St. Mark the Evangelist School (STM) has been a bedrock in the Central Harlem community since it opened more than 100 years ago.
Our School
Founded in 1912 by St. Katharine Drexel, St. Mark’s was the first church and school to serve African-Americans in Harlem. It continues to welcome students and families of all backgrounds who desire an excellent, values-driven education.
With rigorous academics, an array of engaging enrichment programs, and a strong faculty and leadership, St. Mark students learn to excel across disciplines and are prepared for success in high school and beyond.
Students at STM receive more than an education; they develop the habits of mind and heart they need not only to achieve academically, but to become strong friends and community members. It is as a community of educators and families that we nurture STM’s students; indeed, we speak of ourselves as the St. Mark family.
Core Values
As a holy woman, our founder St. Katharine lived her faith in action, and we follow her example.
We do that at St. Mark the Evangelist by embracing four core values that guide all we do: integrity, humility, hard work, and service. These are also the values of the Partnership Schools.
Integrity
I watch what I do to see what I believe.
– Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ
Integrity means that our actions reflect our beliefs and live up to our moral ideals. We hold all in our communities to the highest academic and ethical standards, both within the walls of our school buildings and as representatives in our communities. As we equip our students with a clear understanding of the moral principles and virtues of the Catholic faith, we instill habits of honesty, forthrightness, and respect for themselves and others.
Humility
Those who humble themselves will be exalted.
– Luke 14:11
Integrity means that our actions reflect our beliefs and live up to our moral ideals. We hold all in our communities to the highest academic and ethical standards, both within the walls of our school buildings and as representatives in our communities. As we equip our students with a clear understanding of the moral principles and virtues of the Catholic faith, we instill habits of honesty, forthrightness, and respect for themselves and others.
Hard Work
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
– Frederick Douglass
Each of us is made uniquely by God for greatness. In order to fully develop the gifts God gave us, hard work provides opportunities for us to sharpen our skills, develop our talents, and strengthen our minds and hearts for life’s journey. Effort, persistence, and determination are essential to learning and success in life. Hope alone does not result in success; we seek to instill in our students a work ethic marked by tenacity, stamina, and zeal.
Service
Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.
– Albert Einstein
At Partnership Schools, we believe that we are made for each other, so we aim to develop young men and women for others. When we see God in others, we think less of ourselves and so put others first. Our teachers “fan into a flame the gifts God gave” each child (2 Timothy 1), cultivating their gifts, broadening their understanding of the community and the world, and offering their gifts in service of our local neighborhood.
Root Beliefs
At St. Mark’s, our community embraces the following set of root beliefs that guide our actions, our words, and our decisions. These beliefs inform each aspect of our school—our policies, procedures, rituals, routines, relationships, and even the physical spaces.
Root Beliefs
- We are better together as a St. Mark family.
- All children can learn.
- God is in all things.
- With God, anything is possible.
- We are meant to constantly grow.
Administration
A team of leaders and staff support St. Mark’s students and families every day.
Chinique Pressley
Principal
T: 212.283.4848
mspressley@saintmarkschool.org
Spencer Garrett
Academic Dean
T: 212.283.4848
sgarrett@saintmarkschool.org
Gina Madio
Business and Operations Manager
T: 212.283.4848 ext. 1004
gmadio@saintmarkschool.org
Melissa Hill
Operations Associate and Admissions
T: 212.283.4848 ext. 1003
hill@saintmarkschool.org
Candice Woodlon
Operations Associate
T: 212.283.4848 ext. 1015
cwoodlon@saintmarkschool.org
Roxanne Starks
Operations Aide
T: 212.283.4848
starks@saintmarkschool.org