In response to a growing need for early childhood education, the women of St. Luke’s proposed the opening of a Kindergarten program, later expanding to include Preschool and Prekindergarten in 1972. In 1980, the program moved to St. Anne’s Parish House in downtown Annapolis, adopting new by-laws and becoming St. Anne’s Nursery and Kindergarten, governed by a parent-led board appointed by the Vestry of St. Anne’s Church.
As demand and vision expanded, a feasibility study in the early 1990s affirmed the School community’s desire to grow into a full-day school grounded in Episcopal values and committed to academic excellence. This led to the School’s incorporation as an independent school in 1994, separate in governance and funding from the church but still deeply rooted in Episcopal traditions of inclusion, service, and respect for human dignity.
By 1996, St. Anne’s School opened the doors to its new campus on Arundel on the Bay Road, continuing to grow into what it is today: a Twos through Eighth Grade school. As we’ve evolved—adding grade levels, expanding facilities, launching strategic plans, and embracing research-based educational practices—our founding principles remain unchanged: a focus on nurturing the individual, celebrating diversity, and fostering a joyful love of learning in a compassionate community.
Today, with over 280 students from more than 28 zip codes, a dedicated faculty and staff, and an enduring commitment to our mission, St. Anne’s School is proud to carry forward its legacy—rooted in tradition, grounded in purpose, and always looking ahead.
St. Anne’s School’s Founding Board included Hutchey Doley (left) and Caroline Aras (right) pictured here at the 2024 Installation Ceremony of current Head of School Connie Coker (middle left) alongside Founding Head Fran Lukens (middle right)
The Dream for St. Anne's School
In 2017, Founding Head Fran Lukens visited St. Anne’s School to share her dream for the School with students:
Key Dates in Our History
1957
St. Luke’s Chapel is built on Bay Ridge Avenue in Eastport
1972
Preschool and Prekindergarten programs are added at St. Luke’s Chapel
1980
St. Luke’s Nursery moves to St. Anne’s Parish House and becomes St. Anne’s Nursery and Kindergarten School, governed by a parent-appointed board
1992
First Grade is added to meet increasing demand
1993
Feasibility study confirms community support for expansion into a full-day school
1994
School incorporated as independent St. Anne’s Day School, separating governance and funding from the church; Fran Lukens is first Head of School, Founding Board of Trustees formed
1995
Phase I capital campaign launches, raising over $1 million
1996
New campus opens on Arundel on the Bay Road; St. Anne’s School welcomes students from Twos through Sixth Grade
1997
Construction of the Upper School Wing and the Center for Arts & Athletics is completed
1998
School expands to include Eighth Grade
1999
First Eighth Grade class graduates
2000
School receives initial AIMS accreditation; school graduates inaugural class
2012
Lisa Nagel named as second Head of School
2013
School rebranded as St. Anne’s School of Annapolis
2019
School celebrates its 25th Anniversary; School completes 2nd AIMS re-accreditation
2020
School remains open with innovative COVID-19 protocols; Andrea Weiss named as third Head of School; launch of the Equity in Education Scholarship (EES)
2023
Connie Coker installed as fourth Head of School; launch of the Journey Forward Strategic Plan
2024
School celebrates 30 years as an independent school
Cheers to 30 Years!
In 2024, we proudly celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a series of memorable community events to honor three decades of learning, growth, and connection. Watch the 30th Anniversary slideshow video below:
Accreditations & Memberships:
