Compare International Schools in Aliso Viejo, United States

St. Mary's School

Ages 2 - null years

Fees $21,400 - 31,300

Pupils 720

Type Co-educational

St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo, California, offers an IB-based learning journey for students from Early Preschool through Grade 8. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) underpin a curriculum that blends inquiry and interdisciplinary connections, enhanced by Design Thinking and a values‑based education. The MYP culminates in a community project, and the school is prepared to offer the IB Diploma Programme if desired. Language learning begins early, with Spanish and Mandarin Chinese taught in the lower grades; Grade 5 adds French and Spanish, expanding multilingual opportunities. The IB Hub library supports research and language development, while the Center for Learning provides learning support. The campus includes a 9,000-square-foot gym, a synthetic turf Liu Family Field, an Omid Family Sports Court and a Ratner Playground, with the Sillers Center opening in 2025. The school serves about 720 students and emphasizes inquiry, service and leadership across campus.

Location

7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, United States. The campus covers 6.25 acres in Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California. It is the only Independent IB School in Orange County, California, offering the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme.

Stages

Early Education (Early Preschool–Early Kindergarten); Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 5); Middle School (Grades 6–8).

Type

Independent IB School

Additional learning support

Center for Learning (C4L).

Country affiliation

United States

Application fees

- Application / one-time enrollment fees: New family fee USD 1,000 (one-time, per family). New student fee USD 100 (one-time, per student). These fees are assessed at the time of enrollment/contract.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and installment examples)

- Early Preschool / Preschool (tiered by days and full/half day):
- USD 27,300 per year — 5 full days.
- USD 24,500 per year — 5 half days.
- USD 21,400 per year — 3 full days.
- USD 19,200 per year — 3 half days.
- USD 17,100 per year — 2 full days.
- USD 15,400 per year — 2 half days.

- Early Kindergarten: USD 28,900 per year.

- Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8): USD 31,300 per year. Example installment breakdowns based on the school's published payment options (calculated from the annual amount):
- Two-installment plan (60% / 40%): first payment = USD 18,780; second payment = USD 12,520.
- Ten-month installment plan (equal monthly amounts): approximately USD 3,130 per month (ten payments).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Contract deposit (non-refundable) is required at the time contracts are signed. Sample contract deposit amounts published for the 2026–27 cycle: K–8 USD 3,100; Early Kindergarten USD 2,900; Early Preschool / Preschool deposits range from USD 1,700 to USD 2,700 depending on the chosen tier. The deposit is applied to the family account per the school's enrollment policies.

- Standard payment options and schedule for the annual tuition (examples as published for the 2026–27 year):
- Pay in full (single payment) by the school's stated due date (published annually).
- Two-installment plan: 60% due on the first stated due date (May 5 in the published schedule) and 40% due on the second stated due date (December 5), with an administrative/service fee for the installment option (USD 150 as published).
- Ten monthly installments: equal payments spread over ten months beginning on the published start date (May 5 in the published schedule), with an administrative/service fee for the monthly plan (USD 300 as published).

- Late-payment, returned-payment, or administrative service fees apply when using installment plans as published in the tuition schedule. Specific due dates and any plan fees are set each year in the school's tuition schedule.

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. St. Mary's is an independent day school (no boarding program).

Other costs and recurring program fees

- Field Studies / required grade-level trips (published illustrative costs for 2026–27):
- Grade 4: Sacramento trip — USD 2,100 (approximate, published estimate).
- Grade 5: AstroCamp — USD 710 (approximate, published estimate).
- Grade 6: Catalina trip — USD 920 (approximate, published estimate).
- Grade 7: Yosemite trip — USD 1,500 (approximate, published estimate).
- Grade 8: Washington, D.C. trip — USD 4,200 (approximate, published estimate).

- Extended Care / Aftercare (published monthly pricing tiers and drop-in):
- USD 440 per month — more than 40 hours used per month.
- USD 350 per month — 20–39 hours per month.
- USD 270 per month — 10–19 hours per month.
- USD 180 per month — under 10 hours per month.
- Drop-in rate (not registered) — USD 36 per hour.

- Uniforms, classroom materials, instrument rentals, co-curricular fees, or optional activity fees may apply for certain programs; the tuition schedule notes that some incidental or program-specific charges (for example, after-school activities or optional course fees) are billed separately. Published tuition materials list the primary mandatory fees and note that additional, program-specific charges are billed as appropriate.

Refund information

- The contract deposit paid at enrollment is published as non-refundable and is applied to the family's account per enrollment policy. The school's tuition schedule also states that amounts collected after the published refund cutoff date are not refundable; exact refund deadlines and mid‑year withdrawal policies (including prorations and any administrative charges) are set each year in the school's tuition and enrollment terms.

Financial aid and sibling policy

- Need-based financial aid is available and is awarded following an annual application and review process through the school's financial-aid application platform (Clarity). Key deadlines and application windows are published annually; roughly USD 1.3 million was distributed in financial aid in the most recent complete school year. The school does not offer an automatic sibling discount.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The school publishes the available billing plans (pay in full; two-installment 60/40; ten-month installments) and applies modest administrative/service fees to installment plans. Payments are processed via the school's tuition billing system and the school's published materials indicate families may pay electronically through the school's billing platform (typical channels include ACH/wire and card payments through the tuition platform). Specific accepted payment methods (particular card brands, check, or third-party international-payment vendors) are determined by the school's billing provider and are listed in the annual tuition schedule and billing instructions.

Summary (key figures for 2026–27 academic year)

- K–8 annual tuition: USD 31,300.
- Early Kindergarten annual tuition: USD 28,900.
- Early Preschool / Preschool tiers: USD 15,400–USD 27,300 depending on schedule.
- Contract deposit (typical examples): USD 1,700–USD 3,100 depending on program.

Curriculum

St. Mary's uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework as the foundation of its curriculum. From Early Preschool through Grade 8, the school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), enhanced by Design Thinking and a values-based education. The IB emphasizes inquiry, global-mindedness, and interdisciplinary connections, with the PYP and MYP creating a cohesive learning journey. The MYP culminates in a community project, and the school is prepared to offer the IB Diploma Programme if desired. Language learning begins early, with Spanish and Mandarin Chinese taught in the lower grades, and Grade 5 introducing additional languages including French and Spanish. The IB Hub library supports research and language development, and the Center for Learning (C4L) provides learning support. Exposure to world languages begins in the Early Education Program and continues through Lower and Middle School; Every student in Lower School is introduced to Spanish; Grade 5 adds Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish.

Student Teacher Ratio

Ratio & Class size: Early Preschool 1:6; Preschool 1:7; Early Kindergarten 1:8.

Gifted and Talented

Center for Learning (C4L) provides educational therapy and enrichment for students, including those with talents; The St. Mary's Scholar Program provides access for talented students from underserved communities.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is integrated across all grade levels at St. Mary's. It focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision‑making. SEL is embedded in IB units, classroom discussions, and advisory time, with counselor-led experiences in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and problem-solving. Chapel, buddy partnerships, and service learning reinforce SEL values through shared experiences. The School Counselor team—including Kari Sylvester and Melissa Mamola—and the School Chaplain, Pastor Mark Chapman, support students' emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Mental Wellbeing

St. Mary's supports mental wellbeing through a dedicated counseling team and spiritual life offerings. The counseling program provides developmentally appropriate instruction in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and problem‑solving. A weekly Chapel and service-learning activities contribute to a sense of community and spiritual wellbeing. School counselors Kari Sylvester and Melissa Mamola, as well as the School Chaplain Pastor Mark Chapman, provide direct support to students, and are available to address concerns as part of the broader counseling program.

History

St. Mary's School was founded in 1994 in Aliso Viejo, California, by Father Ernest D. Sillers as his first school independent of a church. It was designed to be inclusive of all faiths and grounded in the values of integrity, academics, and spirituality. Father Sillers envisioned a learning environment that would prepare students for an increasingly interconnected, technology-driven world and cultivate global citizens. In 2007, St. Mary's became an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The 2023–2024 school year marked its 30th anniversary, and the campus expanded with The Sillers Center and other facilities; Doug Patterson serves as Head of School.

Community

St. Mary's School maintains an active community program with events such as the St. Mary's Golf Classic and the Benefit Dinner + Gala that connect families, alumni and friends. The Golf Classic is a signature event with sponsorship opportunities and on-course contests, held at notable local courses; the 28th Annual Golf Classic took place on November 2, 2026 at Aliso Viejo Country Club with registration by October 19, 2026. The Hearts for Blue and Gold Benefit Dinner and Gala raised more than $1.61 million, and next year's gala is planned for April 17, 2027. Giving opportunities include the St. Mary's Fund, the St. Mary's Scholar Program, Falcon Field and Outdoor Play Spaces, and Matching Gifts.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) exists as the parent engagement arm of the school. Every St. Mary's parent is a member of the PTF, which builds community through volunteering and planning events and activities on campus, including all-school events, service-learning, and parent education. The PTF Board represents the parent community and serves in various leadership roles to support education, fundraising, cultural, physical and spiritual needs. Volunteer opportunities are posted on the Falcon Connect Parent Portal.

Facilities Overview

The campus features a modern athletics complex and extensive new academic and outdoor spaces. The Gym covers 9,000 square feet for basketball, volleyball and other activities, and includes a 1,400-square-foot stage for performances and chapel or academic celebrations. The Liu Family Field is a synthetic turf surface with more than 65,000 square feet of multi‑purpose space, and the Omid Family Sports Court borders the field with a 5,000-square-foot outdoor basketball court. The Ratner Family Playground is 1,800 square feet with a climbing wall, slide, elevated walkways and other features for recess and after‑school play. The Sillers Center opened in fall 2025 as a two‑story 28,400-square-foot facility; the first floor houses the Thompson Family Early Education Center and the second floor houses the Design Center. The Floriani Family Park and about 40,000 square feet of outdoor spaces complete the campus, serving about 720 students.

Sports Facilities

St. Mary's Gym covers approximately 9,000 square feet for basketball, volleyball and other activities, and includes a 1,400-square-foot stage for performances and Chapel/academic celebrations. The Liu Family Field is a synthetic turf surface with more than 65,000 square feet of multi-purpose space for recess, PE and after-school sports; the adjacent Omid Family Sports Court features a 5,000-square-foot outdoor basketball court. The Ratner Family Playground is 1,800 square feet with features such as a climbing wall, slide, elevated walkways and other play amenities for recess and after-school recreation.

Academic Facilities

Opened in fall 2025, The Sillers Center is a two-story, 28,400-square-foot facility. The first floor houses the Thompson Family Early Education Center, while the second floor houses the Design Center, a hub for creativity, innovation and hands-on learning. Floriani Family Park adds outdoor space, with about 40,000 square feet of new outdoor areas. These facilities support learning beyond traditional classrooms and accommodate the campus-wide academic programs for approximately 720 students.

Extra Curricular Facilities

In Student Life, Athletics, Dining Program, Field Studies, Intersession, Student Leadership, The Nest and Summer Session are offered as extracurricular activities and programs.

Academic & Intellectual

St. Mary's combines the International Baccalaureate framework with Design Thinking to create a dynamic educational experience that develops the whole child. From Early Preschool through Grade 8, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) provide a cohesive learning journey. The IB emphasises inquiry and international-mindedness, and the programmes develop the approaches to learning (ATL) skills across disciplines. Language learning is integrated into the IB pathway, with Spanish taught to all Lower School students and Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish introduced in Grade 5 to foster multilingualism.

Arts & Creative

Arts at St. Mary's includes Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre and Music) and Visual Arts (Visual Art and Media Arts), along with the Falcon Theatre Company, a student‑run troupe that engages in production from start to finish. The Arts are integrated with the IB Programme, with students creating, performing, and presenting works to express ideas and explore culture. In the Middle Years Programme, students select arts disciplines—two options in Grades 6–7 and one for the year in Grade 8—with options including Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, and Music).

Cultural & Language

Acquiring a world language at St. Mary's encourages students to learn beyond the instructional setting. Language learning is a core component of the IB programme, developing multilingual competence and global perspectives. Spanish is taught in Lower School, and in Grade 5 students begin Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish to support multilingualism. The five World Language goals include communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Social & Hobbies

The Leadership Program is integrated into the core academic program through projects, discussions, student involvement and practical application. It focuses on four principles which form the cornerstones of a strong community: Attitude, Commitment, Engagement and Service (ACES). Leadership opportunities abound through experiences in the classroom, participation in the arts, music and athletic programs, involvement in student government and initiation of service learning projects which allow students to experience leadership at the practical level. Students are able to develop self‑awareness as they learn their individual strengths through daily participation in the program.

Community & Service

Service Learning is integrated across the Lower School to Grade 8 as part of the IB curriculum and gives students opportunities to engage with St. Mary's, neighboring communities and the world at large. Chapel, community-building programs and service learning reinforce IB values and identity. Community events, such as the St. Mary's Golf Classic and the Benefit Dinner + Gala, engage families and raise funds for school programs; the Hearts for Blue and Gold Gala has supported Falcon Field and other projects, strengthening the St. Mary's community.

Leadership & Professional

The Leadership Program is integrated into the core academic program through projects, discussions, student involvement and practical application. It centers on four ACES: Attitude, Commitment, Engagement, and Service. Leadership opportunities include Lower School Leadership, Associated Student Body (Middle School), Ambassadors (Grade 5 & Middle School), and the Father Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Award for leadership across school and community. Advisory and chapel curricula provide direct instruction on leadership and global awareness.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) is embedded across all grade levels to develop empathy, resilience, self‑awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision‑making. Counseling services provide mindfulness and problem‑solving through counselor‑led experiences, and the IB framework supports social and emotional growth within the classroom and advisory settings. Chapel is a weekly gathering for the whole community, reinforcing IB Attitudes and Learner Profiles. Community‑building and service activities reinforce well‑being, identity, and belonging.

Admissions

1) Inquire and begin: Submit an inquiry form to officially start the admissions process. The Admissions Team is committed to building strong connections with each student and family. They are available to answer questions about grade-level availability, the application process, curriculum, and community life, and can assist with scheduling a tour. 2) Apply and information sessions: Apply through the admissions portal; Admissions Information Sessions provide a comprehensive introduction to St. Mary's, including a welcome from school leadership, overview of the International Baccalaureate framework, guided campus tours with faculty and student ambassadors, and classroom visits when school is in session. There is time for questions with the admissions team. 3) Admissions timeline: For 2027-2028, the application is available September 1, 2026; Information Sessions occur on October 22, 2026; November 12, 2026; December 10, 2026; January 28, 2027; the Application and Financial Aid are due January 4, 2027; Notification of Admission Decision is February 26, 2027. 4) Contact and next steps: The Admissions Team can be reached at admissions@smaa.org or (949) 448-9027 x340 for any questions or to schedule a tour.

Scholarships

The St. Mary's Scholar Program ensures accessibility to the International Baccalaureate learning environment for talented students from underserved communities who might not otherwise have access to a St. Mary's education.

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