The School's History

The history of Saint Mark's High School begins in 1966 with the announcement by His Excellency Michael Hyle, the Bishop of Wilmington, of the construction of a new Diocesan high school in the Pike Creek valley. The School was given the name of Saint Mark by Bishop Hyle's successor, the Most Reverend Thomas Mardaga. Bishop Mardaga's selection of the name is attributed to Saint Mark's traditional depiction as a young man and an evangelist who was inspired to spread the word of God. 

Construction on the School began in 1967, and the first students began attending classes in the September 1969 under the leadership of Father Jim Delaney, the School's first principal.  Construction on the complex was completed in 1970, and the School was dedicated on 24 May 1970.

The School's campus and facilities remained largely unchanged until 1995, when a formerly covered portico area was converted into office and lobby facilities as a part of the School's Silver Anniversary Campaign. More recently, the School completed (in 2008) two additional athletic fields on lands that were gifted by the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.

Saint Mark's Purpose

Rooted in Catholic values and traditions, Saint Mark’s High School provides a student-centered, coeducational college preparatory experience that nurtures each student both as an individual and as a contributing member of the school community. Supported by their parents, faculty and staff, and each other, Saint Mark’s students pursue academic success, cultivate their unique gifts, and build lives of faith, excellence, humility, and integrity.

The Crest

Saint Mark’s new green and gold logo incorporates a cross that represents our Catholic identity, integrated with the initials SMHS and the shield of the Spartans.

All Things Possible

Our tagline “All Things Possible” comes from the words found in Saint Mark’s Gospel: “All things are possible to the one who believes.” Imbued with Catholic values, a Saint Mark’s education emphasizes embracing one’s relationship with God---a relationship that opens the door to endless possibilities. Likewise, the Saint Mark’s student experience is both vast and intimate, offering academic rigor, individualized instructional strategies, and a rich selection of co-curricular activities, presenting all students with opportunities to thrive in their own unique ways. We recognize that every student is made in the image and likeness of God and is therefore equally cared for, respected, and accepted. At Saint Mark’s, students fulfill their learning potential and excel at what they love.

About Saint Mark

Saint Mark is one of the four writers of the Gospels. Most of what is known of Mark comes from the New Testament, with one citation noting that when Peter escaped from prison, he went to the home of Mark's mother [Acts 12: 12]. 

The Gospel of Saint Mark is both the shortest and the oldest of the four gospels. Probably written between 60 and 70 AD, the Gospel of Mark centers on the notion of Jesus' rejection by humanity while, at the same time, being the victorious envoy of God on Earth.

Mark is believed to have been a close friend of Saint Barnabas, having accompanied both Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey.

Like Saint Luke, Mark was not one of the twelve Apostles. Additionally, Mark is viewed as being the first Bishop of Alexandria [Egypt]. Mark is the patron saint of Venice, and his remains are believed to be interred at the Basilica located on Saint Mark's Square.

The symbol most commonly associated with Saint Mark is the winged lion.

Our Diocesan Family

Saint Mark's is the only Diocesan high school in New Castle County. Saint Mark's serves students and families from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington, which includes parts of Maryland, along with southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey as well.

To learn more about our Catholic Diocese, please visit the Diocesan website by clicking here.