Mission: Marian Middle School, a Catholic school serving adolescent girls of all religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by fostering their spiritual, academic, social, moral, emotional, and physical development in preparation for and successful completion of college preparatory high schools.
Results: Since Marian Middle School opened its doors to 14 girls in 2000, the school has shepherded 214 young women through middle school. Our alumnae have a 96% high school graduation rate and 82% go on to enroll in post-secondary programs at two- and four-year institutions of higher education. Moreover, Marian Middle School has watched 15 alumnae graduate from college and begin their careers. Plus, we have given over $1.4 million in scholarship money to our graduates over the past 10 years!
Target demographics: Students who attend Marian Middle School come from low-income backgrounds.
Direct beneficiaries per year: During the 2015-2016 school year, we served more than 100 girls in grades five through twelve.
Geographic areas served: Students travel from 24 different zip codes around the St. Louis metropolitan area to receive a life-altering education.
Programs: Marian offers an extended school day (10 hours), a longer school year (10 months), small class sizes, a challenging academic program in a disciplined environment, a full array of enrichment activities, counseling services, and graduate support to alumnae in order to succeed in our mission to break the cycle of poverty for students.
I love being a part of this organization! From getting to know the girls, the staff that works at Marian and the others that serve alongside me, it has been a true beam of light in my life since joining! This organization is life changing for girls in STL!
We love Marian. The staff , the lessons& the community.
Marian Middle School is such an amazing organization! The teachers and administration are wonderful and work so hard to create a positive environment for Marian students. The students are of course wonderful as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences volunteering and fundraising at Marian over the years.
Marian is unique in that graduates are supported academically, financially, and emotionally throughout high school and college, which ensures the girls' success. As a former volunteer and current teacher at Marian, I am impressed by Marian's loving environment. Graduates often return to mentor current students.
As a CORE volunteer who comes in every day, I get to listen in on student conversations with each other. "At my last school, I didn't get math at all. Now I'm getting an A and understanding it!" "I'm glad this school has an anti-bullying policy because I used to be bullied at my last school." "The lunches here are good!" "I wasn't expecting the field trip to be fun, but it actually was fun!" You know Marian is a great school if the "clients" say so! Alumni of the school regularly return as well, which shows the loving and supportive environment the girls receive when they come to school. The girls in turn demonstrate their love by respecting teachers and staff and by being inclusive and encouraging of one another. I'm also impressed by the variety of classes and enrichment activities offered, from robotics to Zumba to Model UN. Can I be a middle schooler again so I can go there?
I volunteer with Marian and am continually impressed by the quality of education they provide to these young women, by their work at preparing the girls for success in the next steps of their education and by their financial responsibility with their donors gifts. Could not say better things about them.
Marian Middle school truly lives the mission of education girls for life, and the difference Marian makes in its students’ lives is amazing!
I teach Zumba to the Marian Middle School ladies as one of their enrichment program offerings. I can't say enough wonderful things about Marian Middle School! These ladies are offered an environment that fosters empowerment, individuality, confidence and leadership. This is such a special and important organization and I feel grateful to be a part of it.
They have a roburst curriculum that works to produce well rounded graduates academically, socially and emotionally.
A caring environment that cares about the whole person: body, mind, and spirit of their students. For over 5 years, we have been offering a culinary nutrition program as part of the enrichment program.
Marian is a gem of a middle school. It's small-by-design, which allows its caring, competent staff to teach to each young woman as an individual. Students have so many opportunities: a camping trip, Academic Saturdays, retreats, weekly worship service, field trips, a free after-school enrichment program, and so much more.
This is a wonderful school for girls! The teachers are excellent. Everyone cares about each student and the families at the school. I'm excited my daughter will receive resources and mentoring by their staff in high school and college. They will even help her get her first job out of college! What more could you ask?
Marian Middle School is a school that goes above and beyond for girls of high potential but limited resources. For 17+ years, Marian has provided girls from low-income backgrounds with the quality education they need in order to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Marian's innovative educational model incorporates three interrelated programs: an Academic Program that prepares middle school students for the rigors of college preparatory high schools; an Enrichment Program focused on skill, leadership, and character development; and a Graduate Support Program that provides alumnae with academic, social, and financial assistance as well as connections to internship and career opportunities. Marian alumnae have a 96% high school graduation rate and 84% go on to attend college. They are succeeding in their mission to break the cycle of poverty through education!
Marian is a great place to grow as yourself with visionary leadership and committed enthusiastic teachers. Students are friendly and happy and confident.
As a long time volunteer and supporter, I am so proud of the accomplishments of Marian Middle School students. The curriculum is challenging and students work hard to achieve their goals, while teachers encourage them reach even higher. From middle school, to high school, to college and beyond, Marian Middle School supports girls and their families on their road to success.
Marian is making a difference in the lives of the girls and their families everyday!
Marian Middle School is a great place for girls to get a quality education and firm foundation for a successful life!
My daughter was accepted as an incoming 6th grader, and it was a blessing! Sarah thrived, and had opportunities that she would not have had in public school . She went on to the IB program, where she excelled, and she earned a full scholarship to Hofstra University iN NY. She is a freshman at Hofstra this year, and our family still stays in touch with many of her former teachers from Marian. We appreciate everything they did for our child, and our family.
My daughter attended Marian Middle School for 6th and 7th grades. We then moved out of STL. She is 16 and was accepted into NYU'S Summer program this year. She (and we, as parents), credits Marian Middle School for building her knowledge, her self-esteem and encouraging her to succeed. I wish that every young lady had the opportunity to be a Marian student.
My daughter heard about MMS when some students came to speak at her school the end of her 5th grade year. She was so excited, she got permission to call me and ask if she could apply...right after the presentation. I researched it, and found out I wouldn't have to sell a kidney for her to attend, and we started the process. We were ecstatic when Sarah was selected, and as we became part of the Marian family, we couldn't believe our good fortune. Not only did MMS set the bar for academics, it set the bar for what a school family should be. As parents, we were actively involved, got to know other parents and teachers. We moved to another city right before Sarah would have started 8th grade, and the ONLY factor that had us wavering about the move was her having to leave MMS. It broke our hearts. We have stayed in touch with the school and other parents since we moved. MMS understands that a child needs to be challenged academically, spiritually and as a community member. I wish that every child had the opportunity to experience this kind of love and support in a classroom setting.
Marian is a place that truly demonstrates their mission statement. Their number one priority is always the girls. They try to understand the girls' past, enrich their present, and prepare for the future so as to break the cycle of poverty through well-rounded education.
As a founding Board member I am honored to have been a part of helping a dedicated group of people that planted the seeds for Marian Middle School.
16 years later, Marian has a 95% graduation rate and helped hundreds of young women prepare for college preparatory high schools on through college. With an emphasis on a quality education, emotional and spiritual support Marian has laid the foundation to help students achieve their potential, and the chance to break the cycle of poverty.
Today Marian is supported by dedicated teachers, staff, volunteers and a donor community that is committed to it's ongoing success.
Marian Middle School provides young women with the education and empowerment to look to their futures and know that they can truly accomplish anything. This school gives each student the opportunity to learn and grow, and feel confidence in their abilities to do well and succeed. There is such an uplifting spirit that is shared by the students, parents, faculty, and volunteers that embodies the mission of Educating Girls for Life. The lessons learned go far beyond the classroom and out to the community and hopefully someday the world.
I love volunteering my time with Marian Middle School. I’m constantly inspired by the enthusiasm and tenacity of the students and teachers! The leaders at the school know they need to connect students, families, teachers and the broader community to provide the strongest, most well-rounded curriculum possible and to help the students perform to their full potential. The education at Marian helps students find success at college prep high schools, into college, and beyond. They are about to add even more STEM opportunities, and that’s obviously so important since women are underrepresented in these fields. They definitely Educate Girls for Life.
Marian Middle School is an amazing place with passionate teachers and enthusiastic staff members. Everyone in the Marian community goes above and beyond to educate the students for life. Marian not only teaches the typical curriculum, but they also do things like bring in volunteers to have the students do mock interviews, and connect the students with business people in the community. Any student would be lucky to attend Marian Middle School.
This school not only gives young girls an opportunity to transform their lives but teaches them how to be the next generation of leaders. Their STEM initiative hits it out of the park. Great people doing great things!!
I love the mission and what Marian does for these girls! They are truly Educating Girls for Life!
My daughter is a student at MMS. This school deeply cares about their students. They are educating them for life! They know each girl is an individual with her own unique talents and abilities. They want them to flourish and be successful in life! We are very thankful for this opportunity for my daughter!
This school is so special. In educating girls for life, they've made a difference in so many girls formative years. The school sets high expectations for their girls and gives them the support they need to succeed. Marian is focused on academic and social preparation for high school. Marian has 215 graduates and 80% of graduates have attended college.
Marian Middle School is amazing! Everyone- administration, teachers, staff, volunteers are committed to the girls. I have been privileged to work with them on a professional level. Spent a week with the 5th grade girls, teacher, and volunteers. All of them were powerful ambassadors for the school. Marian Middle School- you have so much to be proud of! Thank-you for the work you are doing and the example you are setting!
Marian Middle School has opened it's doors to many Hispanic girls from poor families who are not able to pay for a quality education. Most Hispanic children have to attend public schools where they are considered lesser beings, are bullied for their lack of English, and resort to dropping out early or joining gangs. This school encourages friendly communication, equality, and justice, while teaching the necessary subjects (math, reading, science, etc.). While many public schools are failing our children, Marian Middle School is an example to follow.
Marian Middle School is a joyful, exciting place. I love going there. The girls are polite and serious but also fun loving. The teachers are remarkable, always upbeat and helpful. The halls are neat and the atmosphere is one of appreciation.
I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at Marian last year. I was amazed at the girls' enthusiasm for learning and for the disciplined yet friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the school. The staff extends their hospitality with a sincerity that makes you feel special. But as I learned, it is the girls and this school that are special and unique! Without a doubt, Marian provides a unique option for girls to participate in a top-notch school.
Marian middle school is helping to break the cycle of poverty for the girls who attend school there. They provide a firm foundation of learning for the students, not just for school, but for life. When girls graduate from Marian in 8th grade they are well-prepared for high school, college, and beyond. The faculty and staff are excellent and their dedication to their students is unwavering. I hope one day that every girl gets a chance to be a Marian Girl!
Marian Middle School is an incredible school where the teachers and faculty, supported by generous donors, work hard to foster the holistic development of young ladies who exhibit the grit and talent to be future leaders in our communities.
Marian is an absolute gem in this city! This school strives to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Not only do they work diligently to give the girls a rigorous middle school education, they support the girls through high school and into college. They strive to empower and uplift these young women. This should be the model for ALL the schools in St Louis! What an amazing blessing this school is!!
Marian Middle School is an amazing school that truly does educate girls for life. Its goal is to break the cycle of poverty by educating urban adolescent girls in the St. Louis community. To do this, Marian ensures that it supports its students and graduates financially, emotionally, and socially through their high school years and beyond. It costs $12,500 to educate one Marian girl and yet each Marian family is responsible for only around $400. In order to continue its success, Marian Middle School relies on the generosity and support of people who see the great value that it provides its students and the community.
From the minute I set foot inside Marian Middle School I was impressed. Impressed by the students, the faculty, and the volunteers. Marian's mission is to educate girls for life, and I am confident that with the dedicated people on board at Marian, they will continue to educate girls for life and make them successful women in whatever they choose to do.
This is a great school that helps all of these girls achieve great goals that otherwise will be very hard for them to achieve at a public school. It also follows the girls after to make sure they keep doing great. Love the school.
Marian Middle School makes a difference in young girls lives, and really gives them the tools for success. I am always impressed with the poise and confidence Marian girls exhibit when I meet them. I have been involved with Marian for a few years now, serving as Chair for their Girls Night Out event last year. The organization is really top notch, and St. Louis is lucky to have such a school serving the community.
Last week, I attended Marian Middle School's Girls Night Out event. There were several current students and recent graduates in attendance. I spent most of my time talking to these girls, particularly the alumnae. How refreshing to witness their Marian Middle School testimony - their confidence, their poise, their intelligence, and their enthusiasm for their alma mater. It was obvious that the school lives by its motto, "Educating Girls for Life." I asked each girl whether Marian had prepared them well for high school and the future. Each gave an enthusiastic "yes" and proceeded to tell me how. They talked about how much better prepared they are then their classmates in terms of their study habits and the knowledge they gained at Marian. They also talked about their study process and their plans for the future. Congratulations Marian Middle School! You are an asset to the St. Louis region.
Amazing to see how Marian Middle School is instrumental in changing the lives of the young women who attend the school. The staff and faculty are obviously passionate about the success of the students, and I'm honored to be a part of the organization.
Marian Middle School rock! They go out of their way for girls with potential and build young women. Special pride and care goes into everything they do. It does my heart good to see these young ladies excel in ways that will take them many places in life. It's amazing to watch them mature as they gain a top rated education!
Marian Middle School holds a special place in my heart. I can relate to the exceptional Catholic upbringing and am impressed by the stature of the adolescent girls. Volunteering for Marian and watching the girls grow and mature, has been a humbling and rewarding experience. The commitment of “Educating Girls for Life” is sponsored by the school, loved ones, community, and volunteers which plays a tremendous role in the success and future of Marian girls.
Marian Middle School changes lives. Not only do the young women who attend receive a life-affirming education, but the Marian experience extends into their families and the communities in which they live. It works and is an excellent opportunity for all who are involved in this mission and ministry.
Our daughter has been so very blessed by the opportunities given to her at Marian Middle School! We recently moved to STL and were very concerned about the options available to us for her education. That's when Marian Middle School fell from the sky as an answered prayer. She's being challenged academically, spiritually, and personally. They are building her confidence and preparing her for her future. I appreciate the fact that they commit to the girls not only through middle school but they stay with the ladies through college!! What an amazing opportunity! Marian Middle School, you rock!
At Marian, the staff truly lives the mission, that the cycle of poverty can be broken through education. It is moving to hear the success stories of the alumnae, and I am proud to be part of a community that has such a deep impact on these girls' lives.
My experience in Marian's Young Friends committee has shown me how worthwhile Marian's mission really is. Personally, the greatest evidence of this was at Marian's 8th grade graduation last year. In hearing their stories, you can really tell that Marian's mission really does make a difference.
I've known of Marian since my participation in high school with raising money for the school. As I returned to St. Louis from college and a job that was out of St. Louis, I look to immediately get involved in the community. I was honored and thrilled to be a part of the Young Friends committee, which I currently participate in. Marian lives out its mission every day through the students, families, staff and community. I am constantly proud of every alumnae's story and passion for education and confidence you see grow within the girls year after year.
The school's leadership and my fellow volunteers' passion and actions speak volumes to the commitment to Marian Middle School's mission and future development. We believe the girls can, and will, achieve anything they put their minds to.
We were looking for a middle school for my daughter when we happened upon the name Marian Middle School.We assumed it was a public school but after reading more about it, found out otherwise. Our daughter has struggles and Marian has met her where she is rather than where some chart expects her to be. We as parents are overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from the staff and administrators. Our daughter comes home talking about how she enjoys school which makes it so much more amazing.
I was directly involved with Marian Middle School very early in its formation as a Board member, and I served in that role and in different capacities as Chair of Membership Committee, Chair of the Long Range/Strategic Planning Committee, Chair of the Policy Review Committee, Vice Chair and Chair of the Board, and Member of the Academic Committee as well. I have seen the wonderful work of the school up close for a number of years. It is a stellar model of the Nativity-type school, and it has a wonderful record of success serving the underserved educationally. One cannot but sense the great spirit among those one encounters when entering the building and meeting students and staff! The positive energy, the upbeat tone of all involved, and the warmth of presence is palpable. Others have made this observation as well. It has a very strong and broad base of involved volunteers to support its efforts, an outstanding reputation as a supportive and nurturing educational environment underpinned by a capable, committed professional staff and excellent leadership from the Board and Administration. Additionally, the school has a wonderfully supportive parent body and community engagement. From my experience it is a model for others to follow. In my view, educational reform could learn a great deal about what it takes to make significant changes in the education of American youth.
My time at Marian Middle School has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences to date. The mission of the school, the staff and most of all the students make this place a wonderful space. I was grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer here. Although the staff is small, everyone works together as a team to help students and build a strong school character. Every day was different, memorable and enjoyable none the less.
I do not have kids but was asked to help Marian with some assistance to their IT environment 9 years ago.
I was captivated by the how the school seemed like a family and how the students were not just being educated in a variety of subjects but helping them prepare for their life beyond school.
Marian doesn't just help them through middle school, they support them through high school and college to help break the cycle of poverty.
The Marian story is a hope-filled, exciting one. I was part of the original group of three Sisters who envisioned a Nativity School for girls and "got the ball rolling." Within two years of planning, Marian opened its doors, because a dedicated group of volunteers believed in the mission, hoped against hope and told the story. Many joined us in this venture because of their interest in giving young women with limited resources a chance at a good, solid, faith-based education. Maureen Herrmann brought wonderful leadership to Marian and took the school to a new level in fund raising, some financial stability (though this will always be a challenge),and getting the word out about Marian. Christy Tobin as its present principal has a profound sense of the Marian mission, a hand that reaches out to the students as individuals, and challenges each teacher and student.  As the administrator of a private Catholic high school, I have been on on the other side as we welcomed Marian grads to our school. The Graduate Support Program has grown to be a very helpful and necessary program fostering success a these young women move through high school.
I have been involved with Marian since their inception and have walked with them the whole way to what they are today. An amazing school that develops their students through giving them a chance to learn and grow through challenges, hard work and perseverance. The staff and Board are unselfish in giving of their time and talents. All are pulling together to make the students succeed. I am proud to be a part of the Marian Mission.
The work done at MMS is absolutely incredible. The cycle of poverty can be broken through education and the staff at MMS lives this mission every day. When I listen to the stories of our students I am always struck by how their lives have changed as a result of MMS and what life would be like for them without MMS.
Marian Middle School is an exemplary educational program, serving a challenging population of students, and doing so with a great desire to break the cycle of poverty. The principal, Christy Toben, is outstanding, and has a deep faith that shines through in her work with students and families. The staff at Marian is dedicated, hard working, and centered on developing each girl to her highest potential. Many volunteers support the program through tutoring and other contributions of time, because they believe in the mission and vision of Marian, and want to assist the staff in changing lives. Marian Middle provides hope for every girl, and the opportunity to live a better life by providing them the educational foundation they need to successfully attend college prep high schools.
Part of Marian's mission is to work toward ending poverty one little girl at a time, during my visits to the school I have asked the girls what makes Marian different. I have gotten a variety of answer, "we have to wear uniforms", "it is important to show up on time," and one girl said, "here I am not afraid, so I can learn." These girls are put in a safe environment with a staff who truly care about them. Being on the Board, I can tell you every dime the school receives is used to help the girls.
I was looking for a non-profit that spoke to my desires to support education and young women. I found Marian through an article in St. Louis magazine and have been involved ever since. Currently, I serve as the Chairman of the Board, prior to that I served on the board and as a committee member. I remain committed to Marian because we have an organized and capable staff and a dedicated board that is delivering measurable results in an important area--the education and advancement of young women.
I was part of the group of women who founded Marian Middle School 15 years ago and it has been very exciting to see the school grow and fulfill its mission. I am most impressed with the high quality of the teachers, staff and volunteers at Marian. Just watching them interact with the students, you can see how much they care about each girl. Seeing them in action--in the classroom or in enrichment activities--you can see the high level of professional expertise they bring to help the students succeed.
As a high school administrator, I have also been privileged to work with and see how Marian alumnae continue to grow during their high school years. Marian prepares them academically to be successful in a rigorous college preparatory program and gives them the confidence to persevere. The students are diligent in their studies and generous in their contributions to the high school community.
Speaking from a parent perspective, this is the best middle school for girls in St. Louis!! I am a mother of four extremely intelligent children...Maurice (graduate of SLUH, current student at Missouri University of Science and Technology), Aurelia (10th grade/Incarnate Word Academy), Anderson (8th grade/Loyola Academy of Saint Louis and Andrea (6th grade/Marian Middle school) so as you can see education is a priority in my household. I tried public schools, charter school and magnet schoools in St. Louis but they all fell short of challenging my children. My children never had homework and scored straight A's in all areas. Although I am not rich by any means, I wanted a great education for my children. Marian provides that education for my daughter based on my income and is willing to help any family regardless of financial situation!! Marian cares about each child's success and it shows through education, my daughter is reading post-high school books. Marian also understands that family involvement is a must in order for a child to be successful, I know what Andrea is doing in school via website and teachers. The charter schools that my children attended in the past made me feel unwelcome when I wanted to drop in on my lunch break just to get an idea of what my child was learning. Not Marian...I am welcome by one of the most knowledgeable people I know...Ms. Pearl. She knows my family as whole and is concerned about all the families at Marian. Ms. Pearl make suggestions on things that my children and I can do better their education, which is beyond what she is required to do! The teachers Sister Sara, Ms. Klonsky, Ms. Hearn, Ms. Aigaghi, Ms. Fox and Ms. Olson are just a few of the teachers that go above and beyond their job to make sure my daugher is successful and reaches her goal as an engineer. The school also has an online website for families called Teacherease which gives you up to the minute information on your child's progress and if you daughter needs extra help with a subject there are also practice worksheets/quizzes on the website. I use to have problems with keeping up with my daughter's progress and what she needed help with and my daughter won't volunteer this information. Well Andrea had a C in one of her classes and after talking with her teacher Ms. Fox and she helped us with the website, that grade is now a B!!
Marian Middle School has been a part of my life for at least 10 years. As a retired educator, I first volunteered to work with students after school to assist with homework and enrichment. Later, I became a Board member, substitute teacher, and a member of their Academic Committee. Presently, i continue to serve on the the committee and volunteer after school to tutor 3 eighth grade students, whom I have worked with since they were in fifth grade.
Marian's mission is to educate the whole child and that education is the key to success in life. The total school environment centers around this mission. I have observed the dedication of the staff as they not only teach during the day but stay after school to assist students. The students put in a long school day by staying until 5:30 pm, and a long school year from August to June. In fact, the three students I tutor during the school year volunteered to come in during a week in the summer just to receive extra help on specific skills. Marian staff provide a safe learning environment, have high expectations of their students, and give support to families. School personnel continue to assist students throughout high school. The ultimate goal is for all students to graduate high school and college and become productive citizens involved in their community. Once a Marian girl, always a Marian girl.
This is my 9th year as a volunteer at MMS. The girls are the reason I return. It is a pleasure to watch them grow physically, emotionally and mentally. The staff and faculty are exceptional.
My personal background in education is 32 years as a teacher, school counselor, special programs administrator and college instructor. I strongly wanted to make a contribution to economically disadvantaged youth and Marian Middle School provided that opportunity.
Since the early years	of Marian Middle School (MMS) I have served as a donor, volunteer, and committee member. My experience with the staff and students has been inspiring. I believe the atmosphere of MMS demonstrates that the right kind of educational experience can change a life. The small group learning environment, the extra time on task, the continually improving curriculum, dedicated teachers and staff, and ongoing program evaluation make the difference.
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