Academics

St. Mark’s seeks to develop students’ abilities in key areas. Students attending St. Mark’s are challenged:

• To be resilient and resourceful
• To learn deeply & think critically
• To be creative problem-solvers with an  understanding of the importance of inquiry
• To develop intellectual self-confidence and  curiosity
• To communicate and listen effectively
• To operate with integrity and honesty
• To develop necessary skills to live in a diverse community and global world
• To develop healthy habits of mind, body,  and spirit

College PreparationThe St.Mark’s curriculum is built on several pillars of pedagogy and learning designed to challenge and support our students: Students will gain the necessary skills to be successful in a collegiate setting. Our younger students begin with basic skills and move on to higher order skills development as they advance through the curriculum. They enhance their ability to master developmentally appropriate skill sets such as critical/analytical thinking, logical argumentation, effective writing, and close observation. Students are exposed to a foundational core curriculum designed to sharpen skills and habits of mind upon which to build their secondary school and college careers.  

Diverse Curricular Offerings

Students encounter a diversity and breadth of curricular experiences. Our diverse faculty work collaboratively and also maintain pedagogical freedom that enriches student learning experiences.  

Collaborative Learning

Our students and faculty work closely together and are engaged in collaborative work across the curriculum. Group work is a part of course design and students are encouraged to extend cooperative work to other areas outside of the classroom.  

Spiritual Center

Built into our curriculum is the two-semester religion requirement signaling the importance of intellectual inquiry of spiritual matters and discussion of ideals such as integrity, compassion, and spiritual cultivation.  

Exploring the World Beyond Campus

Our students are encouraged to discover the world beyond Southborough whether locally or abroad. Teachers explore global perspectives within our curriculum and regularly engage our students beyond the classroom on local day trips or by taking students to countries abroad.  

On Campus

Although St. Mark’s has grown well beyond the one-building schoolhouse of its founding, the concept of an integrated community of learners living with one another in an intimate setting is still the essence of the St. Mark’s experience. Every day, within the walls of the Main Building, students attend classes, socialize over meals in the dining hall, and enjoy community-building events, such as weekend activities and twice-weekly all-school meetings. Just a few steps through the cloisters is Belmont Chapel, in which we contemplate fundamental questions. Also nearby is the Center for the Arts, in which we savor student concerts and theater productions, and the Michel Faculty Athletic Center and numerous playing fields, the setting for a plethora of thrilling sporting contests. Students and faculty have frequent interaction here at St. Mark’s, creating a sense of comfort and fostering a feeling that the school community is indeed a family. In this section of the website, you can find aspects of St. Mark’s life that enrich the school community. In addition to news articles, photo galleries, and a full calendar of upcoming events, Student Lifeoffers a detailed look at the school’s residential life program, including weekly letters from the dean of students. You can learn more about the chapel program and an array of community service opportunities. Or, discover what our college counseling and technology programs have to offer students. For an even more detailed view of our community, peruse selections from student publications or download the latest issue of the St. Mark’s Magazine. You can even see what’s on tap in the dining hall.  

Athletics

At St. Mark’s School, athletics are a natural extension of the classroom experience. The school believes participation on an athletic team is an integral part of a student’s education — one that fosters hard work and enthusiasm while teaching cooperation, sportsmanship, and discipline. Over the course of more than 130 years, this formula has not only produced Olympic and professional athletes, but also nationally recognized leaders in business, medicine, politics, and the arts. St. Mark’s athletes adhere to the ideals of sport that have withstood the test of time. The school encourages students to become athletes in the truest sense of the word, emphasizing participation in a variety of sports. In an effort to accommodate students of all skill levels, St. Mark’s offers teams at the varsity, JV, and thirds levels, each with different areas of emphasis. Thirds teams emphasize participation, skill development, and enjoyment of the game. Varsity teams — at the other end of the spectrum — place a much stronger emphasis on competition and preparation for advancement to the next level. St. Mark’s boasts competitive relationships with the other 15 members of the Independent School League. All of the ISL member schools are committed to establishing healthy competition that promotes fair play in a positive, supportive atmosphere.