Marian Middle School celebrates 25 years of a vision made real
In 1999, Marian Middle School opened its doors as the only all-girls private middle school in the St. Louis community, with a focus on serving urban adolescent youth in a faith-based environment. Last month, the school kicked off not just the start of a new academic year, but a milestone 25 years celebrating demonstrated student success. Marian Middle School is a co-sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND).
“Twenty-five years of empowering young women is a milestone we're incredibly proud of,” said Mary Elizabeth Grimes, school president. “Marian Middle School has been a place where girls discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. Our students and graduates are making a positive impact on our community, and we're excited to continue this legacy for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to mark this 25th-year milestone with our students, families, and community," said Principal Sierhah Price. “Marian provides a supportive and empowering environment where young women can discover their voices, explore their talents, and thrive academically, socially and personally.”
Since the beginning, SSND have invested in the vision of Marian Middle School, with sisters serving as board members, teachers, a principal, administrators and in various volunteer capacities. Sister Fran Dotta was the first teacher hired and and Sister Carol Reeb (deceased) was the provincial councilor who worked with the founding group.
“We met in the boardroom and the writing on the walls literally says “Empowerment,” said Sister Joan Andert, director of the SSND ministry office. “You can't go any place in that school and not understand their mission, which is a compliment to them.”
Marian Middle School is in the Tower Grove South neighborhood but pulls students from some 30 zip codes across the St. Louis metro area. While up to 90% of students face issues of poverty, their education from Marian Middle School seeks to reduce issues that might stand in the way of their personal and academic growth.
“The thing that is so special about Marian Middle School is that they work with girls of promise who aren't getting the resources they need to be fully successful,” said Sister Joan. “And when they don't get the resources they need to be successful, then that is when they can fall down that rabbit hole and go in the wrong direction. Marian Middle School provides the wrap-around services that students need. For example, if there's not food security in the home, then that impacts students learning. So, they work to address that food insecurity, or whatever it is they might need.”
The school’s unique Graduate Support Program provides personalized guidance to graduates on high school placement and financial aid applications. Marian has an incredibly impressive 100% high school graduation rate for their students. After leaving Marian, many of the students continue at area Catholic high schools such as Rosati-Kain Academy, Nerinx Hall High School and Notre Dame High School, alongside local Lutheran schools and some of the city’s magnet schools. From there, they continue their success forward, with 100% of Marian students enrolling in college and 78% of them achieving their degrees.
To date, 338 Marian Middle School alumnae are making their mark in the classroom, internships and careers.
“My hope for Marian Middle School is that they can continue to be a solid presence in the life of young women,” said Sister Joan. “Marian Middle School is a treasure. It’s a crown jewel and it really fulfills the ministry ideals of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.”
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Photo credits: Marian Middle School and Gara Elizabeth Photography