St Marks School
25 Marlboro Road Southborough, MA, 01772
(508) 786-6000
St. Mark’s School educates young people for lives of leadership and service. Founded in 1865 as an intentionally small residential community, the School challenges its students to develop their particular analytic and creative capabilities by both inspiring their academic and spiritual curiosity and kindling their passion for discovery. We value cooperation over self-interest, and we encourage all members of our community to explore their place in the larger world beyond our campus.
Nestled on 210 acres in Southborough, Massachusetts, just 25 miles from Boston, St. Mark’s School is a coeducational, Episcopal boarding and day school committed to excellence in education and community life. Founded in 1865 by Joseph Burnett, St. Mark’s is one of New England’s oldest independent boarding schools and a proud member of the Independent School League. With 81 dedicated faculty members and an average class size of 11, our 372 students benefit from a personalized learning environment and a robust academic program that includes honors and advanced-level courses across every department. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship and meaningful relationships inside and outside the classroom.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Dr. Ivory D. Hills
Director of Admissions:
Anne Behnke
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Episcopal
Total Enrollment:
372
Percent Boarders:
75%
Percent International:
19%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway and SAO
Testing Plan:
Required
Curriculum
The St. Mark’s curriculum is designed to challenge and support students through a balance of academic rigor, collaboration, and personal growth. Beginning with foundational skills and progressing to higher-order thinking, students develop critical analysis, effective writing, and logical reasoning to prepare for success in college and beyond. The school emphasizes diverse course offerings, collaborative learning, and a spiritual foundation that encourages inquiry into ethics and compassion. With opportunities to explore global perspectives, travel abroad, and engage in advanced courses beyond the AP framework, students are equipped with both the skills and mindset to thrive in an interconnected world.
Programming
St. Mark’s boasts more than 30 student organizations that meet a full range of interests and passions. Students can involve themselves in drama, music, the school newspaper, or the St. Mark’s Society – the school’s community service group that sponsors a wide range of hands-on service opportunities. Social activities include dances both on campus and at neighboring schools, trips to the movies and mall, as well as skiing, hiking and apple-picking excursions. Students can also take advantage of frequent cultural and social outings to Boston.
Activity/Sports Requirements
III and IV Form students are required to participate in an interscholastic sport in the fall, winter and spring. V Formers participate in an interscholastic sport for at least two seasons, while VI Formers participate in an interscholastic sport for at least one season. The St. Mark’s Athletic Department enhances the School community by providing competitive athletics and fitness activities for all students. Our entire community embraces athletics as an integral component of our students' overall education, desired to teach resilience, teamwork, goal-setting, and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. There are 100+ multisport varsity athletes as well as 50 athletic teams at St. Marks for students to choose from.
Dress Code
While we do not require coats and ties, we do expect our students to conform to a dress code best described as “business casual.” During the academic days students are to dress business casual and on chapel days you are to dress formal.
Seated Meals
Seated Lunches on Thursdays
Study Hall
Students are expected to work quietly in their rooms, at their desks, completing their homework Sunday evening through Friday evening from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Some students may be assigned a Faculty supervised study in a designated room during those same hours.
Saturday Programming
Without a doubt, weekends are a time for students to enjoy a bit of well-earned rest and relaxation after working hard all week, but at St. Mark’s, we want you to have fun with your friends, too! And around here, there is no shortage of fun activities to do.
Our School’s proximity to Boston, Worcester, and Providence means students can enjoy off-campus trips to sporting events, plays, and museums in the city one day. And the next, they can adventure in the great outdoors to take in the natural beauty surrounding our New England campus as they hike, swim, fish, or ski at nearby woods, lakes, and mountains.
Residential Life
Our boarding and day students are supported by a network of house heads, faculty advisors and house prefects who provide care and actively work to create an environment that makes it possible for St. Markers to excel in academic, athletic and community pursuits.