It is now known for its Centers of Excellence programs in engineering, BiosScience, The Major, pre-conservatory music, and vocal performance, as well as hockey, soccer, figure skating, and golf.

[4] SSM categorizes education areas in "Centers of Excellence", which cover bioscience, engineering, the major, figure skating, golf, ice hockey, soccer, pre-conservatory music, and vocal performance.

In the 2012–13 season, SSM's Boys U17/U18 team placed first in its division,[8] and later became national runners-up, losing to the New York Red Bulls in overtime.

[10] In 1871 a St. Mary's biology instructor initially discovered a federal- and state-listed endangered species, the dwarf trout lily, on the school's campus.

Opportunities include commitment to a Center of Excellence, extracurricular sports, the arts, the honors program, college counseling, and senior leadership and service projects.

[19] The program is housed within Fayfield Hall, which includes access to an engineering lab equipped with a 3-D printer, laser cutter, and a mechanical assembly and testing area, as well as an architectural design studio.

[21] The Pre-Conservatory Program offers serious and talented musicians ample practice time on campus, weekly lessons with Master Teachers at universities in the Twin Cities, courses in music theory, and numerous performance opportunities as a soloist and ensemble member.

Since the late 1990s, the program has had a considerable amount of domestic and international success, including a total of 36 USA Hockey National Championships.

"[26] Players go on to compete at the highest levels of collegiate and Junior League Hockey, and in numerous cases, the NHL and the Winter Olympics.

Training through the winter combined with travel to tournaments and events in warmer climates provides experience and exposure to young golfers from the Midwest, where such opportunities are limited.