The sisterhood at Maryvale creates a strong network of support, where every student knows that they have a community behind them, cheering them on every step of the way.
Sisterhood
If you ask Maryvale students what is special about the school, one word almost always comes to mind: Sisterhood. Sisterhood is at the core of a Maryvale education, and it is something that students experience and carry with them long after graduation. Through shared experiences, students forge deep, lasting relationships that go beyond the classroom walls. Whether working together in the classroom, collaborating in the theater, or competing side-by-side on the fields, girls build bonds with one another that truly last a lifetime.
This sense of sisterhood extends to every aspect of life at Maryvale. It's reflected in the way students support each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes. It’s evident in the encouragement and camaraderie students experience in every program and activity, from academics to athletics to the arts.
The power of sisterhood at Maryvale is also enhanced by the close relationships our employees have with students. As each employee takes the time to get to know every student personally, they contribute to an environment where all students feel valued and cared for. This strong sense of community and connection enables our students to grow, not just as individuals, but as part of a collective, united by the bonds they share with one another.
Often, these strong relationships with peers and faculty begin in the classroom. They are nurtured through the Advisory Program and Student Clubs.
Ultimately, sisterhood is the thread that weaves together the Maryvale experience. It’s what makes Maryvale not just a school, but a family. It’s this sense of unity, belonging, and mutual respect that makes Maryvale truly special.
“Maryvale is not just a school — it’s a family.”
Maryvale takes great pride in its robust student activities, fostering a sense of community, leadership, and school spirit. The picture above is from one of our spirited pep rallies! These energize the entire school community since they're filled with school pride, excitement, and opportunities for students to show their support for athletic teams, class events, and school traditions.
One of the standout features of our student life is the Big Sister/Little Sister program, which pairs older students with younger ones to create meaningful mentorship relationships. This initiative allows upperclassmen to guide, support, and inspire their younger peers, fostering a strong bond and a sense of belonging throughout the school.
Our Community Homeroom is another vital component of student life at Maryvale, lead by Student Council. Most Friday mornings, the entire student body gathers in the theater for homeroom. This provides a space for students to connect with each other.
Together, these programs help create a nurturing and dynamic school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and part of something larger than themselves.
Field Trips
At Maryvale, Upper School and Middle School students experience education beyond the classroom, exploring new perspectives both across the country and around the globe. In recent years, our choir had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall, while our lacrosse team competed at IMG Academy. French students immersed themselves in the culture of Rennes, France, and we’ve welcomed exchange sisters from Rennes to experience life at Maryvale. Students have traveled to Santa Fe to study art and to Yellowstone to explore ecology, gaining hands-on learning experiences that deepen their understanding of the world. These opportunities not only enhance academic growth but also foster personal development, preparing our students to be global citizens.
Middle School students at Maryvale engage in a variety of enriching experiences that promote teamwork, learning, and personal growth. Sixth graders spend time at Genesee Valley, focusing on team-building activities and a trip to the Chesapeake Bay. Aboard the schooner Sultana, students participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities focusing on history and science. This is after completing lessons in General Science about the Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. To take it a step further, they completed a research paper in English where they focused on one aspect of the Bay. Eighth graders have the exciting opportunity to attend a live Shakespeare play, visit New York City to see the iconic Rockettes, and celebrate graduation with a trip to Hershey. Seventh graders deepen their theological studies with a visit to the Bible Museum, gaining new insights and perspectives. These unique experiences help cultivate a strong sense of community and broaden students' horizons, both academically and personally.