History

Our's School's Rich History

from barracks to s. hubert avenue

St. Mary’s was founded in 1953 by Fr. Warren I. Densmore and a group of Episcopal parents who saw the need for a church-affiliated school with a strong academic environment. Emphasis was placed on attracting top-level faculty members who combined their teaching skills with a desire to offer individualized attention to each student. 

Originally located on Bay to Bay Boulevard at Concordia Street, St. Mary’s Parish School (kindergarten through grade 3) relocated to the current location at 2101 S. Hubert Avenue when the Diocese purchased the eight-and-a-half acre property at West San Miguel Street and Hubert Avenue. Before the first school building was completed, classes were held in barracks obtained from Drew Airfield (a WWII Army Air Force Base sub-post and the precursor to Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base). On March 31, 1980. St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. 

 

A class photo from 1975.

SEE OUR TRANSFORMED CAMPUS

Our present school building opened in November 2001, replacing the original school facility. Since then, the entire St. Mary’s campus has undergone a complete transformation and rebuild. Today's school is designed for 445 children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.  The PK-8 program provides continuity throughout the important primary years, yet allows middle school students to experience significant responsibilities and important leadership opportunities prior to starting high school.

Let us help you determine if St. Mary's is the right fit for your child.

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We're eager to welcome your family to our vibrant community and show you how we inspire curiosity, kindness, and dignity. We look forward to sharing more information, getting to know your child, and helping you get to know St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School.

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VISIT ST. MARY'S

Schedule a visit to explore St. Mary's School, located on 8.5 acres in sunny Tampa. Our campus facilities include classrooms, laboratories, art and music studios, a performing arts facility, a library, a gymnasium, playgrounds, athletic fields, St. Mary's Church, and much more.

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We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on their application, school record, teacher recommendation, interviews, observations, and admissions assessments.

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