“Teach us delight in simple things.” That’s the motto etched in bronze at Saint Marys Hall. This motto first appeared on the French Place campus. It was later moved to the Starcrest Campus. Today, we explore the story of Saint Marys Hall.
Saint Marys Hall is a private college preparatory school. It stands in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1879, the school began with a vision. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas wanted a “higher style of education” with “Godly training”.
Initially, it faced challenges. An early attempt to establish a school failed. But the need for a preparatory school remained. Bishop Robert Woodward Barnwell Elliott spearheaded the effort. He successfully reestablished the school. It became Saint Marys Hall.
The school first resided in the Wolfe Building. It was located at Navarro and Martin streets. This was downtown San Antonio. Texas farmers and cattle barons supported the school during a prosperous time. Bishop Elliot sought a strong leader. He hired Miss Phillippa Stevenson as headmistress. She was a graduate of another Saint Marys Hall in New Jersey. By 1889, enrollment reached 105 students.
In 1916, Bishop William Theodotus Capers moved the school. The facilities were declining. Downtown was growing. He chose a home in Laurel Heights. It was at San Pedro and Woodlawn. He leased the property. Later, the school purchased it. Bishop Capers wanted an “attractive and inspiring” environment.
Saint Marys Hall became a non-profit institution in 1925. An independent Board of Trustees was established. Soon, they bought a larger facility. It was located at 117 East French Place. This location housed the school for four decades. Miss Ruth Coit, a headmistress, established many traditions here. These traditions are still honored today.
Needing more space, the Board decided to develop a new campus. In 1964, they purchased 60 acres on Starcrest Drive. This is the current location of Saint Marys Hall. Architects O’Neil Ford and Bartlett Cocke designed the campus. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred in 1967. The campus opened in 1968. It accommodated 300 students, including 119 boarding students.
O’Neil Ford used his Texas Modernist style. He incorporated natural materials. This allowed the buildings to harmonize with the landscape. Ford also designed the Tower of the Americas for HemisFair ’68.
Saint Marys Hall initially was an all-girls boarding school. After the move to Starcrest, boys were admitted. First, they were admitted through Form 2. Later, the school expanded coeducation. By 1987, the Upper School was fully coeducational.
As Saint Marys Hall grew, leadership shifted focus. In the early 2000s, it became a day school only. In 2005, the boarding dormitories transformed into Middle School classrooms. A monument, the Residence Clock, honors boarding students.
The I AM Saint Marys Hall campaign raised $26 million. Completed in 2013, it improved facilities. Renovations included the Peggy Pitman Mays Dining Hall. The Social Science & History Center was constructed. The Alonso Ancira Event Center was also built.
Traditions define Saint Marys Hall. The Blue Tie Ceremony is a rite of passage for seniors. Capers and Elliott are intramural teams. They are named for influential leaders. Chapel services offer worship and reflection. La Reata is the school yearbook. The Baron is the school mascot. He symbolizes inner toughness.
Today, Saint Marys Hall continues to thrive. It upholds its founding principles. Knowledge, self-confidence, and respect are key. The school empowers learners. It provides a supportive environment. Students develop their talents. They discover their passions. Saint Marys Hall prepares graduates for college. It equips them for a fulfilling life.