school and they have taught him to love learning (he is 5 years old). They teach everyone to respect one another, which I am very pleased with . We came for the solid academic reputation they have, and we found many more blessings.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Saint Mary's Hall is by far the finest academic institution in San Antonio. The school combines a challenging academic environment with myriad opportunities in fine arts and athletics. At the time I attended Saint Mary's Hall ('SMH'), the school offered more advanced placement courses than any other school in San Antonio. In addition, the quality of its fine art's facilities and athletic fields exceed those of many colleges. The classes at SMH are very small and students receive individual attention and nurturing. Parents who wish their children to be both well rounded and well educated should send their children to SMH.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I attended Saint Mary's Hall for sixth, seventh, and eight grade. It was an amazing, enlightening and rewarding experience. Although some dislike the school because of the academic rigor and high expectations, in the long run, these really do help in the long run, despite the frustrations you may encounter. I now attend public school, and even though I enrolled in a program that claims private school level education, I am dissappointed beyond words. Saint Mary's Hall is the best school I have ever attended (and I have attended more than my fair share-my father was in the military). Don't miss out on the amazing oportunity!”
This review was posted by a former student.

“As a Saint Mary's Hall high school student, I have realized that the administration is completely driven by the parents with big bucks. There are smart kids but few of them are well- disciplined. I previously attended a public school, and I've realized that many of the kids don't have common sense. They also don't deal with diversity very well. The boys do not know how to respect girls. It is a beautiful campus which I admire coming to every day, but they have some problems they need to work out. The curriculm is awesome and they teach us how to manage our time better.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The quality and dedication of the staff, and the academic rigor are second to none, in Texas or elsewhere. My daughter, and several of her friends, came back from their first year of college saying that they couldn't have been more prepared--not bad when one of them was at MIT!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The headmaster is new this year so it s too early to rate his leadership abilities. The head of the middle school is very weak and a disappointment after the strong leader she replaced. Quality of teachers is mediocre: a few exceptional, several good, and then some real winners. Overall a very safe environment but more students than anticipated that are not very nice kids. Perhaps its middle school age in general. The best asset is the small class size (7-15students/class). A little too much emphasis is placed on sports and a great deal of time devoted to athletics. The homework load is ridiculous. It will crush the spirit of any healthy normal child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The facilities are beautiful, and civil order abounds. If you have a child that is of high intelligence, is unique, gifted or thinks outside of the box, this may not be the school for you. Manners and conformity are paramount, even the director of the lower school said that the children don't perform well on tests which measure higher order or divergent thinking. The head of the Montessori said 'You don't have to go to Harvard to be wealthy' If you are wealthy and don't necessarily value intelligence over good manners, safe environment, and conformity, then this is the school for you! Beautiful campus, but you can't judge a book by its cover...”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nice extracurriculars, gorgeous campus, a lot of rich people, but rich doesn't = smart. Very hit or miss depending on teacher, not sure what the educational philosophy is except teach above grade level (which is fine, my son is very bright). Nicer campus than any school I have ever seen. Somewhat of a snooty factor. Not necessarily a school for a kid that thinks out of the box or is highly/exceptionally intelligent. Might switch schools, but it may be the best San Antonio has to offer”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school, the best in san antonio and south texas. The comunication is fantastic......”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Saint Mary's Hall has very high academic standards with a focus on the arts and acting. Their curriculum is 1 1/2 years ahead of the public school system. There is amazing exposure to different aspects of education and a wonderful focus on the individual.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has attended SMH now for 2 years. I am so happy we chose to move her here. SMH is by far the best school in SA. It also has state of the art facilities- not unlike a college campus. The parent's support of the school enhances each and every facet- wihtout the parent's involvement the school wouldn't be what it is.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is great that one may begin an education here at a young age and create friendships and a life that is able to grow because students may attend until senior year. It is a life style and a world with personal involvement between faculty, parents and students. This school shaped my life in the most positive way possible. Thank you.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I am pleased with the education my children have received at SMH. I am deeply disappointed with the administration of this school. They seem to be completely driven by the parents with the biggest pocket books. Discipline is not dolled out equally. There are too many parents on the campus all trying to instill morality through committee meetings. Critical and creative thinking is not necessarily encouraged. The student body is not diverse.”
This review was posted by a parent.