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Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a coeducational, college-preparatory education developing students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of the world.
Founded in 1987 under the leadership of the Diocese of Orange, the school`s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque Saddleback Valley Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita.Ranked as one of the top private schools in the nation by The Washington Post, the school is home to more than 1,700 students. Known for its breadth of academic programs including the International Baccalaureate diploma program; innovative technology; student-centered classrooms; top-ranked academic and athletic programs; emphasis on service and social justice; award-winning arts programs and active student body, Santa Margarita provides a holistic educational experience in a Christ-centered environment. For more information visit smhs.org.
Some of the common areas of expertise are Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia, but our staff is qualified to support a wide range of learning challenges.
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language & Comp., AP European History, AP French Language, AP Government/Politics US, AP Macroeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP United States History, AP World History
Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a coeducational,
college-preparatory education developing students who are people of
faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved
citizens of the world.
Founded in 1987 under the leadership of the Diocese of Orange,
the school`s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque
Saddleback Valley Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita.Ranked as one
of the top private schools in the nation by The Washington Post,
the school is home to more than 1,700 students. Known for its
breadth of academic programs including the International
Baccalaureate diploma program; innovative technology;
student-centered classrooms; top-ranked academic and athletic
programs; emphasis on service and social justice; award-winning
arts programs and active student body, Santa Margarita
provides a holistic educational experience in a Christ-centered
environment. For more information visit smhs.org.
How much does Santa Margarita Catholic High School cost?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $16,435 for private students.
What sports does Santa Margarita Catholic High School offer?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Santa Margarita Catholic High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Santa Margarita Catholic High School's ranking?
Grades: 9-12 | 562 students15.2 miles 20402 Newport Coast Drive Newport Coast, CA 92657 (949) 219-0100
15.2
9-12
562
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(10 reviews)
57/6/2020
I went here for one academic year about 15 years ago. I left because it was very academic challenging and I felt very constrained.I transferred to a public school where I felt I wasn`t stimulated enough. Looking back I regret leaving and likely if I have kids I would send them to sm. Maybe it`s changed since but when I was there it was a bit of a party school and I know they changed principals since then. I must say as a Jew, I felt very welcome at sm. The environment is very welcoming towards non-Catholics and non-Christians.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Ok
511/2/2018
SMCHS - wonderful school and I'm so glad we made the investment. My oldest graduated and is now at University of Notre Dame. My middle child is a sophomore and my third child will join the SM ranks in two years. This school is fabulous - there is something for everyone (sports, academics, etc.), the teachers are compassionate, kids are taught respect and kindness, the college counseling department rocks and there is great diversity. I would highly recommend this school and feel like I've given my kids a great well-rounded, faith-based high school education.
- Posted by Parent - S. Tracy
511/2/2018
SM gave our daughter Samantha so much more than we bargained for - not only rigorous academics, but fostering personal growth spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It is the close personal connections between faculty, staff, and students that set this school apart, and create a caring and supportive community based on Caritas Christi. We are forever grateful to have been part of the SM family!
- Posted by Parent - VMP
511/2/2018
The one thing I can say about Santa Margarita Catholic High School is that whenever I walk onto campus, it makes me smile! It is such a beautiful campus, so welcoming! My daughter has participated in golf, Talon Theater and cheer and LOVED every activity! Our son is in the Robotics program and can't stop talking about it! The curriculum is rigorous, but look at the universities that our alumni attend! And what can I say about the faculty and staff! Always ready to answer any questions or assist in any way.
- Posted by Parent - Cindy B
58/12/2018
I work at SM and everyone here is awesome. Everyone is friendly, caring and fun! People here truly believe in the SM education and the value we provide to our families, which is why SM is so successful in producing kind, caring and hard working students.
- Posted by Administrator - SM Employee
512/8/2017
SM is a wonderful school. We look at other high schools in the area, but SM was the right fit for us. Never thought I would say, "My daughter loves going to school". Yes, there are challenges, every school has them. However the teachers and community are so very supportive and the spirituality has really made a difference in my daughters life. I am truly grateful for the education and spiritual development my daughter is receiving at SM. Go Eagles!
- Posted by Parent - Steven
511/24/2017
My daughter thrives here. The community and teachers are amazing. If you are looking for a Catholic education, this is the place to be!
- Posted by Parent - Parent of SMCHS
511/24/2017
Santa Margarita Catholic High School has changed my life. I made friends before my first day as a freshmen during the orientation. I was worried that I wouldn't make friends quickly, but I shouldn't have been worried. The teachers care about my successes, and if I need extra help, they don't hesitate to stay after school or come in early. The student body is one big community. The school spirit during the pep rallies, spirit weeks, and sports games make me feel as if I am part of a big family. The faith is so strong, it can move mountains. Caritas Christi!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Sophomore Student
511/24/2017
I am a parent at SM and am so grateful we decided to send our kids to school there. Currently we have 2 children there and my youngest is in 6th grade and already excited to be an Eagle! The entire staff works hard to help the students achieve their best -and prepares them to continue achieving after high school. When I walk on campus, I am overwhelmed with joy knowing our children are learning about much more than what`s taught from books. So thankful they get to embrace religion in such an unsettling world too. Truly blessed to be an Eagle Family!
- Posted by Parent - Sue Horvath
55/17/2016
I am currently a sophomore at Santa Margarita, from the experiences I have thus had so far, it's alright. The schools academics are rigorous, most of that depends on what classes you are taking though. The teachers and faculty are always supportive, encouraging students to doing their best and providing them with good educational support. In comparison, the schools Athletics are just as competitive as it's academics as Santa Margarita has won numerous CIF division titles. The one problem I am having with the school is the great amount of competitiveness, which can help to drive someone, but also can be annoying.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - techg
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