FAQs

List of 18 frequently asked questions.

• Q: Where is the school located?

  2101 South Hubert Avenue
  Tampa, Florida 33629 U.S.A.
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• Q: What is the weather in Tampa?

  information

• Q: What makes the school different from other schools in the area?

  The high level of dedication and commitment to education by the administration, faculty, parents and students in a caring, nurturing Christian environment set St. Mary's apart from other schools. Students graduate with a strong, well-rounded foundation in academics, athletics, visual and performing arts, technology, foreign language, religion, public speaking, community service, and more. Our students exemplify the St. Mary's motto: Learn ~ Love ~ Lead.

• Q: What is the school's main focus?

  Our emphasis is to provide intellectual and personal growth for students in a caring Christian environment.

• Q: What is the tuition?

  Tuition
  Tuition for all grade levels for the 2021-2022 academic year is $16,600 and is payable in one, four, or ten installments.

  
  Grade Level Fees 
  Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten fee: $225.
  1st through 5th grade fee: $250.
  This fee covers supplies, summer reading books, e-books, workbooks, activities, day field trips, yearbook, and technology expenses. 
  
  6th through 8th grade fee: $180.
  This fee covers summer reading books, e-books, activities, day field trips, yearbook, and technology expenses. 
  
  Textbooks
  Families of 3rd through 8th grade students purchase class textbooks, new or used, to keep at home.
  
  Overnight Field Trip Fees
  5th grade: $150
  6th grade: $560
  7th grade: $1,200
  8th grade: $1,710
  
  Building and Equipment Fee
  A Building and Equipment Fee in the amount of $10,000 is assessed to each St. Mary's family. This fee is assessed only once, regardless of the number of children attending St. Mary's. The fee is paid over five years ($2,000 per year), and may be billed on an annual or ten month basis at the option of the parent or guardian. 
  
  Parents' Association Dues
  All St. Mary's parents are valued members of our Parents' Association. The PA organizes many of the activities and events for students, parents, and teachers, overseen by a  volunteer Executive Committee and Board of Committee Chairmen. The annual Parents' Association dues are $250 per family.
  
  

  Financial Aid
  St. Mary's Episcopal Day School is committed to enrolling a qualified and diverse student body. Admission decisions are made without regard to financial status. Families who have reviewed their financial situation and feel they may need assistance in paying tuition should apply for aid by contacting the St. Mary's Business Office. Financial aid awards are available at any grade level to students who demonstrate need. 

• Q: What are the school hours?

  8:00 am to 3:15 pm
  Before School Care beginning at 7:30 am
  After School Care beginning at 3:15 pm and available until 6:00 pm

• Q: Do students wear uniforms?

  Students in Pre-K through 8th grade wear uniforms including navy blue shorts or pants, plaid shorts, jumpers or skirts, and white blouses or polo shirts (white, blue, or yellow). 

• Q: What activities are available for students?

  Students have the choice of a variety of on-campus activities, including safety patrols, acolytes, student council, yearbook, video production, chorus, drama, band, strings, drumline, sports, and community service opportunities. Participation depends upon grade level.
  
  After-school enrichment activities are also offered, including art, chess, cooking, robotics, photography, hockey, fitness, legos, yoga, soccer, and more.

• Q: Do students attend chapel services?

  Chapel services are held Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:15 and include all grade levels. Weekly classes in religion are also part of our curriculum.

• Q: How can parents get involved in the school?

  St. Mary's has an active Parents' Association which offers many volunteer opportunities for parents to get involved. The Parents' Association projects include a birthday treat service, an annual book fair, school photographs, teacher appreciation activities, the annual fundraising Benefit/Auction, homeroom parents, the 7th grade Meals on Wheels outreach, the 8th grade community service at Faith Cafe, and more.

• Q: Are opportunities available for the performing arts?

  All students participate in performing arts, including special performances by grade level, holiday programs, a Grandparents' Day performance, a spring musical, 7th grade variety show, and a full-scale musical in 8th grade. In addition, Friday assemblies give students an opportunity to present individual or group talents to the student body. The 8th graders acquire excellent public speaking skills in a class taught by the Head of School.

• Q: Can everyone be involved in sports?

  Yes, all middle school students are encouraged to participate in the sports program. Everyone is welcome. Further information about the St. Mary's sports program can be found on the Activities page.

• Q: Is tutoring available?

  Yes, arrangements can be made for tutoring if a student needs extra help. Prior to arranging a tutoring plan, we encourage students to take advantage of the before-school and during-school extra help sessions offered by all teachers.

• Q: What if my child becomes ill at school?

  St. Mary's has a full-time registered nurse who manages the health room. Any student who becomes ill is sent to her for evaluation.

• Q: What is the best way to communicate with teachers?

  Current parents and students may communicate with all faculty members through the secure Saints Portal messaging system. Many teachers also communicate with parents via email. Teachers check their email and Saints Portal messages regularly and promptly respond to many questions through these methods of communication.

• Q: What is the school's policy on discipline?

  Discipline is rooted in our religious heritage as expressed in the Anglican tradition of scripture, tradition and reason. We strongly believe in the concepts of honor and personal integrity. Expectations for behavior are carefully and regularly explained to the students throughout the school year.

• Q: Is a hot lunch program available?

  Students may bring lunch from home or purchase catered hot lunches pre-ordered online from Tampa Lunch Company.

• Q: Do the students take field trips?

  Each grade has field trips unique to its curriculum. Class time is used for orientation and follow-up to enhance the learning experience. Fifth through eighth graders enjoy unique overnight trips designed to promote team building and enhance the curriculum.