Ethical Climate

A spiritual and ethical climate in which students of different faith perspectives can seriously examine fundamental questions in a search for their own moral and spiritual compass.

St. Mark’s is a pluralistic community, with students who are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim. We have a Rabbi on the faculty and are located 10 minutes from the largest Hindu temple in New England.

In 1865, Joseph Burnett of Southborough founded St. Mark’s School on the “principles and practices of the Protestant Episcopal Church” (St. Mark’s School: A Centennial of History, 1967). The tradition of the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church is to embrace individual inquiry as well as the variety of liturgical expression found within Christianity. In addition, the sacred scripture, readings and prayers of all the world’s great religions are an important and regular part of the St. Mark’s School chapel experience.

St. Mark’s affirms students in the practice and exploration of their own faith traditions.

The Episcopal and inclusive nature of the school is visible in the curriculum through the varied cours offerings in religion, in the twice-weekly all-school chapel services, and in the belief that purposeful inquiry into matters of faith and value are fundamental to leading an examined life. Here at St. Mark’s, we challenge all students to grapple with spiritual concerns, engage in service to their neighbors in need in the wider community, and encourage them to respect, discover, and learn from one another.