Head of School
It is with tremendous gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to a new school year!
To return to this community, not simply as its Head of School, but as an alumna, is an extraordinary privilege. St. Mary's Academy helped shape who I am today. I know firsthand the power of an all-girls education: the confidence it builds, the friendships it nurtures, the courage it inspires, and the boundless sense of possibility it gives young women as they discover who they are and who they can become.
As I begin this new chapter alongside you, I bring 24 years of experience as an educator, teacher, and administrator, along with my doctorate and, most importantly, a lifelong belief in the transformative power of education. I return with both perspective and purpose, as well as great optimism for the future of our school.
This year, my vision is grounded in three core commitments: Culture. Community. Charity.
Culture. I want our campus to be a place where our girls experience genuine joy. A warm, welcoming, and spirited culture does not happen by accident; it is something we create together. I want our students to laugh in the hallways, celebrate one another's accomplishments, feel truly known by their teachers, and take pride in who they are and being part of SMA. Together, we will nurture a culture that is joyful, inclusive, ambitious, and deeply grounded in kindness and respect.
Community. Every student, family, faculty and staff member, alumna, and friend of the school should feel an unmistakable sense of belonging. We will continue building a community where people feel seen, heard, valued, and connected. Our differences make us stronger, and our shared commitment to our girls unites us. I want every girl to be able to look around campus and know: These are my people. This is my community. I belong here.
Charity. We have an exciting opportunity to deepen our relationships with the broader community that surrounds and supports our school. This year, we will focus on expanding our philanthropic partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities for members of our greater community to invest in our girls. We aim to cultivate a strong culture of giving—one where alumnae, families, local businesses, and philanthropic partners feel truly connected to our mission and inspired to contribute. Through these partnerships and charitable support, we can create new possibilities for our students, enhance our programs, and ensure that our school and the transformative experience of an all-girls education continues to thrive for generations to come.
These three priorities are deeply connected: a strong culture creates joy, a vibrant community creates belonging, and a spirit of charity reminds us that our responsibility extends beyond ourselves.
As I step into this role, I am reminded that great schools are living, evolving communities. They honor their traditions while having the courage to imagine what comes next. As an alumna, I hold a deep appreciation for our history and for all those who have invested in this institution over the years. As your Head of School, I am equally excited about what we can build together for the next generation.
I invite each of you—students, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends— to be part of this journey. Let us create a school where girls thrive, where every person knows they belong, and where our collective generosity makes a real difference far beyond our campus.
I am honored to come home.
With gratitude and great anticipation,
Dr. Jessica Taylor Boro
Head of School
Gold Tie Class of 1998
