Marian Middle School

What Marian Middle School does

Marian Middle School is a private, nonprofit, faith-based middle school founded on December 10, 1999 by seven communities of Catholic sisters and several lay women, operating on the NativityMiguel model shared by over 50 schools nationwide. The school serves approximately 60 urban adolescent girls across 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at its Tower Grove campus at 4130 Wyoming Street in St. Louis, Missouri, drawing students from up to 30 zip codes across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and East St. Louis. Approximately 90% of students face poverty and 100% receive scholarships; families contribute on a sliding scale averaging $80 per month against a $24,018 per-student annual cost, with the remaining 96% funded through donations, foundation grants, and corporate contributions (notably including the Marian Magic gala raising $500K+ annually and Bayer Fund support since 2009). Marian is the only all-girls, private, faith-based middle school in the City of St. Louis, and combines an extended school day (8:00 AM to 5:30 PM) with a 10-month academic year, class sizes capped at 20, and an 11-year commitment from 6th grade through career success.

The school delivers three interconnected core programs: an Academic Program featuring STEM-centered curriculum including robotics (the award-winning Tigerbots, five consecutive Platinum banners at the Clavius Project Robotics Jamboree), aeroponics (featured on Nine PBS and partnered with NASA for the Plant the Moon/Mars Challenge), science journalism, and underwater drone engineering; an Enrichment Program running after-school clubs in fine arts, fitness, wellness, STEM, and social awareness; and a Graduate Support Program providing high school placement, scholarships, ACT/SAT prep, college tours, HBCU tours, internship placements, and career mentorship. A Care Team comprising an on-site counselor, school-based licensed therapist, and family resource advocate provides wraparound mental health and family support services, backed by more than 30 community partners spanning higher education (Fontbonne, SLU, Washington University, Harris-Stowe, A.T. Still), healthcare (Affinia Healthcare, Mercy Health, Gateway Dental), and enrichment (Opera Theatre STL, Girl Scouts, YMCA).

Marian's business model is a donation-dependent nonprofit model in which less than 4% of operating revenue comes from tuition. The school is governed by a 23-member Board of Directors under President Mary Elizabeth Grimes (an alumna of Spelman College and Washington University's Olin School Executive MBA program), with Quanisha Major appointed as incoming principal in June 2026. Reported outcomes include a 100% high school graduation rate (versus approximately 70% for St. Louis peers) and 94% post-secondary enrollment (versus approximately 60% nationally), with 355+ alumnae supported since founding. Customer acquisition is community-led through the mandatory 'Meet Marian Day' event, referrals from the seven founding religious communities, and word-of-mouth from existing 200 families, with no paid marketing channel evident.

Name

Marian Middle School

Legal name

Marian Middle School

Website

https://marianmiddleschool.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marian Middle School is a nonprofit, faith-based middle school in St. Louis serving approximately 60 low-income urban girls in grades 6-8, providing an 11-year commitment from middle school through career success via rigorous STEM academics, wraparound mental health and family support, and a Graduate Support Program. Tuition covers under 4% of the $24,018 per-student cost, with the balance funded through donations and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Family Tuition Contributions: Marian operates on a sliding-scale tuition model where families pay a small monthly contribution (averaging $80/month) calculated based on gross household income and adjusted for household size. Since 90% of students face poverty, all students receive significant financial support through scholarships that cover the gap between family contributions and the $24,018 annual cost of education per student. Families invest through time, energy, emotional support, and the small monthly tuition payment.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Approximately 96% of the cost to educate each student comes from donations by individuals, foundations, and corporations. The school conducts annual giving campaigns, the Marian Magic fundraiser (raising over $500,000 annually), monthly giving programs, stock gifts, bequests, and planned giving. The Starlight Club focuses specifically on mental health support funding.
3. Grant Funding: Marian receives grant funding from corporate foundations and government programs. Bayer Fund has been a supporter since 2009, providing a $40,000 grant in 2022 specifically for STEM education. Grants support specific programs including STEM curriculum, enrichment activities, and the Graduate Support Program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Marian Middle School is an all-girls, private, faith-based middle school in St. Louis serving girls in grades 6-8. The school delivers an extended-day academic program featuring a STEM-centered curriculum (robotics, aeroponics, science journalism, underwater drone engineering), an after-school enrichment program, and an 11-year Graduate Support Program that continues through high school, college, and career success. Tuition is on an income-based sliding scale with all students receiving scholarships; approximately 96% of operating costs are funded through donations and grants.

Product overview

Marian Middle School is an all-girls private middle school offering three interconnected core programs: the Academic Program (rigorous curriculum with STEM focus), the Enrichment Program (after-school activities and clubs), and the Graduate Support Program (ongoing mentorship through high school and college). The school also provides Care Team Services for mental health and family support. All programs are designed to support urban adolescent girls from 6th grade through career success.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Academic Program Rigorous 6th-8th grade educational curriculum featuring small class sizes (max 20 students), extended school day (8:00 AM-5:30 PM), 10-month school year, and innovative STEM-focused curriculum including robotics, aeroponics, financial literacy, science journalism, underwater drone engineering, and NASA partnerships. Designed for urban adolescent girls from low-income families in the St. Louis area.
• Enrichment Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Triple the academic proficiency compared to local public school counterparts
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fontbonne UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFontbonne University, a private Catholic liberal arts university in Clayton, Missouri (suburban St. Louis County), established a partnership with Marian Middle School in 2023. The partnership provides Marian alumnae with scholarships to Fontbonne, one-on-one mentoring to promote academic success, professional and leadership development opportunities, and career support.
• AT Still University of Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn December 8th (year not specified, mentioned in 2025 news), Marian signed a partnership agreement with A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. The partnership builds educational opportunities and holistic support for Marian alumnae to create a pathway for admission into ATSU programs. ATSU also provides Summer Bridge Opportunities through Washington University partnerships.
• Saint Louis University (SLU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaint Louis University is a college partnership within Marian's Graduate Support Program, providing college visits through the Summer Scholars Program, HBCU tours, and scholarship opportunities. SLU honored President Mary Elizabeth Grimes with the Educational Leadership Award in 2021.
• Affinia HealthcarecoreOthersMental health and wellness partner providing health insurance, screenings, physicals, immunizations, and a prescription program for Marian students at no cost to families.
• Ascension RXminorOthersProvides access to free and affordable medication for Marian students through the mental health and wellness partner network.
• Eye ThriveminorOthersProvides free eye exams and glasses to Marian students through the wellness partner network.
• Gateway DentalminorOthersProvides dental screening and wellness services through a mobile dental van for Marian students.
• Little Bit FoundationcoreOthersProvides personal hygiene items, household items, food, uniforms, and clothing assistance to Marian students and families in need.
• Mercy HealthminorOthersProvides menstrual and personal hygiene education for Marian students as part of the wellness partner network.
• St. Louis Diaper BankminorOthersProvides diapers for babies at libraries and food pantries; assists Marian families through the wraparound services network.
• CHADS Coalition for Mental HealthminorOthersProvides one-on-one mentoring for Marian students' social and emotional health as part of the mental health and wellness partner network.
• St. Louis Public LibraryminorOthersBrings attention to interesting books for students at their age level as part of the enrichment and wellness partner network.
• Student Wellness ProgramminorOthersProvides mental wellness screening and family support for Marian students.
• Centene Show Me Healthy KidsminorOthersProvides resources for youth in foster care that can help with furthering education, obtaining employment, and pursuing a career path.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha SororitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Marian in the HBCU College Tours program, allowing alumnae to immerse themselves at historically Black colleges and universities including Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, Alabama State University, and Alabama A&M University.
• The Links Incorporated (St. Louis Chapter)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides networking opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• Kwame Building FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in HBCU College Tours program alongside Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
• College BoundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• STL ArtworksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• St. Louis Internship ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• The Resource GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• The YES Program at the St. Louis Science CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship and STEM program opportunities for Marian alumnae. One alumna was chosen to represent the YES Program at the Black Data Processing Associates national conference in Atlanta.
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leadership InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities and leadership development for Marian alumnae, particularly supporting Latina students in developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
• Midwest Employers CasualtyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides internship opportunities for Marian alumnae through the Graduate Support Program.
• Washington University in St. LouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Summer Bridge Opportunities and college visit experiences for Marian students through the Graduate Support Program. President Mary Elizabeth Grimes earned her Executive MBA from the Olin School of Business at Washington University.
• University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege partnership within Graduate Support Program providing Summer Bridge Opportunities, college visits through the Summer Scholars Program, and scholarship opportunities.
• Harris-Stowe State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege partnership within Marian's Graduate Support Program providing scholarship opportunities and academic support.
• Missouri College & Career Attainment NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege partnership within Marian's Graduate Support Program supporting postsecondary educational pathways.
• Cor Jesu RISE ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Summer Bridge Opportunities for Marian students through the Graduate Support Program.
• Quest ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides study abroad opportunities for Marian alumnae in the Graduate Support Program. Marian alumnae have traveled to Kenya and Spain through this collaboration.
• Seven Founding Catholic Sister CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarian was founded in 1999 by seven communities of Catholic sisters: Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, Sisters of Loretto, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, and Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union. These communities continue to support the school's mission and governance through the Members Board.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• City Garden Montessori: A St. Louis charter school serving a similar low-income urban population with project-based learning. Operates in the same St. Louis market as Marian but with a Montessori pedagogical approach rather than NativityMiguel.
• KIPP St. Louis: A network of charter schools in St. Louis serving low-income students with extended school days and a college-prep focus. Competes with Marian for similar students and donor attention in the same metro.

Direct peers

• Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls: An all-girls middle and high school in St. Louis serving a similar low-income, urban population. Hawthorn directly overlaps with Marian's mission of educating girls from underserved backgrounds in the same metropolitan market.
• San Miguel Schools: A network of Catholic middle schools in multiple U.S. cities using the LaSallian/NativityMiguel model to serve low-income students. Shares Marian's extended-day, wraparound support model and Graduate Support commitment.
• Cristo Rey Network: A national network of 40+ Catholic schools serving low-income students with extended school days, work-study programs, and college prep. Shares Marian's mission of providing rigorous education paired with financial sustainability for underserved youth.
• Nativity Prep Academy (Boston): A NativityMiguel-model middle school serving low-income boys in Boston with an extended school day and Graduate Support through high school and college. Closely aligned with Marian's NativityMiguel methodology and mission.
• NativityMiguel Network of Schools: The national network of 50+ NativityMiguel-model schools that Marian belongs to. Schools in this network share the same educational model, extended school day, and Graduate Support approach serving low-income middle school students.

Regional players

• Visitation Academy: An all-girls Catholic school in St. Louis serving grades K-12. Shares Marian's Catholic identity and girls-only focus but serves a more affluent population with a different pedagogical model.
• Institute of Notre Dame: An all-girls Catholic middle and high school in Baltimore serving urban low-income students. Closely mirrors Marian's combination of faith-based education, all-girls environment, and serving urban families facing economic challenges.

Others

• Ursuline Academy: An all-girls Catholic high school in St. Louis that receives Marian graduates. While serving older students, Ursuline competes with Marian for donor mindshare and represents a key destination school in the alumnae pathway.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Marian_Middle
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCN7mSBNbhrB1YLKKzmeDCiA
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Marian-Middle-School/124145608326
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marian-middle-school

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marian Middle School