St. Mary’s Preparatory School

General Information

About (Overview)

St. Mary’s Preparatory School, located in Orchard Lake, Michigan, is a distinguished Roman Catholic, co-divisional, college preparatory high school with a rich Polish-American heritage. Established in 1885, the school sits on a picturesque 115-acre campus along Orchard Lake, offering a serene and conducive environment for academic and spiritual growth. The institution provides a unique educational experience by maintaining separate classrooms for boys and girls while fostering co-educational interactions during extracurricular activities. This model aims to balance academic rigor with social development, preparing students for collegiate success and lives of service. With a commitment to moral guidance, discipline, and education, St. Mary’s strives to cultivate Christ-like models of service and leadership among its students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3535 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48324, USA
  • Phone Number: +1 (248) 836-1271
  • Email Address: info@stmarysprep.com

School Facts

FactDetails
Founded1885
Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic
Grades Offered9–12
Campus Size115 acres
Student EnrollmentApproximately 900 students
Student-Teacher Ratio14.7:1
MascotEaglets
Boarding ProgramAvailable for boys

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Rankings

CategoryNational RankMichigan RankDetroit Area Rank
Best Boarding High Schools271 of 4384 of 73 of 3
Best Catholic High Schools294 of 1,1538 of 428 of 22
Best High Schools for Athletes732 of 21,28342 of 73618 of 234
Best Private High SchoolsNot Ranked19 of 13317 of 56
Best High Schools for STEMNot Ranked34 of 20529 of 100

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Academics

Faculties / Departments

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Foreign Languages
  • Fine Arts
  • Technology and Engineering
  • Physical Education and Health
  • Religious Studies

Courses and Programs / Majors

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
  • Honors Courses
  • STEM Programs
  • Fine Arts Programs (Music, Visual Arts, Theatre)
  • Athletic Programs
  • Leadership and Service Learning
  • College Preparation Courses

Online Learning

St. Mary’s Preparatory School offers a blend of traditional in-person instruction with online learning options to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. The school utilizes digital platforms to enhance the educational experience, providing students with access to a wide range of resources and materials to support their academic growth.

Average Test Scores

TestAverage Score
SAT1250
ACT28

Retention and Graduation Rates

St. Mary’s Preparatory School boasts a high retention rate, reflecting the satisfaction and success of its students. The graduation rate stands at 100%, underscoring the school’s commitment to ensuring that all students complete their high school education and are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

  • GPA Range: 3.5 – 4.0
  • SAT Range: 1200 – 1300
  • ACT Range: 26 – 30

Acceptance Rate

YearAcceptance Rate
2024Approximately 70%

Application Requirements

Prospective students are required to submit the following materials as part of the application process:

  • Completed application form
  • Transcripts from previous schools
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Application fee

Application Process

  1. Submit the completed application form along with the required documents.
  2. Schedule an interview with the admissions office.
  3. Await notification of acceptance.
  4. If accepted, confirm enrollment and submit necessary forms and fees.

Application Deadlines / Important Dates

EventDate
Application DeadlineJanuary 15
Interview PeriodFebruary 1–15
Notification of AcceptanceMarch 1
Enrollment ConfirmationMarch 15

Essay Prompt

Applicants are required to submit a personal statement or essay addressing the following prompt:

“Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience, and how will it influence your future?”

Scholarships

St. Mary’s Preparatory School offers a range of scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. These scholarships aim to make the school’s education accessible to a diverse group of students and to recognize and reward excellence in various areas.

Tuition and Fees

CategoryAmount
Tuition$15,550
Boarding Fee$10,000
Application Fee$50
Activity Fee$200

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

  • Gender: 100% male (boarding program available for boys)
  • Age Range: 14–18 years
  • Race/Ethnicity:
    • White: 80%
    • African American: 8%
    • Asian: 8%
    • Hispanic: 4%

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

St. Mary’s Preparatory School is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students. The school offers financial aid to low-income families and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Student Body

CategoryNumber
Total Students900
International Students8%

University Diversity

St. Mary’s Preparatory School embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school’s diverse student body enriches the educational experience, fostering a global perspective and promoting understanding among different cultures and backgrounds.

Average Earnings

Graduates of St. Mary’s Preparatory School have gone on to pursue higher education and successful careers. While specific earnings data is not publicly available, the school’s rigorous academic programs and emphasis on character development equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various fields.

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

St. Mary’s Preparatory School employs a dedicated and experienced faculty committed to providing high-quality education. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 14.7:1, allowing for personalized attention and fostering strong relationships between students and educators.

Faculty Profiles

Faculty members at St. Mary’s Preparatory School possess expertise in their respective fields and are dedicated to the academic and personal growth of their students. Many faculty members hold advanced degrees and have achieved recognition for their contributions to education.

St. Mary’s Preparatory School Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

St. Mary’s Preparatory School offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and service programs. The school provides boarding facilities for male students, offering a supportive and structured environment that fosters personal growth and independence.

Transportation

The campus is accessible by car and is approximately 25 miles northwest of Detroit. Public transportation options are available nearby, and the school provides shuttle services for students to facilitate commuting. On-campus mobility is supported by pedestrian-friendly pathways and designated parking areas for students and staff.