Welcome to St. Mary's Ryken

8th grade applications must be submitted with completed Admissions Checklists by December 9, 2022 at midnight.

SMR offers rolling admissions for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.

All prospective students are encouraged to visit SMR. We provide a number of visit opportunities for students and their families:

1. Open House

2. Knight for a Day visits

3. Personal tours

You can find information about our Student Support Team by clicking here.

When submitting your application for admission, please be sure to indicate that your child has an accommodation plan so that we can alert our Student Support Team and they can review your child’s needs.

Yes! SMR partners with St. Mary’s County Government, Compton Bus Service, and VVS Charter Services. For more information on bus transportation in your area, please visit the transportation page.

Student are evaluated for admission based on the criteria below:

1. A complete admissions checklist

2. Appropriate ability as demonstrated on the High School Placement Test

3. High level of academic achievement in the seventh grade and first quarter of the eighth grade

4. A demonstrated, sincere desire to attend St. Mary’s Ryken

5. Satisfactory teacher evaluations, disciplinary and attendance records

SMR helps students prepare for high school through a number of programs:

1. Freshman Experience

   • Freshman Experience is a 4-day summer program designed to acclimate incoming freshmen to the SMR campus, learn the curriculum, and meet faculty and fellow classmates. It also gives students a chance to make new friends before the school year begins

2. Mandatory Freshman Orientation

   • During orientation, students will prepare for the school year through several activities including: connecting with their mentors, meeting their teachers, learning about student activities, attending technology check-in and participating in a Battle of the Houses!

3. Knights Apprentice Program

   • New students are paired with upperclassmen who help to guide and mentor their freshmen and transfer mentees into becoming successful new Knights. Mentors are selected based on their ability to be positive, responsible role models.  

4. New Family Welcome Activities

   • Throughout the summer, SMR offers opportunities for new students and parents to get to know each other and the SMR community.